Fourth of July sales are swarming, and your social media feed is a parade of the latest Amazon dupes, shopping hauls and styling hacks. But if you’re hoping to uncover the secret sauce for looking stylish for less, you have come to the right place, my friend. What does it really take to master the High Fashion/Low Budget look? I’ve got five style strategies up my chic little sleeve that will help you do just that. So lean in close because – SPOILER ALERT – style isn’t a price tag!
Looking stylish and sophisticated doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a few savvy strategies, you can create a polished and expensive-looking wardrobe without breaking the bank. Here’s how to achieve that high-end look on a budget:
Star and Support
The key to achieving a polished, elegant and high-end look is to follow my style rule: Star and Support. When dressing, designate one style star– the outfit’s leading lady – and let the rest of your pieces and accessories support her. You can still incorporate interesting pieces but keep everything harmonious in color. This approach directs the eye to the star piece, without distraction. Just like in an episode of The Real Housewives, when everyone talks at once, having too many statement pieces in one outfit can make them “fight” for attention. This leads to a confused and unpolished look. By choosing a focal point, you guide the eye through your outfit and create a more intentional and refined look.
Forget the Faux
A surefire way to make an outfit look less expensive is a popular logo that doesn’t feel quite right, so I caution clients from sporting knockoffs of famous brands. Wearing a shoe, belt buckle or bag with an emblem that feels “off” does nothing to elevate your outfit. It only points out that it is not an authentic designer piece. The mismatched logos, inaccurate branding and subpar finishes can make an outfit look inauthentic and unsophisticated. Instead of elevating your style, fake designer pieces draw attention to the lack of authenticity and diminish the perceived quality of your look. Investing in well-made items, even if they are not designer brands, ensures a more polished appearance.
Fits That Flatter
An affordable piece that fits you well is always better than a designer piece that does not. Tailoring is key to achieving a sophisticated look. Always try things on before deciding to keep them and shop for fit, not size. Who cares if a piece in a size up from what you normally wear fits you better? No one will see the tag, but everyone will notice how the garment fits your body. You can ensure your clothes fit perfectly by getting them professionally tailored. Pay attention to the length of hems and sleeves because those can be easy, affordable fixes, boosting the overall sophistication of an outfit.
Elevated Accessorize
You can even add a luxury vibe to your casual outfits by employing the right accessories. A quality purse can elevate an entire look, especially if you add structure. A structured bag is one that holds its shape when you set it down. Unlike totes, which fold over on themselves when not in use, a structured bag looks polished and sophisticated no matter how it’s held. For the most “quiet luxury” vibes, seek out leather or vegan leather options in rich, warm brown tones.
A shoe with a pointed or square toe also adds instant sophistication to any outfit.
It is also an easy way to appear taller. Look for neutral, skin-toned shades to elongate your legs. Or opt for a classic cap-toe shoe for Chanel-style charm.
Adding a belt makes any outfit look more intentional and polished. If your dress, romper or jumpsuit has a matching sash, ditch it and add your own. This will add more contrast and texture to your outfit, looking more luxe and less “off the rack.”
Finishing Touches
Adding a blazer or tailored jacket instantly elevates any outfit. In summer, opt for linen, sleeveless styles or a vest for a lighter touch. These pieces are perfect for mixing high-end staples with budget-friendly items. Invest in timeless, well-tailored pieces and save on trendy, seasonal items. A quality jacket, vest or silk scarf can effortlessly elevate affordable pieces. Properly caring for your clothes with correct washing and storage also enhances their longevity and appearance, ensuring a more polished and expensive look.
Looking expensive doesn’t mean you have to drain your bank account. So while summer sales swell and the latest trends transpire, you can channel some serious sophistication by sticking to these five guides to help you look luxe for less.
