How to Look Expensive on a Budget

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Hoping to improve your appearance and the way you dress without spending a lot of money? With these tips, you can look expensive on a budget!

We all want to look our best without spending a fortune, right? No one wants to dish out a ton of money on a new wardrobe but feeling confident in your clothes can make such a difference in your overall mood, productivity, and attitude.

The good news is, looking expensive isn’t about the price tag but about making smart choices and paying attention to details. Here are some simple, practical tips that can help you achieve a chic and polished appearance without breaking the bank.

Shop on ThredUp.com or Go to Consignment Stores

ThredUp.com has been my go to for new clothes shopping and high-quality pieces. I’ve gotten Madewell, Vineyard Vines, J Crew, and even a Lululemon piece for between $10-20. Wait for the sales and look for the pieces majorly marked down. This is my biggest tip if you want to look expensive on a budget. ThredUp.com is a gold mine filled with designer brands for those on a tight budget. I’ve even seen some nice designer handbag options and other well-made pieces.

Thrift stores and other online consignment shops similar to ThredUp.com are also great for finding your favorite name brand pieces at a fraction of the retail price. Once a found a trench coat in perfect condition! You can score designer items, classic staples, and unique finds without the hefty cost.

Always Add Jewelry to an Outfit

Jewelry is an easy way to make any outfit look like a wealthy look. Even a simple necklace or a pair of earrings can add the extra oomph you need. Invest in pieces that match any type of outfit and try to coordinate them to work well together.

If you don’t already have a few earrings, necklaces, and bracelets you can quickly grab then I highly success purchasing some. This simple trick will instantly make every outfit you style look like a luxurious look.

Imagine you were wearing a crisp white shirt. Alone, it is cute but a pretty boring outfit. Even if it’s a super cheap top, by adding a layered necklace, earrings, and a bracelet it now looks like an expensive look!

Jewelry plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression. Try a statement necklace, simple pearl earrings, or a bold pair of hoops.

Do At Home Gel Manicures

Having your nails done can make a big difference in your overall look! At home gel manicures are affordable and long lasting. No need to dish out buckets of cash every two or three weeks at the nail salon. Rich people aren’t the only ones that get to have luxurious nails!!

I’ve finally figured out a great at home system for doing gel nails. I love having simple gel manicured nails for looking more expensive than I really am. Plus, these stand the test of time.

Add a Belt to Your Outfit

A belt can instantly elevate an outfit by defining your waist. Whether you’re cinching in a little black dress or adding it to jeans, a belt can make your outfit look more intentional. As a result, you’ll look way more expensive with unique style.

It’s one of the key elements to a polished look! Next time you find yourself with a boring outfit, try adding a belt.

Wear Stripes

Stripes are a classic pattern that never go out of style and look great on almost any body shape. They add an air of sophistication and can make an outfit look like it belongs to a rich person. Horizontal stripes can create a chic, Parisian vibe, while vertical stripes can elongate your figure.

I highly recommend picking up a striped tunic or button down top to look expensive (even if it’s a cheap one!). This one has the best features and is such a deal from Amazon. It’s one of the most timeless fashion choices!

Wear Monochromatic Outfits

Wearing a single color from head to toe actually looks super expensive. It’s an easy way to look polished and put together. Plus, it’s great for elongating your silhouette and creating a more streamlined appearance with classic items.

Popular monochromatic outfits are often neutrals colors. Think brown jeans, a brown sweater, and brown mules paired together for the perfect outfit this Fall.

A well-tailored blazer and dress pants are the perfect monochromatic look for the office! They are great investment pieces.

Dress Modestly

Dressing modestly doesn’t mean you have to cover up completely, but choosing pieces that are well fitted and not overly revealing can often look a lot more expensive.

Whatever your personal style, you can add your own flair but keep it classy. Personally, I also think it’s just good manners. After all, you don’t want to look cheap!

Try to Avoid Panty Lines or Bra Wire Outlines Showing

Visible panty lines and bra wire outlines can really turn a stylish outfit into something that looks cheap. You want to avoid seeing those undergarment lines at all cost!

Invest in seamless underwear and a seamless bra or even look into shape wear if needed. I would try on an outfit and if you can see the panty lines, switch to a thong or something less obvious. These small details are so important!

Steam or Iron Your Clothes

Wrinkled clothes can make even the nicest outfits look sloppy. Taking the time to steam or iron your clothes can make a world of difference! The good news is you can find affordable handheld steamers that do just as good a job as the big ones nowadays.

You might not even notice how much better it looks until AFTER you steam the item. You’ll be shocked at the difference!

Wear Pointed Shoes

I know this sounds particular, but when shopping for shoes try to find some with points. Pointed shoes, whether flats or heels, have a way of elongating your legs and making your outfit look more expensive.

Don’t these look like expensive shoes? They really aren’t!

Trust me, if you could pick rounded mules or pointed mules, which would look the most designer? Anything pointed is automatically going to look more elevated.

Avoid Logos or Brand Emblems on the Backs of Jeans or Pants

Logos and brand emblems can sometimes cheapen the look of an outfit. Jeans are normally the worse with this! Try to find jeans that have plain back pockets.

If the jeans do have a logo or design on the back pocket, try to find some with very small or discrete options for a timeless design.

Tuck in Your Tops or Do a Front Tuck

Tucking in your top or doing a front tuck can instantly make an outfit look more put together. It’s a small detail, but it helps define your waist and gives your look a more polished finish.

This simple trick alone has turned some very boring outfits into looks that appear super expensive! Button-down shirts always look great tucked in.

Shop at TJ Maxx or Marshalls

Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls offer designer labels at discounted prices. You can find everything from clothes to home decor, making it easy to get that luxe look without spending a lot. You might not see these retailers as much on social media since shopping online is a bit harder but in store it’s the perfect place to find deals!

I’ve found major designer brand name options at my local Marshalls that cost only a fraction of what they normally would. This is a great hack if you want to look expensive on a budget!

Wash Your Shoes Frequently

Clean shoes can make a big difference in your overall appearance. White sneakers, we’re looking at you. Did you know you can throw most tennis shoes or sneakers into your washing machine? I like to add a couple towels so the shoes don’t bounce around quite as much. They normally come out looking SO much better.

Especially for my white adidas sneakers, this has been a game-changer. You can also grab my favorite shoe cleaner and scrub away if you want an extra clean look. It works wonders!

For other shoes like boots or ballet flats, take a damp paper towel with just a touch of soap and gently scrub away dirt every so often. Trying to keep scuff marks and dirt off of your shoes will really help you look more expensive.

Wear a Watch

Hardly anyone wears a watch anymore because we all have the time in our pockets. But they elevate an outfit so easily! And no, we’re not talking about a sporty Apple watch here. Try to wear a stylish traditional watch to elevate your look. They’re such classic pieces!

A watch is a classic accessory that will NEVER go out of style. Even if you don’t really need it practically anymore, it’s still something to wear for the look and to style with any clothing items.

Use a Fabric Shaver on Sweaters

I bought a fabric shaver last Fall and let me just tell you I wish I had bought it YEARS ago. I don’t really know why I waited so long. After all, most of them are under $15!

A fabric shaver is a tool for removing pilling and fuzz from sweaters and other garments. It keeps your clothes looking new and fresh. I love that it helps extend the life of your favorite pieces! Even high-quality fabrics need shaving sometime.

Follow the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a simple styling trick to make your outfits look more balanced. Instead of cutting your body in half with your clothes, aim to create a visual division of one third and two thirds.

This can be achieved by tucking in your top, wearing high waisted pants, or layering with a longer jacket. Don’t forget to finish it off with the right accessories!

Conclusion

Looking like a wealthy woman on a budget is all about smart styling and attention to detail. By choosing timeless pieces, keeping your clothes and shoes clean and well maintained, and adding a few simple accessories, you can achieve a polished and sophisticated look without breaking the bank.

Don’t forget about good posture and the most important thing, a smile. They go a long way! Remember, it’s not about how much you spend but how you put it all together!