As a young university student, I was always looking for ways to make my outfits look like a million bucks. It didn’t matter that I was on an allowance and definitely didn’t have a designer wardrobe. I just wanted my clothes to look stylish and far more expensive than they actually were. And trust me, I found several different ways to do it.
I realised that looking expensive had very little to do with price tags. It actually came down to the small details, from choosing the right fabrics and colours to paying attention to your shoes, accessories and overall presentation.
It’s been years since then and I have a better wardrobe budget now, but I still use those hacks. I’ve even picked up on a few others along the way. So, if you want to learn how to make any outfit look expensive without breaking the bank, take a quick scroll down for my tried-and-true tips.
How to Make Any Outfit Look Expensive
1. Add a statement piece
One of my favourite ways to make a simple outfit look expensive is to add a statement piece. This could be a purse, sunglasses, a bold necklace, an elegant belt or a pair of shoes that catches attention. You only need one standout piece to make an impact.
For example, a skirt and blouse can look much more polished when you add a structured bag or a great pair of shoes. You do not have to spend a fortune on your statement piece. The only question you need to ask yourself is “is this unique?” For all you know, your standout item may be a thrift shop find.
2. Steam everything
You could be wearing a beautiful dress with lovely accessories, but if the fabric is covered in wrinkles, the whole look can appear rushed and untidy. Smooth clothing instantly gives the impression that you have taken care with your appearance.
This is why keeping a garment steamer or iron at home is worth it. I particularly love using a steamer for dresses, blouses and trousers because it is quick and easy. An iron works just as well, especially when you want a crisp finish on shirts or trousers. Just remember to check the care label first, as some fabrics need gentler treatment.
3. Avoid underwear lines
Visible bra straps, panty lines and camel toe can make your outfit look cheap, especially when you are wearing fitted clothes. To avoid these problems, you need some seamless undergarments. This includes a strapless bra and camel toe proof thongs.
Seamless undergarments are designed with flat edges and smooth waistbands that prevent bunching, making them a good choice for snug clothes. The goal is to make sure your underwear stays discreet and allows the clothes to take centre stage.
4. Choose monochromatic colours
Wearing different shades of the same colour is one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look more expensive. Monochromatic dressing creates a sense of continuity, which can make even simple pieces look professionally styled.
For example, try cream trousers with an ivory top and beige shoes or chocolate brown trousers with a lighter brown top and tan accessories. You can also create a beautiful all-black outfit by mixing different textures. The idea is to create a colour story that makes the pieces look like they belong together.
5. Keep your whites white
White clothing has a naturally clean and polished appearance but only when it is actually clean. A crisp white shirt can make a simple outfit look elevated while a shirt that has become grey, yellow or stained will have the opposite effect.
Take care when washing your white clothes and always follow the care instructions on the garment. Act quickly to treat stains. As soon as a spill occurs, apply a stain treatment and wash the garment promptly. You can also add Laundry boosters like borax or baking soda to your wash routine to keep those whites gleaming.
6. Throw in an unexpected piece
Adding something unexpected could mean wearing heels with an athleisure outfit instead of trainers, throwing a structured blazer over jeans and a T-shirt or pairing a casual outfit with elegant jewellery. The idea is to combine pieces that you would not normally wear together because one thing about fashion is that opposites often work together.
You do not have to make the entire outfit unusual. One unexpected piece is usually enough to give a familiar combination a fresh feel. I find this particularly useful when I am wearing basic wardrobe staples because it keeps the outfit from looking too boring.
7. Invest in good fabrics
The fabric of your clothes can have a major effect on how expensive they look. Some materials are very thin, flimsy and shiny and they can make even a beautiful design appear cheap. When shopping, pay attention to how the fabric feels, how it hangs and whether it holds its shape.
You do not need to fill your wardrobe with luxury fabrics to achieve this. Cotton, linen, wool and good-quality blends can all look beautiful when they are well made. Even synthetic fabrics can look polished when they have a good texture and construction. Instead of focusing only on the name of the fabric, look at the overall quality of the garment.
8. Upgrade your old pieces
Before you donate your entire wardrobe, consider taking them for some little upgrades. A tailor can shorten trousers, adjust sleeves, alter the waist or make other changes that help a piece look more polished and personal.
Changing the buttons is another simple trick that can make old clothes look new again. If you have a blazer, coat or cardigan that still has a great shape but the buttons look dated, replace them with metals, wood or pearls. Trust me when I say this will instantly increase the worth of the garment.
Your shoes deserve some attention too. Take them to a cobbler. Replace worn-out soles, repair heels and clean the material to give them a fresh lease on life. Sometimes making your wardrobe look more expensive simply means taking better care of what you already have.
9. Wear quality accessories
Accessories are often what pull an outfit together. A structured handbag, elegant sunglasses, simple jewellery or a beautiful scarf can make basic clothing look chic. You could be wearing a plain T-shirt and jeans, but the right accessories can instantly make the outfit feel more stylish.
When choosing accessories, pay attention to the details. Your handbag does not need to be designer, but it should have a good shape, neat stitching and hardware that looks sturdy. The same goes for jewellery and sunglasses. You do not need a huge collection either. A few versatile pieces that you genuinely love can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
After all is said and done, the only thing you need to elevate your outfits is the willingness to go the extra mile. Start small by steaming your clothes, keeping your whites fresh and upgrading an old piece. Before you know it, you’ll be a real pro.
If you enjoyed these tips, check out our other fashion guides for more practical ways to look put together without spending a fortune.
