How to look expensive on a budget

Look luxe for less.

This is for the girls who aspire to look more polished without breaking the bank. We often want a similar aesthetic as some of our favorite influencers, actors, and public figures, but we don’t have the same financial means as them. There are so many ways you can look more expensive on a budget. Looking luxe may seem like it’s difficult to achieve, but after I share this breakdown, you’ll be able to do it in your sleep.

How to look more expensive on a budget

1. Iron and steam your clothes

Aht, aht! Don’t roll your eyes and click away just yet. I know most of us hate ironing and steaming our clothes, but the truth is, they look sooooo much better when we do. Wearing wrinkled clothes can make even the most luxurious outfit look lackluster. I promise those extra few minutes to prep your clothes will make a world of a difference.

2. Go monochromatic

This is the ultimate cheat code to look polished and expensive. Monochromatic looks are aesthetically pleasing and instantly command attention. They are always stylish and instantly make you look rich. These looks are also super easy to put together since you’re only wearing one color.

3. Wear muted colors

Piggybacking off of the second tip, wearing a monochromatic outfit in muted colors gives that expensive, luxurious vibe. You can wear neutrals like I did in today’s look, or switch it up if you’re in the mood for something more vibrant. Deep hues of green, red, blue, purple, etc. are associated with royalty, and royalty is associated with wealth. These rich tones are great to have in your wardrobe for a pop of color that still reads sophisticated.

4. Timeless over trendy

If you know us, you know we preach not leaning too heavily into trends. Opt for timeless pieces that will always be in style like poplin shirts and tailored trousers over the latest trends and your outfits will always look classic. Trendy pieces are fun to wear, but they go out of style quickly and make you look dated. They also tend to get minimal wear when you’re on to the next trend, while you’ll reach for timeless pieces over and over.

Shop the look

5. Go for structured pieces

There’s a time and place for billowing, flowy pieces, but when you’re trying to look expensive, structure is best. The sharp lines of structured pieces literally hit different. They’re visually appealing and they make you look sharp. Tailored blazers and coats are some of my favorite pieces to add structure to a look. Instead of wearing a loose blouse that could look frumpy, go for a crisp poplin shirt or a structured shell top.

6. Wear minimal accessories

Minimalistic accessories keep your look clean and simple. Avoid wearing an excessive amount of chunky jewelry—it can be way too busy and throw off your look. I love that dainty jewelry is in right now because it’s easy to find, inexpensive, and really pulls your look together without doing too much.

There you have it. A handful of tips to help you look more expensive on a budget. Before you hit the stores, shop your closet to see what you have that fits the bill. You may be surprised by how many luxe looks you can create without spending a dime. If you do need to shop, these tips will help you purchase clothes that you’ll wear often. You can easily look like a million bucks without spending it! I hope you found these tips helpful. If you’re in the market for some new luxe-for-less pieces, check out what I’ve curated below.