9 Secrets To Looking Expensive On A Budget
Who doesn’t want to look put-together? The good news is, you absolutely can—without breaking the bank! It’s all about investing your time to understand what works and what doesn't. We’re here to share simple, smart ways to level up your look without spending a fortune!
Avoid Logos
Looking expensive is about style, not showing off brands. A sleek, unbranded t-shirt or blazer will always look more polished than a loud logo piece! Let the outfit do the talking not the logo.
Press Your Hems and Seams
Even high street clothes look designer when they’re crisp. Iron or steam your hems, seams, and collars to give your outfit a structured, tailored finish.
Don’t Skip Sunglasses
A sleek pair of sunglasses instantly adds mystery and polish to any outfit, whether you’re in casual clothes or dressed up. Choose classic shapes like aviators, cat-eye, or oversized frames and avoid overly trendy styles that won’t last beyond the season.
We’ve found these bargain pair from NA-KD below!
Belt It
A well-placed belt can instantly elevate an outfit, adding structure and a tailored, expensive look. Opt for classic, thin or medium-width leather belts in neutral shades like black, tan, or brown. Avoid flashy, branded buckles and choose subtle metal finishes instead. Wear belts over blazers, dresses, or coats to add definition, and for a sleek, sophisticated effect, match the belt to your outfit’s color.
Keep Your Phone Case Polished
A worn-out or overly trendy phone case can cheapen your look. Opt for a minimalist, neutral-coloured case that complements your overall aesthetic.
Make Sure Your Socks Are Invisible or Intentional
As much as they can be a little annoying, sometimes you just need a pair of invisible socks. But, despite their name, make sure they’re actually invisible! If you’re going for the loafers-and-socks look, make sure the socks are intentional, not worn-out or mismatched.
Monochrome
A monochrome outfit, where all pieces are in the same colour or varying shades, creates a sleek, polished, and sophisticated look. Stick to timeless neutrals like black, beige, or navy. Mix different textures such as silk, wool, and leather to add depth, and coordinate your accessories to match the colour scheme for an elevated finish. Playing with different tones of the same colour keeps the look dynamic while still looking refined and expensive.
We guarantee everyone has a black top and black jeans in their wardrobe already!
No Makeup Makeup
The no-makeup makeup look is all about a fresh, natural glow that subtly enhances your features. Use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer for an even complexion, followed by cream blush and highlighter for a natural flush. Keep eyes and lips neutral, defining lashes with mascara. This minimalist approach creates a chic, polished look that feels timeless and expensive.
Our top tip: Always try travel-size products when testing something new to avoid committing to full sizes. And double up your blush—dab it on your lips for a put together look. Don’t forget to keep your hair clean and fresh—it’s key to looking polished!
We’ve rounded up our favourite budget-friendly makeup products for achieving an effortless no-makeup makeup look.
MOISTERISER - CETAPHIL, £12.34
CONCEALER - COLLECTION 2000, £4.49
POWDER - CHARLOTTE TILBURY TRAVEL, £22
Be Selective with Fabrics
Fabric can make or break an outfit, and the wrong choice can easily make it look cheap. Here’s our top tips for picking the right fabrics to elevate your look:
Choose Matte Over Shiny Fabrics – Shiny fabrics can sometimes look cheap, while matte fabrics like cotton create a more refined and expensive appearance.
Look for Textured Fabrics – Fabrics with subtle texture add depth and dimension to your outfit, making even simpler pieces appear more expensive.
Opt for Wool Blends – While pure wool can be pricey, look for wool-polyester blends or wool-acrylic blends that maintain a sleek appearance without the premium price tag.
Linen Blends – Linen is known for its luxurious, airy feel, but it can be expensive. Instead, go for linen blends that mix linen with cotton or polyester. These look just as sophisticated but are often more affordable and easier to care for.
Go for Silk Alternatives – Real silk is costly, but fabrics like satin have a soft sheen and smooth texture that give your outfit an elegant, polished look. But be careful when choosing satin! Cheaper satin can sometimes have a poor fit or look cheap, so make sure to select higher-quality satin that drapes well and feels luxurious. Zara do great satin!
Embrace Rich Neutrals – Fabrics in rich, deep neutrals like charcoal grey, navy, and deep camel look expensive in themselves, especially in quality blends like polyester-wool mix or acrylic-cashmere blend.
Ditch The Elastane - Elastane can make fabrics look cheap as it stretches out over time and loses shape.
These fabric choices will help create a more polished, expensive-looking wardrobe without the high cost!
