This post shows you tips for how to look expensive on a budget!
Do you want to be stylish and magnetic when you walk into a room? Many people think you have to shell out thousands of dollars for a high-quality look.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth!
With a little frugal shopping, intention, and patience, you can find quality pieces that will make a statement and last you for years.
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Frugal does not mean cheap. It’s quite the opposite. It means being resourceful and finding the best quality items for the least expensive price! To me, that’s true luxury.
I refuse to pay full price for anything. It actually makes me sick to pay for any item that was not on sale.
My style is inspired by finding deals on quality pieces that I would never be able to afford or would ever pay full price for.
Curating a new wardrobe takes time so don’t feel like you have to find everything at once but you should shop for less, more often.
A good tip is for every “new” outfit you bring in, you also rotate one out.
This simple change will make you very intentional about the decisions you make and will subconsciously spill into other areas of your life.
Why Learning How to Look Expensive On a Budget Works
There’s just something about looking classy and put together in a fashion-forward way that no one can adopt and in a style that’s easy on your wallet!
Besides freedom of expression, there are a few other reasons why you should learn how to look expensive on a budget:
- Looks Matter. Did you know that it’s been scientifically proven that people who put effort into their appearance are more successful than those who don’t? Fashion is a language. What is your style and appearance saying to the world?
- Save Money. Frugal fashion is a budget-friendly trend that never really goes out of style and is easy on the wallet. There is absolutely nothing better than receiving compliments on an outfit I bought at Goodwill!
- Boost Mood. The idea of looking “expensive” means focusing on quality over quantity. Choosing to spend wisely means you’ll be more satisfied with your clothes. It also means cutting down on hoarding and clutter for a clean and minimalist closet space.
How to Look Expensive On a Budget – 14 Simple Tips
1. Shop Secondhand for Quality and Timeless Pieces
The secret to looking wearing luxury on a budget is thrifting. Learn to shop classic and quality staples and you will always look timeless!
Each piece of clothing on a hanger is like a frozen chapter of time and when someone wears the clothing, it’s brought back to life.
Wardrobe staples to look out for:
- Little Black Dress
- Wool Coat
- Fitted Blazer
- Leather Jacket
- Cashmere Sweater
I know everyone says to visit thrift stores in affluent areas but I disagree. The best place to go is retirement communities!
Many elderly couples downsize as they get older. They’re also known for investing in quality and taking better care of their possessions.
Insist on browsing online? Poshmark, Ebay, and ThredUp are popular marketplaces to find secondhand pieces as well.
2. Prioritize Versatility with Layering
If you want to achieve an effortless and chic look while being comfortable, the solution is layering!
To start, find several neutral basics that are lightweight and can be easily added or removed to create a new look.
Turtlenecks, tights, undershirts, shawls, sweaters, dresses, and blazers, and coats are all easy to mix and match.
Layering with scarves is a chic way to make outfits look more put together.
They’re cozy, cute, and it’s easier to invest in a high-quality scarf than a new outfit!
3. Take the Extra Time for Self-Care
Take care of yourself, smell good, and stay moisturized and you will look better than 99.9% of people!
Be choosy about perfume! The higher-end and expensive perfumes are worth it and a little goes a long way.
Investing in physical details like routine trims, shaping your eyebrows, and keeping your nails manicured makes you look more expensive and well-kept.
Take it up a notch and adopt a simple skincare routine at night. Make sure you’re always moisturized with lotion or body oils after showering.
4. Avoid Brand Obsession
Only buying something brand name because you think that makes it more high-end is a complete waste of money.
Don’t fall for the traps of consumerism. Genuine and subtle confidence will garner you much more attention.
Avoid clothing with writing that makes you a walking billboard unless it’s for a cause or something you’re passionate about.
It’s okay to wear and like your favorite brands. Just don’t be obsessive to the point of tackiness, balance is key!
5. Wear Neutral Colors to Mix and Match
Neutral colors allow you to get away with mixing and matching pieces more often than not.
It is also the easiest way to mix and match pieces to create new outfits.
Have a healthy mix of neutral colors in your wardrobe like black, brown, navy, gray, and white colors as a base.
Don’t shy away from using other colors as neutrals like pink or mauve as well!
If you want to know how to look expensive on a budget, using these colors as solids just happen to be more practical.
6. Get Your Clothes Tailored
If you’ve never had your clothes tailored by a tailor or seamstress, now is the time.
Many clothes sizes sold in stores are made so they can fit more people in a 2-3” range, and that can make wearing some things feel off.
It cost me about $35 per piece of clothing. If professional tailoring isn’t in the budget, it’s the perfect time to learn how to sew!
Getting your clothes tailored to fit is really in the small details and makes all the difference!
7. Shop for Quality Clothing Materials That Will Last
Everywhere I turn, ads are from Shien, Temu, or Amazon. Fast fashion is popular these days.
But did you know these materials are full of chemicals damaging to your health? Not to mention, they aren’t sustainable.
Invest in comfortable eco-friendly fabrics that will last. Start looking at tags and look out for natural breathable materials like cotton, linen, or viscose.
I encourage you to visit thrift stores to become familiar with quality but you can also find new quality items at traditional stores too!
8. Improve Your Confidence
Exercise, therapy, and meditation can have positive impact on your confidence, but also your posture.
Avoid hunching. I know it’s hard since many of us are on a phone or laptop.
Build your confidence by healing from your past, taking up space, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Inspire others by becoming the best version of you and watch your confidence soar. People will notice the change and act accordingly.
9. Always Have a Clean Pair of Shoes
No matter how cool, clean, and chic an outfit is, if your shoes are dirty and dingy, people will judge you!
Shoes are one area I recommend you invest significant money in if you want quality.
For casual outfits, my favorite go-to is a pair of crisp white tennis shoes that tend to match anything.
Whatever your normal go-to favorite pair is, wear them everywhere, but wear them with care!
10. Take Care of Your Clothes With Preventative Maintenance
Learning how to take care of your clothes to be more sustainable and long-lasting is key!
Natural fabrics tend to be more wrinkled so you will need an iron or steamer, if you’re like me!
Make sure your clothes aren’t covered in lint or pet hair. Throw out clothes with holes or make sure you’re able to repair them.
Tip: Use cold water to keep your clothes fresh and long-lasting.
None of your clothes need hot water unless you’ve been rolling around in straight mud.
11. Give Old Clothes a Refresh With a Fabric Shaver
If buying new clothes is not in the budget, go shopping in your closet and pick your older but favorite pieces for a refresh.
If they are old and covered in lint, invest in a fabric shaver!
This small investment is an easy way to give old clothes a makeover and convince people they’re brand new.
12. Wear Subtle Make-Up
A fresh face never goes out of style.
I truly believe everyone has unique features that make them beautiful in their own way! Use make-up to enhance your features, not cover them up.
For example, I have longer eyelashes that frame my face well and I love to enhance those features with mascara.
No matter how horrible I feel, that small action helps to boost my mood when I go out.
13. Invest in Nice Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Personally, I don’t feel like any outfit I wear is complete without my rose-gold watch.
Watches are such a classic and simple accessory that you rarely see women wear these days.
It’s the perfect conversation starter with other people.
It’s also a constant reminder that your time is valuable and ticking away no matter what so be mindful about who and what you’re spending it on!
14. Go Monochrome
An easy way to stay on budget and being intentional with shopping is to pick a single color for a monochrome look.
Wearing a solid color from head to toe not only looks expensive, but also more modern with an edge. It streamlines the look from head to toe.
Instead of having some pants that only work with some colored tops, you can pick out one color and switch up the textures instead.
This look is chic, easy, and can even make you slimmer! Monochrome is sleek all the time.
This Post Has Shown You How to Look Expensive On a Budget!
With a few intentional shopping tips, a healthy lifestyle, and sophistication, you can elevate your everyday look and learn how to look expensive on a budget no matter what!
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