Would you believe me if I said that you can look expensive without breaking the bank?
It’s hard to accept this when we see people wearing luxury brands like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. It creates the illusion that you need money in order to look expensive.
That’s not the only way! You can look expensive AF without a seven figure salary.
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In This Post ➜
How Can I Look Rich And Classy?
The key to looking sophisticated isn’t just about the brand you are wearing or how much you spent on that piece. It’s about attention to the small details that will elevate your overall look.
Whether it’s getting your clothing tailored for the perfect fit or layering to create depth, there are so many tips that you can follow.
Keep reading to find out my tips and tricks on how to look expensive effortlessly. This will be your cheat sheet on how to look expensive and make a girl look rich!
11 Tips To Look Expensive AF
- Start With A Simple Color Palette
Learning how to color coordinate your outfits can be tough and messy if not done right. That’s why I highly recommend starting off with neutral colors, such as white, beige, brown, grey, and black.
Monochrome outfits also look more luxurious and expensive. The simpler your color palette is, the more effective your outfit becomes.
If you don’t know what to wear, pick an all white or black outfit. Play around with different textures, clothing cuts, and shades of the same color to spice up your monochrome look.
- Match A Structured Bag To Your Outfit
A classy, structured bag can immediately elevate your outfit. The size of the bag doesn’t matter as much as the shape.
Make sure your bag has a defined shape (no slouchy, boho bags, please!). They’re timeless pieces that polish an outfit. You’ll find yourself wearing it for years to come.
Invest in neutral color bags, such as tan, beige, black, and white. These colors are seasonless and will surely match just about anything you wear. You can’t go wrong with it!
Another good tip is to try to match the color of your shoes to your bag. For instance, if you’re wearing a pair of brown ankle booties, pair it with a bag that has a similar shade of brown. This will really help pull together the ensemble.
- Aim For The Tailored Fit
Wearing slouchy, oversized, and ill-fitting clothes will immediately make you appear sloppy and less expensive. It’s great for streetwear, but not if you’re trying to fool others that you look expensive!
Go to a local tailor shop to get a few of your staple pieces tailored. Getting garments tailored to fit your body like a glove is the easiest way to make something look high fashion without the expensive price tag.
- Invest In Quality Staples
It might cost you more upfront, but it will definitely save you in the long run. Always choose quality over quantity. Avoid fast-fashion, if possible.
Build a capsule wardrobe of all your favorite versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create many outfits.
I have an in depth guide on all the best minimalist online shops for a capsule wardrobe.
✿ My Favorite Quality Staples ✿
White Button Down
A crisp, white button down is versatile, timeless, and seasonless. I don’t think it will ever go out of style. It works great in casual outfits and can make you look professional in an instant.
You can tuck in a white button down for a polished, professional look or leave a few buttons unbuttoned at the bottom and just tuck in one side for a casual look.
Moreover, you can leave it unbuttoned and tie a knot at the front with the two sides. Are you starting to see how incredibly versatile a white button down can be?
Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks have an elongating neckline, which gives the illusion that you are taller. Invest in a few turtlenecks with different knitted weights, depending on how cold your fall and winter seasons get. I also love how sleeveless turtlenecks can highlight your shoulders.
Little Black Dress (LBD)
You can never go wrong with a sleek and slimming little black dress. They can easily be dressed up or down and there are many styles for different occasions.
Look for styles that have unique textures, cuts, and necklines to spice up your typical LBD.
- Purchase A Classic Camel Coat
There’s something about a long, camel coat that instantly makes you look so expensive. Therefore, it really deserves its own section.
Among your coat collection, you need at least one structured camel coat. The camel color is a great neutral that has never failed me. It layers over any outfit so well, and will make you look luxurious.
Ideally, look for a long coat that hits your knee and is made of wool or other high quality material. You’re going to wear it for years to come, so the investment is well worth it.
If you think about it, sometimes your coat is the first piece someone sees you in, particularly in the fall and winter seasons. Make your impression count!
- Skip Distressed Details On Denim
You can still wear denim and look expensive, but stay away from any distressed detailing, such as intentional cuts, or holes.
Distressed detailing on denim works great for street style and casual outfits, but it won’t make you look luxurious. The same goes for any fancy embroidery or colored stitching.
Wear jeans that are simple and minimal. Play around with different fits and styles. For instance, I particularly love high waisted jeans with a straight leg cut for its modern style and ability to elongate my legs.
- Say Yes To Minimalistic Jewelry & Accessories
You don’t need a lot of jewelry to look expensive. In fact, it can look downright gaudy if you accessorize with too many chunky statement jewelry pieces.
Simple and minimal gold jewelry works really well. You want accessories to add a bit of shine and complement your outfit, not overwhelm it.
I love dainty chain necklaces and chokers that highlight my neckline. Don’t be afraid to layer 1 or 2 more accessories together, but don’t overdo it. It’s all about balance!
A silk or satin neck scarf makes a great accessory too. Tying a neck scarf can instantly make you look more sophisticated and put together.
- Layer To Create Depth
Layering your clothes and accessories creates depth and adds visual interest, which helps you look more luxe.
Layering a structured camel coat over your outfit is the easiest way to start. It immediately helps refine and elevate casual pieces like jeans and flowy dresses.
You can also layer a sweater over a white button down and pull the collar and sleeves out, so you have a bit of the fabric peeking out.
Also, try pulling out your sleeve whenever you wear a coat or blazer for a simple layered look. This small detail will add more interest to your outfit.
Jewelry can be layered too. Play around with layering a longer necklace with a choker necklace. Just make sure that they are different lengths, so they don’t compete or cover each other. It’s all about the balance!
- Wear Seamless Underwear
Visible panty lines can easily turn an expensive outfit into a mediocre one. They’re distracting details in an outfit and can make it look cheap. It’s not a good look, especially if you want to look luxurious.
Make sure to invest in seamless underwear that is skin color. This ensures that no matter what color you wear or how skin-tight your clothes are, your underwear lines will never show.
- Tuck It In Or Add A Belt
Accentuate your figure by tucking in your top to cinch in your waist. This works really well with baggy sweater hems, t-shirts, and blouses.
You can even put on a simple leather or faux leather belt to finish it off!
- Polished Hair & Beauty
While clothes can help you look expensive, don’t forget to groom and maintain yourself. Make sure you’re taking care of your hair, nails, skin, and teeth.
You don’t need an expensive beauty routine! Just make sure that you’re at least doing the basics to keep yourself fresh and polished.
This is how to look expensive with makeup and you also don’t need heavy makeup to do it. In fact, minimal makeup and knowing what works for you is way better at making you look sophisticated.
For instance, I love how expensive you can look with a bold red lip color and simple winged eyeliner.
This wouldn’t be a complete “how to look expensive” without hair. To start, your hair should be brushed through at the very least.
Go for a sleek hairstyle–it doesn’t have to involve anything too complicated. A sleek bun, ponytail, or straightened hair would do the trick. Just make sure to pin down or use hairspray on any flyaways and baby hairs.
Here’s a few more tips to make your hair look more expensive:
- Wash you hair every 2-3 days at most. Daily washes will strip you hair of its natural oils and make it look dull. Use a dry shampoo in between washes to freshen up the hair.
- Get a trim every 3 months. This will remove any split ends and help promote healthy hair growth.
- Give you hair a slight glossy look. You can achieve this with shine or gloss promoting shampoo and conditioner or applying a shine gloss treatment directly on the hair. A quick flatiron session will do the trick too. Shiny hair looks healthier and well groomed, which is key to looking expensive!
5 Tips To Avoid Looking Gaudy Or Cheap
- Overdoing The Details
If you’re overthinking the details, then it’s time to simplify! One of the key points of an expensive look is the effortless simplicity.
Only use minimal accessories to complement your outfit. Avoid using large statement pieces. They can overwhelm your entire look and make it look gaudy instead. For more information, read my tips on jewelry and accessories above.
- Ditch The Logos
While wearing expensive, luxury logos is an easy way to show off your wealth, it can appear gaudy. It isn’t the way to look expensive and sophisticated either.
The real way to look sophisticated and expensive is through understated elegance. You don’t need to be a walking advertisement for a luxury brand to look expensive.
However, it doesn’t mean you can’t buy your favorite designer clothing that has logos on it. It just means that you shouldn’t wear an outfit that screams logos everywhere!
Instead, choose one piece with a logo on it and pair it with understated pieces. You want to balance out the logos, so that they don’t overwhelm the outfit.
- Play Around With Modesty
Now, I’m not saying you need to cover yourself up from head to toe! However, showing off too much skin can easily make your outfit look less expensive.
You’ll want to balance clothing that shows a lot of skin with more modest pieces. For instance, I like to wear shorts or mini-skirts with a long-sleeve blouse. If I’m wearing a deep V neck bodysuit with an open back, I like to pair it with long, straight leg jeans.
You can also try layering a jean jacket over a slinky LBD. There are many options to play around with!
- Loud Prints, Colors, & Trends
Bold prints and colors are harder to style and easier to mess up if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Stick to the neutral color palette I mentioned above and solid colors as much as possible. Clothes in neutral colors are staples and timeless pieces that can never fail you.
Once you know you have your neutral colored staples in place, feel free to experiment with prints. I recommend simple and classic prints, such as thin stripes.
Also, stay away from flashy trends. They might look good at the moment, but trends tend to disappear and move on quickly. It’s best to stick to classic staples that will serve you for years to come.
- Maintain You Clothing & Accessories
If you want to look expensive, make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free and well maintained. The way you care for your clothes will impact how others see you.
Make sure you hang clothes that wrinkle easily to keep them looking wrinkle-free. Also, make sure you purchase a good handheld steamer.
I have this handheld steamer for only $30 and I’ve been using it for years! Handheld steamers are great because you don’t need to purchase an ironing board. You can steam clothes directly from the hanger and it’s gentle on the fabric too.
✿ My Favorite Handheld Clothing Steamer ✿
Handheld Clothing Steamer
This handy clothing steamer has a large 240 ml capacity, which allows for 15 minutes of continuous steaming. No iron board needed!
In addition, read your clothing labels for care instructions and follow them! If you want your clothes to last as long as possible, you need to take good care of them. Care instructions are usually available for each item on the website too.
Same goes for your accessories, shoes, and bags. You’ll want to make sure they are cleaned regularly. Wearing obviously stained or dirty pieces is an easy way to lose points in looking expensive.
FAQs On How To Look Expensive
How Can I Look Expensive Naturally?
It’s not hard to look more expensive effortlessly. In fact, it often comes easier when you’re not putting as much effort into it.
Looking expensive should feel effortless once you get the formula down. I highly recommend following the easy tips and tricks above. The 11 tips above is your cheat sheet on how to look expensive.
If I had to break it down, the most important tips to follow is to invest in quality basics, get a tailored fit, and take care of your hair and skin.
Once you start practicing these tips daily, looking expensive will come naturally. That’s the key to look bougie and expensive without all the effort.
You’ll feel more confident and have a better sense of what fashion style will always work for you. That’s when you know you look expensive too!
How Do I Look Expensive On A Budget?
Looking expensive doesn’t mean you need a large sum of money to do it. In fact, most of the tips I give you can be applied right away without spending any money.
It all comes down to smart budgeting and planning. One of my favorite ways to invest in quality basics is to go thrifting for quality brands and basics.
Check out the best 8 secondhand stores you can shop online and thrifting tips to save you even more money!
Moreover, focus on clothes that actually fit or get them tailored. Oversized clothing tends to look more casual and will make an outfit look less expensive.
Don’t forget to start off with a simple neutral palette made of white, beige, brown, gray, and black.
Limiting your clothing color palette will not only make it easier for you to make an outfit, but you will also be less distracted when shopping–saving you money and time!
Most importantly, make a plan! Take an inventory of what you have and what you need to add to your closet.
Look at outfit inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest. Then, shop around either online or in-store. Search for sales and coupons for extra savings too!
How Can I Look Expensive In Jeans?
Jeans are known for their laid-back and casual vibe, but did you know that they can also be dressed up to help you look more expensive too?
Here’s what you should look for when shopping for jeans:
- Classic Washes & Colors – Stick to the classic colors like blue and black. Avoid trendy colors like acid wash or non-traditional colors.
- Avoid Distressed & Trendy Detailing – Distressed and ripped jeans will immediately make your jeans look too casual. Also, sequins, embroidery, patches, asymmetric waistlines, and more will make a pair of jeans look less expensive too.
- Go With Classic Fits – A high-rise or mid-rise jeans are flattering and will always be in style. As for style, I personally recommend straight-leg jeans because they’re streamlined and the perfect in-between of skinny jeans and loose jeans. Check out these 8 jeans styles you should shop for.
- Pair With Heels & A Tailored Top Or Jacket – These items will instantly elevate a pair of jeans!
In short, shop for classic jeans from quality brands. A high-quality pair of jeans will not only last longer, but look more flattering too.
What Colors Make You Look Expensive?
Neutral colors are timeless, classic colors that instantly make an outfit look more expensive. These colors include white, beige, brown, gray, and black.
Monochrome outfits made of different shades of the same neutral color look especially polished. A beige toned outfit is a classic example of a luxurious and elegant look.
Moreover, an all-black outfit is slimming and chic. Try to mix up the textures of your clothing. For instance, black faux leather and fur are great textures to add in.
An all-white outfit also looks incredibly expensive too. Just make sure to use one shade of white for the whole look, such as cool or warm white.
How Do I Look Expensive At School?
Despite strict school clothing or uniform policies, you can still look expensive AF. In fact, many of the tips I listed above are easy changes that can instantly elevate your look.
Here’s a few of the most relevant tips that those at school can use:
- Wear neutral colors, such as white, beige, brown, gray, and black. If you have a uniform, focus on the shoes, accessories, and other things you can control. Neutral colors go with everything–even a school uniform.
- Put on clothes that fit. Baggy clothes tend to look sloppy, so make sure you’re wearing the correct size.
- Stay away from graphics, distressed detailing, and other trendy embellishments. Wear classic pieces that won’t go out of style. This is key to looking expensive.
- Invest in a quality backpack. A nice structured backpack in a neutral color will go a long way. Plus, this is something you will carry nearly everyday so make a good investment!
- Wear minimal accessories. Go for gold-toned minimalist jewelry. They go with everything!
- Use a clothing steamer. Wrinkles in your clothes look sloppy, so take a few quick minutes to steam them out.
- Don’t forget your hair and beauty. Make sure to take care of your hair, skin, teeth, and nails. Just the basics will do.
What’s The Benefit Of Looking Expensive?
Dressing well and looking sophisticated is the key to confidence. We all want to be the best version of ourselves. What better way than to look expensive AF?
I truly believe that being expensive is subjective. No amount of money can make you luxurious if you don’t know how to look the part.
I hope my tips on how to look expensive will give you the confidence to demand the respect you deserve and go forward with your dreams!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclaimer for more info.
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