How to look expensive & put together on a budget
The reason I love minimalistic outfits is that they are simple and classic. They look expensive and make you look put together. Some people may see bloggers and think that they are wearing all of this expensive clothing. However, it’s the fit of clothing and how they style it that gives the impression that it costs a lot of money when in fact, they most likely shop at the same places you do. Although it’s good to splurge on high-quality pieces that you’ll have forever, there’s no need to spend a lot on every piece of clothing in your closet.
I’m not currently at a point I can afford to wear a head-to-toe designer look and even if I was, I wouldn’t because I love mixing high and low. A lot of people think that “quality” is synonymous with “expensive” and that’s not the case. You can look put together and not have spent an arm & a leg and you can also look cheap in a full designer look. It’s all about the fit and the styling. I’m going to tell you how to look expensive and put together no matter budget.
Stick to neutral and rich-toned solids.
I’m personally a fan of neutrals because they’re so versatile and usually look more expensive than most other colors. Neutral toned pieces can be worn much longer and many times without people noticing that you’ve worn them 3 times in a row. However, there are some other tones that scream high-end. Shades like burgundy, navy, red, mustard yellow, and teal all tend to look more expensive. If your goal is to look expensive and put together, I recommend opting for tailored solids and avoiding too many prints.
Tip: You can also elevate any color by wearing a tonal monochromatic look. This easy look instantly becomes a statement outfit.
Fit is Everything.
This tip should be number 1 on the list because you will never look put together if your clothing doesn’t fit your body properly. It goes without saying that frumpy, slouchy clothing doesn’t give the elevated look we’re going for. If you’re wearing a $200 blazer, but it’s boxy and ill-fitting, then it will look like it costs $20. This is why if something doesn’t lay right, I recommend bringing it to a professional seamstress. If you really love a piece, why not spend an extra $10-$15 at the tailor to make it fit better? You look much more put together when your clothing fits just right.
Tip: Make sure your outfit is proportional; if you’re wearing a bodysuit, opt for a voluminous or straight fitting bottoms. If you’re wearing a flown or oversized blouse, keep the bottoms sleek and and structured.
Create your daily uniform.
I love that I went to schools that wore uniforms. I can’t imagine having to create new looks everyday of high school. I loved uniforms so much, that I created my adult uniform aka my go-to outfit formula that I feel comfy and cute in. I like to switch things up for events but on a daily basis, you can find me in a pair of great fitting jeans, a relaxed t-shirt or sweater depending on the weather, and stylish flats. I’ll add some jewelry like my go-to hoops and I’m good to go. This is the perfect outfit for working from home. Your daily uniform may look different based on what you feel good in but I recommend creating what that looks like in order to take the stress out of creating your everyday looks.
Tip: Add a few jewelry pieces to your daily uniform to elevate a simple look.
Leave the logos.
Try to steer clear of noticeable logos on your clothing. No one needs to know where your clothing is from and you are not a walking advertisement. One logo is fine but two is too much.
Invest in quality accessories.
A great bag, pair sunglasses, and pair of shoes can instantly make your entire outfit look more expensive. These are the things I recommend investing in, at least one of each. Start out with neutrals for your first pieces so that they can go with a lot of outfits.
Tip: Stay within budget by shopping during the sale season and on pre-loved luxury sites.
Add one statement piece.
Bring your outfit to the next level by adding one piece of statement jewelry or even a bright lip. My favorite accessory for making any outfit look more expensive is a matte red lip. It’s a statement look that never goes out of style.
Tip: Avoid adding too many statement pieces. This will make your outfit look too busy and like you’re trying too hard.
Take care of your pieces.
Learning how to properly clean your pieces, having them tailored and dry cleaned, or fixed by a professional when they show wear is imperative for keeping your items in good shape for a long time, especially as you start to invest in more high-quality pieces. Start by doing this with your more affordable items to create the habit now. Those who are faithful with little will be rewarded with much more.
Tip: Invest in specialty cleaning and laundry products for your high-end pieces.
