10 Simple Wardrobe Additions That Will Make Your Outfits Look Expensive

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

After nearly a decade of working in fashion, I know this much is true: You don't have to spend a lot on your outfit for it to look expensive. Whether it's a specific color to lean into, a styling trick to try, or a chic basic to incorporate—there are a handful of ways that will unquestionably make your outfit feel more elevated and luxe. Many of these styling ideas have been set by luxury brands such as The Row, Khaite, and Toteme, who show that timeless, classic pieces and silhouettes always add an air of sophistication to your look. 

If you're looking to emulate this elevated aesthetic, keep scrolling below as I share 10 simple items that will make your outfits look elevated and expensive without you having to spend a fortune.

1. Crisp, Relaxed White Button-Down 

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Nothing makes an outfit look expensive like a crisp, freshly pressed white shirt. Go for a relaxed fit, and style with other elevated basics to complete your look. 

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2. Long Wool Coat 

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

The Olsen sisters are on to something with their floor-length coats. Seriously luxe and super on-trend, long tailored wool coats always look sophisticated and will appear to add a couple of zeros to the cost of your outfit.

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3. Loose Tailored Trousers

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

One simple way to take your basic tees and sweaters to next-level chic is with the simple addition of relaxed tailored trousers—an item practically every fashion person is wearing right now with heels and sneakers alike.

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4. Striped Sweater

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Timeless and perennially chic, a classic striped sweater always adds an upscale touch to an outfit. Opt for a relaxed fit in a turtleneck, half-zip, collared, or crew-neck silhouette.

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5. Something Silky

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Silky, soft fabrics ooze elegance and make every outfit look pricey. Whether you invest in real silk or go for a satin finish, a shirt, a dress, pants, or a skirt paired with a soft sweater and other basics is an easy way to elevate your ensemble.

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6. Classic Belt

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

One incredibly low-lift way to take your outfit from average to posh is with the simple addition of a sleek leather belt. Tie it at the waist with your jeans, tailored trousers, and skirts.

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7. Black Slingbacks

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(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

Investing in a chic pair of shoes such as loafers and black leather boots or this season's trend-forward slingbacks (a style we saw all over the runways) is a surefire way to make your outfit feel upscale. Opt for a versatile black pair for a luxe look.

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8. Understated Handbag

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Whether pricey or affordable, opt for low-key luxury styles and silhouettes with clean lines, minimal prints, and muted colors that exude elegance and ease.

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9. Oversize Blazer

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

A black, beige, or gray blazer in a relaxed silhouette is a simple and smart piece that you can easily throw over T-shirts and dresses to give your outfit an expensive-looking touch.

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10. White Turtleneck

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen/Getty Images)

There is something so simple yet distinguishably sophisticated about a white turtleneck. The key is to wear it as a base and layer it with other elevated basics—for example, underneath a relaxed V-neck sweater, blazer, or trench—to give your look a striking and expensive-looking touch.

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Next, 10 Sweater Styles French Women Wear With Jeans

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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