The Surprising Thing That's Making Your Outfit Look Cheap
Good news: Your outfit doesn't actually have to be expensive to look expensive. Conversely, an outfit doesn't have to be cheap to look cheap. Regardless of budget, cheap is something that no one wants their outfit to be. And because that's something that we all have in common, we took it upon ourselves to find out what the number one outfit-cheapening culprit to blame is for many an unsuccessful look. To do so, we turned to an expert: celebrity stylist Tara Swennen. Swennen is the genius behind Kristen Stewart's rule-breaking looks and also counts Anna Faris, Aja King, and Allison Janney among her clients.
We were surprised (and relieved) to hear from Swennen that the culprit is one that actually has little to do with the cost of an item. She told us, "Bad tailoring! To me, an ill-fitting outfit is the easiest way to cheapen one's look. Always invest in pieces that fit the curves of your body properly or invest in a good tailor."
Now that you know, read on for examples of well-tailored, expensive-looking outfits to inspire you.
In a pinch, achieve a better fit with a sleek belt.
Key Piece
A structured blazer makes even the most casual of outfits look expensive.
Key Piece
A dress that's fitted at the waist and flares out at the hips is universally flattering.
Key Piece
When in doubt, you truly can't go wrong with a black blazer, a midi skirt, and heels.
Key Piece
Similar to a blazer, a trench coat worn over even a simple outfit will instantly elevate it.
Key Piece
A well-tailored jumpsuit is as easy and polished as it gets.
Key Piece
A flowy maxi dress can easily look sloppy and cheap. Instead, opt for a slim, sophisticated style such as this.
Key Piece
Monochromatic outfits can look quite expensive when they fit as well as this.
Key Piece
Next up, how to fake an expensive wardrobe.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Who Needs a Stylist When This New AI Tool Just Dressed Me for Free?
My new virtual BFF.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Sorry to My Jeans-and–Fancy-Top Combo, But This Two-Part Outfit Looks Way Richer
Casual yet sophisticated.
By Judith Jones
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hollywood Stylist Rob Zangardi Told Me His Highly Covetable Gift Picks
I'll take one of each, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
This Timeless Color Combo Is Defining the Season's Chicest Outfits
Anti-trend but so forward.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding