10 Ways to Make Your Outfit Look More Expensive
Everyone wants to look their absolute best and clothes play a big part in this. They say the clothes make the person, so having a great wardrobe is an important way to make a good impression while looking and feeling wonderful.
Although it’s not always the case, expensive clothes are usually made better and utilize quality fabrics. The stitching is high-quality and they fit better on the body, hang correctly, and are cut in just the right way.
So it makes sense that most people think you need an expensive wardrobe to achieve that polished, elegant look. What do you do when you’re shopping on a budget or can’t afford to have a closet full of designer clothes?
There is a secret to looking expensive and put together without spending a lot of money. It’s all about the details, your accessories, and the fit of the pieces you already own.
Investing in a few key items in a timeless style that can be worn for decades is another trick to always having your outfit come together. Not every single item has to be from a brand name label or cost hundreds of dollars.
With trends changing all the time, it’s nearly impossible to outfit a new wardrobe every season even if you are shopping at discount retailers. Trying to do that with high-end labels is not feasible for the average person.
So what can you do if you’re a smart woman who wants to have a stylish edge while still saving a healthy sum of her paycheck? In this article, we’ll look at ways to tweak your existing wardrobe to look like you paid a lot for it without breaking the bank.
The 10 ways to make your outfit look more expense are:
- Learn how to launder clothes properly
- Invest in a steamer for synthetic fabrics
- Use the 70/30 rule to organize your wardrobe
- Find a go-to tailor and fix details
- Out of ideas? Opt for all black (or all white)
- Get a statement coat or a blazer
- Get good-fitting underwear and shapewear
- Pair it with amazing accessories and good shoes
- Know million-dollar dressing hacks
- Get the basics, right colors, and right fabrics
Once you learn to master these steps, you will find your style game improving rapidly and heads will start turning as you walk by. Many of these are quite subtle changes you can begin to make over time to create a gradual change.
However, as they add up, you will start to feel more polished and put together. Even if you don’t add a bunch of new outfits and continue to wear old favorites, people will notice that there’s something different about you.
Clothes that you’ve had hanging in your closet unworn for months or years will now fit better than ever like they were made just for you. Everything will drape perfectly and you’ll have a smooth silhouette underneath everything. If those old clothes no longer fit, you can make money from cleaning out your closet.
Taking care of everything you own means it will last longer and look brand new well into the future. Although it may look like you’re always wearing new clothes, you’ll know the secret to look amazing every day.
All of us want to look like we’re worth a million dollars but is that possible without spending millions? The secret to making your outfits look expensive lies in the details, and what fashion items you prioritize over others.
It’s true that each season brings a number of new trends and looks, but the average woman can’t afford most of them. So what’s she to do? Let’s go over a few ways to make your outfit look more expensive without spending your entire paycheck.
1. Learn How to Launder Clothes Properly
To begin with, you should be washing clothes a lot less than you actually do. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear most clothes a couple of times before having to wash them. Of course, this doesn’t apply to undergarments, smelly and (very) stained clothes.
Not to mention, this should apply to ‘presentable’ clothes i.e. work and leisure clothes. If there’s a stain, try hand washing it gently or spot-treating it before attempting to throw it in the washer. However, make sure you don’t miss out on washing clothes if they get a stain, since leaving it can increase the longevity of a stain.
That being said, washing your clothes after wearing them once can wear down the fabric, which impacts their ability to stretch. It also fades the colors, making them appear worn out and old. Ever wondered why millionaires and celebrities clothes look so polished? Whether they wash them as often or not, they definitely put plenty of care into the fabric to help them last longer.
2. Invest in a Steamer for Synthetic Fabrics
Wrinkles can make even the most expensive garment look frumpy and cheap. To smoothen out creases and wrinkles, ironing is the best approach, but this doesn’t work for certain polyester-based and synthetic fabrics, because they are likely to get burned. Getting a steamer means removing wrinkles with a reduced risk or burning the garment and yourself.
Try out other hacks to keep your garments looking wrinkle-free. Hang them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower – the steam will smoothen out wrinkles so you don’t have to iron it as much. Iron clothes when they’re damp to smoothen out creases and hang your laundry straightened out to get minimal creases.
3. Use the 70/30 Rule to Organize Your Wardrobe
One of the biggest dilemmas for anyone struggling with fashion is whether they should stock up on basics or trendy items? Most people think there has to be a balance between both, but this isn’t the case. In fact, you should always have more basics than trendy items.
Basics can be layered, which makes an outfit appear more expensive. More importantly, you can pair basics with trendy items for a toned down look. For a good ratio, organize your wardrobe this way – 70 percent should be basics, while 30 percent should be trendy.
Trends will come and go, so having more basic items allows you to get the best wear out of your clothes. Want to know which basics to get? We’ll get to that later.
4. Find a Go-To Tailor and Fix Details
Just like wrinkles, ill-fitting clothes can have a similar effect on your look. Sure, they look great on models but branded baggy and ill-fitting clothes are designed to look a certain way. This makes such designs difficult to replicate without paying the hefty price.
That being said; stick to items that are supposed to fit well. Always buy your size, and if it doesn’t fit like tailor-made, take it to a tailor. Sure, taking clothes to a tailor may be expensive, but not if you’re a thrifty shopper. If you regularly make trips to thrift shops, you’ll get amazing clothes at a fraction of the costs.
The money you save on clothes, you can spend on getting them tailored. Remember, one size doesn’t fit all, so don’t fall for it. Instead, get clothes that fit you perfectly.
Aside from getting your clothes tailor-fitted, you also need to make sure that your clothes are always in perfect shape. If they have holes, loose threads, or missing buttons, get them fixed immediately. If it can’t be fixed, donate or throw it away.
Remember, luxury brands may have their own versions of ‘worn out’ fashion but don’t try replicating it with fast fashion because it won’t look the same. Instead, take it to a tailor to see if it can be fixed, or if it’s a stain, take it to the dry cleaners’.
If it can’t be mended or cleaned, or if it’ll cost more than the garment itself (in the case of severe damage), get rid of it.
5. Out of Ideas? Opt for All Black (or all white)
When heading out for an impromptu brunch with friends, or to enjoy some me-time, you still want to look your best. But who has the time to come up with chic outfits at short notice? As always, we suggest that you keep a style diary that includes all your best outfits.
But if you don’t have one, or are all out of inspiration, it’s time to stick to what you know. This could be a tried and tested outfit, with new accessories, or an all-black (or all-white) outfit.
Monochromatic themes would be the defining standard for expensive looking outfits, since they look good on everyone, and stand out in a sea of trends. Whether you have a preference for white or black, make sure you choose clothing items that aren’t faded or dull. Even though black hides stains, you want to make sure that the color is still rich and doesn’t look faded.
Similarly, whites should be pure white. After all, this is what sets expensive outfits from cheaper ones. A black-colored blouse with tailored pants can make a striking impression. Similarly, a well-pressed white cotton shirt with matching pants can look refined and stylish.
6. Get a Statement Coat or a Blazer
Every woman needs a statement coat in her closet. It doesn’t have to be something dark (although it’s preferable if you want to hide stains) or long (also a good idea, to keep you warm). The best statement coat is whatever suits your lifestyle, personality, and makes you feel confident because it’ll go great with everything.
Before committing to a single design, try on a variety of different coats to see what suits your body shape and the kind of clothes you mostly wear. Blazers, on the other hand, are something that everyone can feel confident wearing, as long as you take good care of them. Layering a blazer over almost any outfit can instantly make it look chic (expensive).
You can layer a lightweight blazer with just about anything. This includes T-shirts, blouses, jumpsuits, and even some styles of dresses.
7. Get Good-Fitting Underwear and Shapewear
Just as there are specific fashion dos when it comes to putting together an expensive looking outfit, there are certain fashion don’ts. One of them is to never wear ill-fitting underwear (at least not when you leave the house).
Poorly fitting underwear is visible in the shape of lines and bulges that stick out from under your clothes. It makes clothes look frumpy, cheap, and as if you’ve borrowed them. To avoid this, make sure you get the right size of underwear and comfortable bras that don’t dig into your skin but don’t leave too much room in the cups either.
To make it easier, opt for seamless underwear that will show fewer lines by providing a good fit. If it’s a hard task to avoid lines and bulges because of wearing the wrong underwear, invest in some high-quality shapewear. This will tuck in any unsightly muffin tops and rolls to achieve a smooth silhouette.
It helps clothes fit and look better. How do you think celebrities manage to look so put together all the time? Remember, it’s not always in the clothes you wear, but your underwear as well.
8. Pair it with Amazing Accessories and Good Shoes
Now, let’s talk about adding showstopping accessories and shoes to your outfit. When it comes to accessories, there are always two kinds. There are the trendy ones that you’ll see everyone wear for a while. Then, there are timeless classics that you can’t compromise on.
Trendy accessories include large statement earrings, chokers, and Coachella-themed bracelets that you can find at any fast fashion store, such as ZARA or H&M.
Conversely, timeless classics are pricier but you’ll only have to buy them once. This includes a Ted Baker watch, Michael Kors bag, and Hermes bracelet. Sure, these are expensive items, but you need just one of these to pair with almost every outfit and get an instant upgrade.
Next up, shoes. Have you ever noticed how celebrities can make any casual outfit look like it’s worth a million dollars by throwing on a good pair of shoes? That’s the look we’re going for. And we mean heels.
Getting a sturdy pair of nude heels means quickly accentuating every outfit so you look put together (the secret to Kim K’s effortless style). Next, whether you prefer Christian Louboutin or Valentino, get yourself a pair of black heels.
On some days, you might not have the strength to put on and walk around in heels, which is when flats will come in handy. You can check out our post on the best flats you can add to your wardrobe. These make you look refined and elegant.
9. Know Million-Dollar Dressing Hacks
Sometimes, it’s not enough to just have the right clothes – you also have to know a few hacks on what to get and how to wear it.
Choose Longer Hemlines
For one, you should select dresses with longer hemlines. Sure, we all love a good mini dress from time to time, but nothing says ‘expensive’ like a midi dress or skirt that looks like it’s from Kate Middleton’s closet. There’s no explanation for this tip – just try it and feel the difference. Of course, make sure that you pair them with heels or flats instead of sandals that shoe off your feet.
Master the ‘Tuck’
If a properly tucked in shirt could make any statement, it would be “I mean business”. That’s the power of the million-dollar tuck. Whether it’s a sweater, cotton shirt, blouse, or even a T-shirt, tucking it in can make you look from frumpy to fashionable.
High-Waisted Look
If you want to make your fashions seem pricier than they are, get high-waisted bottoms. This includes pants, trousers, skirts, and even jeans. A high-waisted skirt or pants highlight your waistline, accentuate your curves, and give a smooth silhouette.
Pastel Colors
Instead of choosing earthy colors that can dull out easily, pick pastel colors that add a soft touch to your outfit.
Opt for a Structured Bag
A handbag is an essential part of any woman’s outfit, whether you prefer a backpack, purse, or handbag. Instead of arguing over which style you should carry, we suggest that it should always be structured i.e. have a defined shape.
10. Get the Basics, Right Colors, and Right Fabrics (Cotton, Linen, and Layers)
Basics include one-toned shirts, elegant midi skirts in solid colors, tank tops, and well-fitting T-shirts. Of course, you also need a pair of jeans that suit your body shape, plus skinny jeans (which suit everyone). In addition to jeans, you’ll need other kinds of trousers to pair with trendy and basic items.
This includes leisurely boyfriend jeans, wide leg pants, tailored trousers, tapered pants, and palazzo pants. Having at least a pair of each type in basic colors, such as nudes, or neutrals like black, grey, navy, or white, can help you build expensive-looking outfits.
Whether you want to pair basic trousers with a simple top, or something trendier, wear what looks best on you so you feel confident.
These are some of our best tips on how you can make your outfits look more expensive and chic. Try them out and tell us what you think in the comments!
