It might surprise you to hear that you don’t need to break the bank to look expensive. There’s no need to rush out and purchase a whole new wardrobe of outfits as many items you already own can be refreshed with different styling and accessories. If you want to dress and feel chic, here are some budget-friendly options to consider for elevating your look.
Buy used
Whether you’re buying a thrifted watch or a used Lexus, the secondhand market is a great place to find deals on expensive-looking items. While it’s tempting to buy an entirely brand new car or brand new outfit when you want to upgrade your style, you can easily go overboard with your spending. Instead, buying gently worn used items will not only help you reign in your budget but you might also score some great vintage pieces and hidden gems in the process.
Natural fabrics
You may be drawn to shiny fabrics like a magpie, but they can easily verge on cheap looking and are usually made of synthetic materials that are not meant to be long lasting. Instead, look for clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton, which is a high quality material that is still affordable. Even better, cotton is durable, breathable, and easy to maintain.
Structured bags
A structured bag with clean lines is the perfect accessory to add some elegance to your outfit. Choose neutral colors that can be easily paired with a variety of looks. When not in use, remember to stuff your bags with tissue paper or bubble wrap so that they maintain their shape while they’re in storage.
Classic coats
Some outerwear styles such as the classic camel coat, dark pea coat, and belted trench simply never go out of fashion. Similar to a structured handbag, these coats offer a tailored accent to any outfit and usually come in neutral colors for a timeless look. They are easy to throw on, and you’ll look put together even as you’re rushing out the door.
Tailor your clothing
Whether it’s a thrifted treasure or an off-the-rack purchase, your outfit may be perfect for you in every way – except for the fit. Clothes that are too large for you will make you look cheap, period. Luckily, taking your clothing to a tailor is a simple way to fix it so that you feel comfortable and chic while wearing it. Small alterations, such as hemming a pair of pants that are too long or taking in the waist of a dress that is too big, can elevate your whole look.
Press it!
A creased, wrinkled shirt is not going to do you any favors. Take a few minutes to iron or steam your clothing so that it looks fresh and crisp when you walk out the door. Attending to these small details will make you look instantly polished.
Monochromatic styling
If you’re feeling uninspired and having trouble piecing together an outfit from all the odds and ends in your wardrobe, try sticking to one color palette such as all black or all white. Not only will this simplify the process but you’ll also look très chic. If you’re going for a monochromatic look, it’s important that all the tones of each individual piece are the same, so try to match your colors as closely as possible to get that streamlined effect.
The right accessories
As eye-catching statement pieces, accessories can elevate an entire outfit, but it’s important to choose the right ones so that they aren’t eye-catching in a bad way. In general, items that look too shiny are the hallmark of inexpensive materials. When selecting jewelry, look for darker metals and avoid colorful plastic gemstones. Instead, choose clear crystals for a glamorous, chic look.
If you decide to go shopping to add some of these classic pieces to your wardrobe, remember that style isn’t achieved by how much you spend on an outfit. It’s about how you carry that outfit on your shoulders, so wear it with confidence, and you’ll both look and feel like a million bucks.
