9 Ways to Dress Expensive With the Clothes You Already Have

Dressing expensively doesn’t mean you have to dig through your closet for your evening gowns and cocktail dresses. There’s so much more to looking put-together and expensive than a nice dress! In fact, a few simple tips are all it takes to elevate your daily personal style with the clothes you already own. You can dress expensively, no matter your clothing budget, with these 9 easy-to-follow tips below.

1. Style a monochromatic outfit

One of my own signature ways to instantly look more put-together and elegant is to style a monochromatic outfit. A tonal look implies that you got dressed with intention by sticking to a singular color palette. It makes it seem like you put more effort into your look than you actually did! Plus, this way of dressing also happens to be very flattering, especially if you dress in darker colors.

There’s nothing more chic than an all-black outfit – or slimming, for that matter! When I’m not sure what to wear, an all-black look is my default. But monochromatic looks don’t stop with this style. You can pair any neutral tones together to get a similar effect. Whether you like black, cream, navy, camel, or chocolate brown, try styling a tonal look with pieces you already own to instantly upgrade your whole outfit.

2. Avoid logo overload

If you think dressing expensively means covering yourself in designer logos head to toe, think again! In fact, you should dress expensive by avoiding logos entirely, or incorporating a single brand into your outfit. You can still wear your nice pieces, just make sure that there isn’t more than one logo visible at a time. You don’t want to look like a walking billboard (they’re not paying you, after all!), and flashing too many designers at once can actually cheapen your look. In fact, celebrities and notable figures often request labels to be removed before wearing a piece – style icon Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was famous for doing so.

When it comes to wearing a designer logo, think small and/or subtle. The detail of a belt buckle, a pair of logo earrings, or a small monogrammed bag can give you a chic look without going overboard when it comes to designer labels. It adds that hint of luxury without overwhelming your whole outfit.

3. Layer textures together

To make the most out of pieces you already own, the trick is to style smartly! Take advantage of your current wardrobe offerings by pairing them together in new and interesting ways to look more expensive. The most expensive looks have dimension, texture, and eye-pleasing proportions. If you’re struggling to put together aesthetic outfits that look expensive, take a look to see how many different fabric types you’re reaching for!

The look above incorporates smooth leather boots, a satin skirt, a cashmere sweater, a cotton t-shirt, a woven leather bag, plastic sunglasses, and pearl earrings – that’s seven unique fabric and texture types in one look! However, they all still complement each other perfectly thanks to a neutral color palette. It’s an interesting outfit that still feels balanced and harmonious.

4. Steam and iron everything

This next tip isn’t so much a styling choice as it is a maintenance one! If there’s one little detail that can make or break an expensive-looking outfit, it’s how your pieces have been taken care of. Stains, wrinkles, etc., can instantly tarnish the look of any piece, no matter how much it actually costs. And on the flip side, taking care to steam and iron your pieces can make even your least costly pieces look designer!

To save yourself a headache in the morning, try getting into the habit of setting out your outfit the night before. This will give you the opportunity to give your clothes a quick once-over. Are they clean? Ironed? Are there any loose threads? This is your chance to address any potential concerns, rather than having to deal with them as you’re trying to rush out the door the next day.

5. Add a structured bag

There are always so many trendy new arrivals to shop for when it comes to bags each season. But having a tried-and-true bag in your closet that will work for any season is worth its weight in gold! If you want a bag that makes your outfit look more expensive, choose one with structure. A little bit of structure will make any outfit appear more put-together.

The same principle applies to any structured pieces you add to your look, whether it’s a bag, coat, or blazer. But a bag might just be the most versatile piece to style, because you can wear the same one all year long. Even if you’re just styling a hoodie and jeans for school drop-off or to run errands, a box-style bag instantly makes your outfit look more elegant and expensive.

6. Go for minimalist, classic jewelry

Expensive looks favor quality over quantity. If you want to look more expensive, you might follow Coco Chanel’s piece of advice: “Before you leave the house, take a look in the mirror and take one thing off.” This “less is more” philosophy allows you to refine your look and focus on a select number of quality pieces.

You should treat your jewelry with this mindset when you want to dress expensive. Rather than building intricate bracelet and necklace stacks to wear your favorite pieces all at once, pick and choose a few, a select number of jewelry items per look. The smaller and more delicate they are, the more expensive they’ll probably look! Stick to classic gems and finishes as well if you want a classic aesthetic. Think gold, silver, pearls, diamonds, etc. They’ll never go out of style.

7. Tailor your pieces that need it

A celebrity’s secret to always looking expensive is all in the tailoring. Tailoring can make any piece look designer, and hand-constructed just for you – even if it’s a piece that you found at a thrift store or have had forever.

And if a tailor isn’t in the budget, there are other ways to make your pieces look handmade for your specific proportions! Adding a belt, cuffing your jeans, rolling your sleeves… these little details go a long way in making you look more put-together. You can even tailor your outerwear just by adding a belt. This will also make your pieces look more flattering, too!

8. Stick to a neutral palette

Neutral colors give off an understated, elegant vibe that will never go out of fashion. This is another easy and cost-free way to instantly look way more expensive. Neutral colors signify a classy sense of dressing with a sense of refinement and sophistication. Pairing neutrals together doesn’t just make getting dressed easier, but also elevates your entire aesthetic.

9. Incorporate one unexpected luxury touch

One unexpected, luxurious accessory is all it takes to elevate your look to the next level. If you want to transform even your simplest outfits, cycle through your favorite accessories that have a timeless, classy feel to them.

Examples that work particularly well include a brooch, a silk scarf, a pair of leather gloves, etc. These pieces are elegant classics that have stood the test of time, and also add a feminine touch to your favorite looks. At one point, they were signifiers of wealth, and even though there are plenty of affordable options to shop today, they still have that same effect of making any outfit look more expensive.

How to Look Expensive Without Spending Money

Wouldn’t we all love to feel just a little bit more put-together and expensive when we head out the door each day? The good news is that it’s possible to do without spending any extra money or breaking the bank. These tips are just what you need to elevate your look, without buying anything new.

Speaking of timeless looks, follow French women for the best example of how to get a classic wardrobe. Up Next: 10 Sophisticated Outfits Parisian Women Are Wearing Instead of Trends