*UPDATE- check out part 2 of this post where I give even MORE tips and tricks to look expensive!
You can look expensive without having your closet full of names such as Gucci, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. While these brands do make great classic investment pieces, there are other ways to look high-end without spending the high-end price tag. You can keep all that money in your wallet and fool everyone into thinking you paid a lot on your outfit by using these super simple tips!
9 Tips on How to Look Expensive
1. Long coats
Every coat has its place in your wardrobe, but to look expensive, go for a long coat over a short puffy one. The longer the better, but for sure at least get one that goes past the knee. It will make you look elegant and luxurious!
camel coat | handbag (similar here and here)
2. Tailored pieces
When everything is polished and fits you well, you look like someone that knows what they're doing and where they're going. Even if you don't have a corporate wardrobe with pantsuits, a button-down or a blazer is a good place to start because those can be worn anywhere and in many different ways!
Related: 7 Ways to Elevate Your Style (And What You May Be Doing Wrong)
3. Structured bag
Every chic outfit seems to have a classic, structured bag. When aiming to look expensive, stay away from slouchy bags and backpacks. Instead, focus on black handbags with minimal hardware. Too much hardware can make your bag, and thus your whole outfit, look cheap!
4. Pointy shoes
It's funny how just going from a rounded toe to a pointy shoe changes an outfit. A pointy toe shows that you mean business and it adds that extra polish to an outfit!
Related: How to Look Expensive On a Budget
5. Tuck it in
Similar to #2, adding structure to an outfit will class it up. Feel free to go a step further and add a belt! A belt polishes it off, but don't go too crazy. Something small and classic is ideal.
6. Tasteful jewelry
You can't forget accessories when looking to dress high end. Avoid plastic jewels and costume jewelry, and instead, focus on classic pieces such a watch, pearl earrings, or hoops. Double points if the jewelry is gold because gold instantly equals expensive and luxe! As long as it doesn't look fake and plastic, of course.
7. Throw on some sunglasses
I don't know if this is something that the celebrities started or what, but throwing on a pair of sunglasses somehow makes you look important, and therefore, makes your whole outfit look better! Big and black would be ideal.
Related: 5 Combos That Will Always Look Like Expensive Outfits
8. Don't forget skincare + beauty
Don't forget that your skin is a canvas and every little detail matters to the outcome of your look. It's hard to make an outfit look good when your nails are chipped and cracked and your hair has seen better days. Not saying you need to always step out with a full face of makeup or anything, but attention to the details show that you care. A tasteful bold red lip never hurt either!
9. Go simple
Simple colors, outfits, and silhouettes are never boring and instead, they're classy! Don't be afraid to tone it down. Take inspiration from the French, as they always look chic and expensive!
Related: 7 French Outfit Formulas You Can Copy
What to Avoid to Look Expensive:
1. It should go without saying, but pieces that have holes, stains, or rips will not make you look more expensive and instead, careless.
2. Stay away from non-classic prints. For sure wear stripes, dots, and leopard print, but prints such as aztec, (some) florals, and chevron are just going to come and go. Also, look for quality. Florals that stretch when you put it on just won't look good.
3. Things that generally don't fit well, especially items that are too small. It's obvious when something is being stretttcheedd to the limit and it looks like you're not aware of your body type.
None of these tips require dropping lots of cash on a designer-filled closet. Just make a couple of tweaks here and there, and of course, don't forget your confidence!
Up next: 9 More Fabulous Ways to Look Expensive
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I like the tip about a structured bag and tucking it in! Also, you’re so right about confidence. Enjoyed this post!
I seriously agree with all of these tips, especially a structured bag. It seriously can make any outfit pop .. just like yours in the photo. Great post!
Danielle | FollowMyGut.com <3
A structured bag is definitely a must-have!
I love trench coats! They are an easy way to upgrade any outfit 🙂
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
I agree! I love wearing mine.
Love this post babe! I definitely stand by having pieces tailored, a great fit makes a huge difference!
Kileen
cute & little
Totally agree with that!
These are great tips! I really love your post and I always enjoy reading your blogs! Great job girl!
Thanks so much for the kind words!
I love buying inexpensive clothing and then getting it tailored to fit my body. It is one of my best investments!
So very true!
You have got some seriously killer style, girly! And it definitely looks luxurious and expensive! I think I love bright patterns and colors too much to stick to this kind of look, but I've always admired it on others!
Thanks so much Stephanie! Yeah, I don't dress this way 100% all the time either...there's a time to look fun and a time to look classy! 😉
these are all wonderful tips. I also personally love pointed shoes and structured bags. definitely elevates any look! xo
I totally agree. Thanks for reading!
omg yes! I love all of these! a Long trench and a pointy shoe get me every time!
love,
Whit
I totally agree!
All of these looks are so chic babe!!! Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
Thanks, girly!
I love this!! Long coats are the best, they're SO classy!
Totally agree! 🙂
Great post and great tips! i'm sure it'll be helpful for a lot of readers who are on a budget and what to look lux!
xx
Iliana
Thank you! It's helpful to know some style hacks!
These are some great tips! Thanks for sharing babe!
Thanks for reading girl!
These are amazing tips! Totally agree with all of them.
Thank you, Megan!
These are all great tips! I think good tailoring is everything!
Totally agree!
Great tips Carolyn. These tips allow an individual including me also to look luxurious by saving money side by side.
https://www.idofind.com
That's the best when you can save money and look luxurious. Thank you!
Thank you very much for this post. I'm also the founder of Visit The Fashion Hub. I learn lot of things from this post. I will tell about this post to my family and friends. Thank you.
Great article! Thank you!
Thanks, Kathryn!