While spending a lot on clothes can sometimes translate to great outfits, it’s not always the case. In fact, some of the best dressed people I know are truly masters of mixing high and low fashion and don’t need to rely on expensive designer pieces to put together polished looks. So what is the secret behind their expensive-looking outfits? Yes, they all have impeccable taste and a great eye for fashion, but more than that, they stick to some key tricks that elevate their style.
Ahead, I’m highlighting some of the easiest ways to make your outfits look more expensive without emptying your bank account. Read our five tips for how to dress rich, even if you’re on a budget, and shop our edit of under-$200 pieces that will transform your looks.
1. Adopt "bourgeoisie" fashion staples.
Bourgeoisie fashion is making a resurgence after it was spotted on the F/W 19 runways everywhere from Celine and Louis Vuitton to Dior and Max Mara. Rather than It items and trend-driven fashion, it's rooted in classic pieces like heritage prints, leather boots, and tailored blazers that will continue to look stylish beyond just one season.
2. Dress in a head-to-toe tonal look.
If you gravitate toward bold colors, tonal dressing is the polished way to pull them off. Sticking to an outfit that incorporates multiple shades of the same color results in a pulled-together look that portrays confidence—and looks expensive.
3. Wear expensive-looking fabrics.
Clothing finished in luxe fabrics like tweed, satin, or vegan leather instantly looks expensive, even if it's not actually putting a huge dent in your wallet.
4. Look for faux versions.
While skins like snakeskin, crocodile, and lizard are wildly expensive, there are faux versions that read just as luxe.
5. Skip silver and rose gold—instead, wear yellow-gold jewelry.
When it comes to jewelry, yellow gold always looks like it costs the most money, as opposed to rose gold or silver. How to wear it? Right now, wear chunky jewelry, which is poised to be one of the biggest accessory trends for the season ahead, and it instantly looks expensive.
Next, read about the on-the-rise fashion brands our editors can't stop talking about.