Keeping up with the glitterati and fashion influencers that saturate our feeds may seem like a daunting if not impossible task – but looks can be deceiving. As we creep out of isolation and once again assimilate into the outside world, looking like a million bucks without spending a million bucks has become an art form.
It only takes a few simple tactics to appear just as chic and high-end as your favorite style icons without paying top dollar for their designer products.
Back to Black
As much as other colors try to compare to the ultimate shade of chic, black will be the new (and only) black. Putting together a monochromatic black ensemble instantly transforms you into a sophisticated and elegant fashionista. The dark tones elongate the body, slim the figure, and heighten the elegance. What more could you want?
This is one of the easiest ways to affordably elevate an outfit. Once you get the hang of the look, then play around with other neutrals like gray, beige, or white. Sticking to one color will surely keep you looking expensive – on a budget. When in doubt, however, black never goes out of style, so you can rock those classy pieces for years to come.
No Slouching
Although you’ll see celebrities sporting brand-name sweatshirts and slouchy joggers that cost an arm and a leg to attain, creating the illusion of an expensive wardrobe requires more structured pieces. Athleisure streetwear has become a thing of the past, so pack up the sweatpants and cropped hoodies and find yourself some clean-cut replacements.
Sporting well-fitted and polished garments will instantly make you appear professional and put together. Think about first impressions and how you would feel interviewing someone with an oversized sweater and mom jeans versus someone with a structured blazer and pressed trousers. Sure, the former may be cute for running errands, but the latter will get results in a professional setting.
Think Timeless Not Trendy
When rebuilding one’s wardrobe, it is tempting to flock to the trendy fast-fashion retailers and stock up on the season’s latest style, but investing in quality products with classic silhouettes will prove to stand the test of time and keep you looking fabulous for years to come.
Nothing makes an outfit look cheap like wearing a clearly outdated ensemble. Stick to the basics with clean and crisp cuts and durable fabric. Take a look at the pieces that have transcended the cycles of fashion, like the classic trench coat, the little black dress, and the white dress shirt. Stick to those elements as the foundation for your new wardrobe, and you’ll always look expensive.
Polish it Off
Name the last time you saw a celebrity with wrinkled or poorly fitted clothing. Having a hard time? It’s because looking posh means looking put together. No fashion icon would be caught dead in clothing that hasn’t been tailored, dry cleaned and steamed.
It may seem like a pricey feat, but simple alterations to get the perfect fit can be fairly inexpensive, and anyone can find an affordable steamer or iron on Amazon. Before leaving the house, be sure to check your garments for stains or loose strands and fix them accordingly. The main idea is to keep your clothing looking pristine because a disheveled appearance is not a cute look.
Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
Accessorizing is the perfect way to complete your classic and chic new fit. Keep it simple with some elegant gold jewelry or a statement scarf. Adding a little sparkle and color will be the touch of glamour needed to give off a high-end flair.
You can take it even further with a fabulous black, structured leather handbag to hold all your stationery, tech, and other miscellaneous rubbish you normally throw in a backpack or satchel. All the most stylish (and expensive) bags have this minimal and chic design. Finish it off with some matching pumps, and you are ready to strut your stuff.
Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile
As these tips indicate, the price tag of your items has nothing to do with their elegance or class. Clothing aside, however, the most important thing to remember when updating your look to a more high-end aesthetic is to walk with confidence no matter what clothes you wear.
More than anything, a sophisticated and put-together ensemble comes down to your state of mind. If you believe in your value, the outfit will follow suit.
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