How to Look Rich When You’re Actually Broke
You don’t have to break the bank to look stylish and expensive. With smart decisions, a bit of imagination, and the just-right details, you can achieve a polished and luxe look without breaking the bank!
Following this guide, you will learn how to dress expensive and look like a million bucks even on a dime. From picking the right fabrics to accessorizing, here’s how to up your style game all while keeping your wallet in check.
Focus on Fit
No matter what you spend on clothes, if they fit terribly, whatever you buy will look cheap.
The Fix: Invest in tailoring. A $20 shirt that fits well will always look better than a $200 designer item that doesn’t. Get your pants hemmed, get your blazers nipped in, and get everything hugging you in all the right places.
Stick to Neutral Colors
Black, white, beige, and navy neutrals remain stylishly classic. They are also flexible and easy to mix and match, creating a cohesive, expensive-seeming take on a wardrobe.
The Fix: Add in one bright color and then stick to neutrals, wearing a palette of complementary neutrals that don’t compete with one another.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Investing in fewer, high-quality pieces versus trendy fast-fashion items is another secret weapon to looking polished.
The Fix: Seek out sales and thrift shops to score quality pieces on the cheap. Look for staples such as blazers, trousers, and coats, and high-quality fabrics such as wool or cotton.
Keep It Simple
Minimalism is the foundation for an expensive-looking outfit. If there’s any print, keep it simple — avoid busy prints, logos, or embellishments.
The Fix: Maintain clean lines and classic silhouettes. A plain white shirt worn tucked into tailored pants has more of a luxurious feel than a heavily branded look.
Pay Attention to Fabrics
Some fabrics make things look more expensive than others. Steer clear of shiny polyester and go for cotton, wool, silk, or linen instead.
The Fix: Touch before you buy, and look for pieces that drape well and feel sturdy. Thrift shops are one of the best places to find good quality materials cheaply.
Accessorize Smartly
As the saying goes, accessories make the outfit. A streamlined watch, a few delicate pieces of jewelry or a structured handbag add instant flair to your look.
The Fix: Invest in classic accessories, like gold or silver jewelry, and steer clear of anything too flashy. This can be just as chic as a designer bag — try a faux leather bag in a neutral color.
Invest in Outerwear
A well-fitted coat or jacket can tie your whole appearance together, and create a polished look.
The Fix: Seek out ageless outerwear such as trench coats, tailored blazers, or wool coats. These items can elevate even the simplest outfits, such as jeans and a T-shirt.
Keep to Clean, Well-Cared for Garments
Even the classiest outfit will be spoiled by wrinkled or stained clothes.
The Fix: Steam or iron your clothing out before you wear it. Separate whites from the rest of your laundry to make sure they stay bright, and be gentle with delicate fabrics to help them last longer.
Master the Art of Layering
Another chic trick — layering — layers give depth and interest to your outfit, making it look richer.
The Fix: Wear over a turtleneck with a tailored blazer, or a long cardigan over a fitted dress. Use textures such as wool, cotton, and cashmere for added interest.
Embrace Monochrome Looks
An all-over color “statement,” worn head to toe, exudes a sleek, put-together aesthetic.
The Fix: Opt for neutral or dark shades such as beige, black , or navy for your monochrome ensembles. Introduce small textural differences to keep things interesting.
Upgrade Your Footwear
Shoes determine how polished your ensemble seems. There’s nothing like a scuffed or worn-out shoe to make your entire look feel a little sloppy.
The Fix: Buy classy styles such as loafers, ankle boots, or pointed flats. Be polished and clean; polish your shoes.
Avoid Flashy Logos
Logos can give an outfit a cheap feel, instead of a high-end one.
The Fix: Look for pieces that don’t depend on branding to be your standout. It’s not about the name on the label, it’s about the quality of the item.
Opt for Tailored Pants
Tailored trousers, wide-leg or straight-leg, can instantly elevate your outfit and make it look expensive.
The Fix: Search for high-waisted pants that have a clean silhouette. Team with a plain blouse or knit top for a chic, elegant optic.
Don’t Overdo Accessories
Accessories can take an outfit up a notch, but too many can make an outfit feel cluttered.
The Fix: Don’t go overboard — just one or two pieces of statement jewelry, such as a low-key watch or stud earrings, will suffice.
Wear a Structured Bag
The right handbag makes all the difference in having a mundane wardrobe and adding an instant touch of sophistication.
The Fix: Opt for a handbag with crisp lines and structured silhouettes. Opt for colors that are not flashy — think black, beige, or brown. B leather: For example, faux leather can look very high-end when you know what to choose.
Prioritize Grooming
It’s not just your outfit that makes it look expensive. How you’re perceived is heavily influenced by grooming.
The Fix: Maintain clean and manicured nails, stylish hair, and understated and polished makeup. A new look is very helpful.
Use statement pieces sparingly
A statement piece is what can bring an outfit up a notch, but too many pieces can take away from the overall outfit you’re going for.
The Fix: Wear a neutral outfit with one standout piece, such as a statement necklace or an attention-grabbing scarf, in order to maintain a well-balanced and stylish look.
Shop Secondhand and Vintage
Thrift stores and vintage shops can be little gold mines for discovering unique, high-quality pieces for a fraction of the cost.
The Fix: Do your browsing at a leisurely pace, and look for classics such as blazers, leather jackets, and silk blouses.
Wear Heels or Pointed Flats
The right shoe can lift your silhouette and bring polish to your look.
The Woman: Wear a pair of polished pointed-toe flats or low heels to elongate your legs.
Add a Belt
The belt can define your waist and give a more structured, expensive look to an outfit.
The Fix: Choose a more classic leather belt in black or brown. Belt it over dresses, blazers, or high-waisted trousers for a polished vibe.
Final Thoughts
But looking expensive isn’t a function of how much you spend — it’s about being considered in your wardrobe. With an emphasis on fit, fabric, and details, it’s possible to achieve a polished, high-end silhouette that won’t break the bank.
As a reminder, confidence is your best accessory. You always look fabulous when you feel great in what you wear!
