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Are you trying to achieve a clean expensive look with a limited budget? I scattered all across the web and found you the best 20 affordable ways to look expensive on a budget.
In a world where first impressions matter, your style and appearance can speak volumes about who you are. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are some tips you can use that will change the game.
Take a notebook and take notes. After going through all these 20 tips, you will know everything you need to look expensive and put-together.
Let’s get to it:
Monochrome outfits
My favorite fashion hack that is easy and budget-friendly is wearing monochrome outfits! It’s the easiest way to put together a look and make it look like you put effort into it. Embrace a single colour from head to toe and create a sense of luxury.
An all-black outfit or other basic color makes you look classy and sophisticated. The simplicity of putting together this outfit and the fact that it is cost-friendly makes it one of my favorite fashion hacks. Monochrome outfits will always be in fashion and compliment every body type.
Timeless pieces
This one is a very important one. Even if you are on a budget, please don’t buy into seasonal trends. It’s like throwing your money out the window. With the speed at which trends come and go, you are burning a hole in your pocket.
Instead, shift your focus to timeless pieces that are high in quality. Invest in timeless pieces that can transition to any style, ensuring your style will remain relevant. Build a foundation of basics that will remain in your wardrobe for years. As they never go out of style.
Think of it as 80% being the basics and 20% being seasonal trends.
Even if you are on a very short budget, go thrifting! You can find quality pieces that will last you a long time at affordable prices. And even luxury brands are in almost new condition.
My favorite pieces came from thrifting, and it’s a fun process to discover gems at such low prices.
Go for neutral colours, like black, beige, and cream. Avoid bright colours, and try to stick to a neutral palette. It’s going to be so much easier to put together outfits and mix-and-match them.
Belt!
Go from ordinary to extraordinary by adding a belt! A well-thought-out belt is your secret weapon for looking expensive.
Belts will upgrade our outfit and make it look more put-together than it is. It will define your waist, add structure, and bring an air of sophistication to your outfit.
Especially if it is a good-quality belt. My favorite outfit is a black t-shirt with black wide-leg pants and a black leather belt. It sounds simple, but simplicity is the way to look expensive on a budget.
With a low budget, you can find good-quality belts on Amazon. I recommend this Timberland belt that goes with every outfit, or this leather one that will last you a long time.
Nails
A well-done manicure shows that you pay attention to detail. It indicates your commitment to a classy appearance. A fresh coat of nail polish or a tidy natural look can boost your confidence, making you feel more put-together and ready to conquer the world.
Please avoid long, bright, colourful nails, as they look cheap and make too much noise. Instead, go for short, neutral colours.
If you are on an extra-low budget, then invest in a nail kit. You can buy a full nail kit less than 20$ on Amazon, like this one.
The learning curve is a bit difficult at first, but with practice, you will manage to achieve a well-manicured look. I do them also by myself, and I save a lot of money a year as the materials are a lot cheaper. You can find tutorials all around the web.
Iron
Iron is your best friend and an essential one. Even if you put together the most good-looking outfit, it will look very bad if there are wrinkles. Ironing your clothes is a simple yet effective way to elevate your look on a budget.
Smooth out the wrinkles to present a clean and polished look. Having them on your clothes screams laziness. This way, you max out the use of your closet, as everything looks more put together when taken care of and ironed.
Taking care of the little details boosts your confidence, and it feels good. Wrinkle-free clothes will last you all day. This small act brings massive results to your overall appearance.
They fit well
Do you wear clothes, or do your clothes wear you? Your clothes should be tailored and fitted to your proportions. Well-fitted clothes enhance your body’s natural lines and compliment your silhouette. This simple adjustment can make budget-friendly pieces look like high-end fashion.
Pay attention to proportions and ensure that the elements compliment each other.
Make sure they are not too small or too big. They must fit well to make you look classy and expensive. Tailor it to your needs, if necessary.
Clean, polished shoes
Take care of your shoes. Wipe them with a wet towel before going out. Make sure they look clean and in their best condition.
Shoes are important, and they will make or break your look. A lot of people notice if your shoes are dirty or dirty-looking. Clean shoes enhance the overall aesthetic of an outfit.
Regardless of the price tag, a pair of shoes that is spotless and well-cared-for immediately elevates your entire look.
So, even on a modest budget, invest time in maintaining the cleanliness of your shoes. It is a major factor in your overall appearance and it will make you look expensive on a budget.
Just add a blazer
If you could buy one thing that will do the biggest difference in your appearance, is a basic blazer.
A good quality blazer is a must to any wardrobe. It can upgrade your outfit instantly even if you wear a white T-shirt and jeans underneath. Prefer blazers in navy, black or grey as they are the easiest colours to match with outfits.
It will never go out of style, and you can wear it all day. The beauty of it is that it will elevate even the most basic outfit into something elegant and classy.
You can discover good quality blazers on Amazon like this black one for everyday use.
HAIR!!
Having an expensive and classy look extends beyond your choice of clothes.
Hair is one of the first characteristics people notice about us. Even if you have the classiest outfit, if your hair is a mess, you won’t look put together. Try to maintain well-groomed and healthy hair. Even the simplest trims can make a whole difference.
Hairdressers have become a luxury now, but you can still do it yourself. Learn some basic hairstyling tips from Youtube videos.
Buy some basic hair care products and hair masks. I always put oil in my hair before going out because it makes it so soft. Find what works for your type of hair.
Always wash it, never go out with greasy hair.
Healthy, well-styled hair communicates attention to detail and contributes to an overall expensive look on a budget.
Gold watch
Buying a gold watch can be a strategic and timeless choice.
It will make your outfit look so luxurious and it is an accessory that you can wear every day. It adds a touch of luxury, creating an impression of understated wealth. Look for watches with gold-toned stainless steel or gold-plated finishes for a polished appearance that won’t break the bank.
While genuine gold watches can be pricey, there are affordable alternatives like this gold watch on Amazon for less that 30$.
Light fresh makeup
Avoid heavy eye makeup, especially during the day. Instead go for a simple look that will enhance your facial features and will give you a younger and fresher look.
In order to achieve this, you need to take care of your skin and clear any acne or spots you may have. Invest in a moisturizing creme and a routine to clear out your skin.
Your skin will be glowing, so you won’t even need a lot of makeup to achieve the “clean girl” look. I’d highly suggest Korean skincare as they are the only products that got my skin cleared.
Consider using a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for a dewy finish that imparts a healthy glow.
If you enjoy this, you’ll also enjoy: 7 Proven Budget-Friendly Ways to Add Sophistication to Your Decor!
Simple minimal outfits
Stop overthinking your outfits and adding a lot of things or accessories. You will look like trying too hard. Instead embrace minimalism and buy timeless simple pieces.
Go for neutral-colored essentials. Try to accessorize with a golden watch or a good quality belt.
You do not have to go overboard. Classy people dress simple and smart. Focus on quality not quantity. Stop wasting your money on trends that come and go, but shop smart.
Avoid logos
This is such an important one if you want to look expensive on a budget. If you take a look at “old money” aesthetic, you can’t see logos at any of their clothes. It’s because they don’t need to flash how much money they spent on them.
There is nothing more unattractive than a big flashy logo on your bag or your shirt. By avoiding them, you project an image of confidence and sophistication.
With a few exceptions if they are small and minimal. Otherwise, it’s a big no-no.
Underwear
Attention to detail is crucial. Even for your underwear even though it’s mostly overlooked. With certain fabrics, you can see the underwear underneath. Or you wear a top that your bra staps can be seen.
Avoid at all costs. Ensuring that your underwear remain discreet and are not visible through clothing is a crucial aspect of classy dressing. Try to shop seamless panties because they will blend and provide a smooth silhouette. Opt for some strapless bras too.
This attention to detail is what makes a classy outfit and what will make you look expensive on a budget.
3 colours
When creating your outfit, you should follow one simple rule. Wear only 3 colours!
In the fashion world, you may be temped to go for bolder colours and to expirement with different prints. But, mixing too many different colours and prints won’t look classy or sophisticated.
Restrict your outfit to 3 colours to look expensive and to have the “old money” vibe. It will also make the decision process so much easier and less complicated. This way, the colours will compliment each other, instead of competing one another.
Try to match the shoes with bag, or the top with the shoes. But, stick to maximum 3 colours. This point also proves that you don’t always need a hefty price tag for an elegant look.
Maintain hygiene
There is nothing more offputting than bad hygiene. A polished look starts with a blank canvas. Good hygiene not only boosts your self-confidence but also communicates to others that you prioritize self-care and attention to detail.
Get your teeth whitened if they need to. Have regular showers with good-quality products. Make sure you always smell fresh and clean.
Layer your outfits!!
Layering your outfits strategically is a savvy technique for achieving a chic and expensive look on a budget. Invest in a few quality, basic pieces that can serve as the foundation for various layered looks.
The most classic and easy combination you can do is a sweater and underneath a white shirt. Or a vest and on top of it a blazer. Or a sleek blouse with a textured jacket. The combinations are limitless.
It will add depth to your outfit and will help maximize your wardrobe’s pontential. Try to expirement with statement accessories or different textures.
By mastering the art of layering, you can create the illusion of a more extensive and high-end wardrobe. Contributing to your goal to look expensive on a budget.
Avoid Distressed Details in your denim
Avoid at all costs any distressed details in your denim. Opt more for clean, well-maintained jeans to elevate your overall look. Also, it’s easier to turn your outfit from casual to more formal if your jeans don’t have distressed details.
Choosing jeans without rips, frays, or excessive fading ensures a more refined appearance. Remeber, you goal is to look expensive on abudget, so every little detail is important.
This simple change in your wardrobe choices contributes to the perception of a more expensive and refined style, even when working within budget constraints.
Too much skin
It is everyone’s choice to how much skin they wanna show when they dress.
But, in the “old money” aesthetic people do not show a lot of skin and do not dress provocatively. Instead of show too much skin, consider focusing on highlighting one key feature, such as the shoulders.
By leaving more to the imagination, you show an appropriatness for any occasion. Elegance is more about the art of subtlety than overt exposure.
Signature smell
Create your own signature smell! People will remember you more if you have a cohesive smell.
If you can’t afford a luxury perfume, dupes are great too! Go at stores and try different ones, choose the one you like the most and buy the dupe of it. A distinct and memorable fragrance not only contributes to your overall image but also communicates a sense of consistency and attention to detail.
Pair it with body lotion and body oil to have a long – lasting effect.
Final thoughts
Looking expensive on a budget and sophisticated is mostly about your mindset and not how much you can afford.
Taking care of yourself and going for neutral colours will instantly change your whole look. Invest in some good-quality accessories and a perfume for best results. Attention to detail is important.
Everybody can achieve this look with little to no investment as most points do not need any purchases.
Is there anything else I didn’t add? Let me know in the comments!