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How to look classy and expensive (especially on a budget) is nothing new here, but the inspo behind today’s post is one of the newest sources for timeless, luxurious fashion:Â Crazy Rich Asians! While this movie isn’t brand new, you can’t help but marvel at the stunning classy outfits the ladies in this film wear. Whether it’s a stunning statement piece or a simple button-down shirt, these women (who just so happen to be the richest family in Singapore, of course!) show how to look classy and wear luxury in the best way possible.
While we may not all be billionaires, we can take some inspo from this movie and apply it to our own wardrobes! Here are some surefire ways to get that classy and elegant look that will make a world of difference in your style.
How to Look Classy & Expensive
1. No jeans- only dress pants if you don’t want to wear a skirt or dress

A quick Fashion History 101 lesson: while jeans are absolutely a casual style staple, denim jeans were originally crafted as workwear for manual laborers, such as miners. Although this style has certainly branched into a clothing genre all its own, they very rarely read “elegance”.
I can’t recall a single woman in the Young family ever wearing jeans in the movie. To achieve that same classy look, swap out your jeans for well-fitted trousers or suit pants made from quality fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool.



Shop similar: camel coat | dress pants | bag
2. Wear your hair pulled back

While not everyone wore their hair pulled back in this movie, a majority of the women did – especially Eleanor, who is 100% class in this movie. Pulling back your hair into a chic updo, low bun, or even a chic ponytail is an easy way to refine your overall look and give it that chic touch; think Audrey Hepburn and her famous updos.
It doesn’t always have to be perfectly sleek either! As Astrid shows us, a slightly undone style has its own youthful and timeless appeal.




Shop similar: top | camel coat
3. Wear pointy heels
No matter what your personal style is, one pair of shoes that every wardrobe can benefit from is a pair of pointed-toe pumps, especially for special occasions. But if you really want a classy vibe, swap out your sneakers and sandals for this classic staple. Pointed-toe pumps elongate the leg and go a long way in elevating your style. In the photo above Astrid, you can see our style icon Eleanor once again killing it in a pair of black pumps.

Shop similar shoes: here | here
4. Wear drop pearl earrings
Now that your hair is pulled back, all you need is a stunning pair of drop earrings. Pearls are a trademark of luxury and classy style and beautiful pair of drop pearl earrings is the perfect finishing touch to a perfect look. It’s the little things that make all the difference!

5. Wear blazers or suit sets


While the show-stopping couture gowns we see in the movie may not be realistic for daily life, a sophisticated blazer and/or suit is! Few outfits look more fabulous and put-together than a well-tailored suit and we can definitely see that in Eleanor’s killer white pinstripe number. For practical purposes, it’s best to go with blazers and suits in neutral colors so you can get as much wear as possible out of your basics. If the full white pinstripe pattern is a bit much for you, you can always go for a subtly patterned blazer and black pants.



Shop similar: blazer | pants | bag
6. Midi to floor-length gowns


Most women will probably never have the type of lifestyle where they need a bunch of formal gowns in their closets. However, when you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, a slip dress is always a classy way to get that luxe look. Though they might not compare to a $5,000+ custom gown, the good news is that these timeless pieces can be worn again and again. For even more of that chic, classic vibe, go for a fabric like satin or (even better) silk.



Shop similar slip dress: here | here
7. Don’t be afraid to look “extra”
As the Radio One Asia girls showed us in the film, looking expensive and classy is not all crisp pleats and straight lines. While there is a clean elegance to a more simple outfit, a classy woman knows how to use bold statement pieces to her advantage. After all, fashion is still supposed to be fun! This could be a voluminous coat, a bold statement necklace, or an eye-catching pair of shoes. Just be sure to create a good balance in your look; if you’re rocking a vibrantly patterned coat, you’ll want to keep the rest of your look more toned down to let the piece shine.








Shop similar coat: here | here | here
That was a lot of info, so now it’s RECAP TIME on how to look classy & expensive!
No to…
- Jeans- tailored dress pants or suit pants instead
- Sneakers, sandals, or flats- neutral heels, preferably pointy-toed. Shiny/ patent is good too.
- Mini dresses- midi or floor length instead
- Obvious logos- we all know they’re wearing designer but they’re not covered in logos head to toe
Yes to…
- Blazers and suits!
- Sunglasses!
- Wearing your hair pulled back!
- Drop earrings & pearls!
- Pretty blouses!
- Minimal prints!



As you can see, the ladies of Crazy Rich Asians have quite a bit to teach us about looking classy and expensive. And the best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to do it! Try out some of these tips and don’t forget that, although it may be cliche, confidence is always the classiest and most valuable accessory – no amount of money can buy it!
You’re going to want to check out these posts before you go!
9 Tips on How to Look Expensive + What to Avoid
9 MORE Fabulous Ways on How to Look Expensive

This is such fun inspiration! You did a great job pulling together looks that are a breeze to duplicate. So fun!
Aw thanks! That’s always my hope that the outfits are easy enough to copy!
You nailed it! This was such a great movie for fashion inspo!
Really glad you liked it!
Thanks so much for all those tips. Could you please tell me where to get that that structured bag that is in all the pictures?
It is several years old from Charmin Charlies. I linked a similar one, but looks like that one is out of stock too! I just updated the link with a similar one from Quince.
Okay, so I absolutely la-la-LOVE Crazy Rich Asians. I’ll admit that the books were my choice over the movie BUT the movie did a great job depicting the woman as the books did: class and elegance! And you did an amazing job recreating those vibes with these ensembles. Giving me ALL the chic inspiration, as always, friend!
Thanks, girl!! I just got the books so I’m going to read them this weekend!
You hit the nail on the head! I got so much fun inspiration from this post! Thank you for sharing!!
Kileen
cute & little
Aww I’m really glad you liked it, Kileen!
You totally nailed this whole inspiration! I love all of those looks, but the last one might be my favorite.
That was one of my favorites too! Thanks, girl!
These are great rules to follow. I look terrible with my hair pulled back and even down low. I have a weird shaped head lol.
Haha I doubt that, but the great thing about these tips is that you can pick and choose what you want to do! I think they will all help 🙂
Do you have links to purchase the clothing from your photos? Specifically the camel wrap coat.
Thank you
Links have been updated and I responded to your email 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
This post was SO fun– love seeing all the style inspirations recreated, especially being budget friendly!
Love the Recap list reminding me the basic foundation to keep in mind when dressing up. Love the images from the movie and real life look a like pieces side by side so I know what to look for ?. Ty ty!
So happy to hear this was helpful, Kay. Have a fantastic day!
Insightful. Next year’s mission…
Where do you get drop pearl earrings that look great but do not cost a fortune? They are gorgeous.
Well, it depends on your budget, but I got a pair of pearl drop earrings from J.Crew/J.Crew factory that I like!