What’s the best way to look expensive and elegant on a budget?

21 comments

1. Wear clean, ironed clothes that are not stretchy

2. I would say the first thing is be clean. fix clean hair into sleek styles, *iron your clothes*. minimal makeup, and maybe a signature piece of jewelry – a nice, simple gold necklace or earrings that go with everything would be a good thing to invest in. i would also not underestimate your shoes – just make sure they’re clean and undamaged. and you can never go wrong with a red lip. also make sure your nails are clean and trimmed

   all of the above is my own personal opinion of what constitutes elegance so take it with a grain of salt

   edit: i also agree with what others have said about wearing clothes that fit. baggy or ill-fitting clothes are not typically elegant. I think it also goes without saying to avoid wearing clothing with graphics or brands plastered on it.

3. * Wearing well-fitted, classically-styled clothing made of good quality fabric in solid neutral colors
   * Having good posture, seeming at ease and confident
   * Choosing a simple and classic hairstyle that works well with your features
   * Keeping your accessories simple. Don’t have too many pieces competing for attention

4. Jewelry! Even if it’s fake, no one knows, and it elevates your entire look 🙂

5. Wear all the same color or do a monochromatic looks with the same color in different shades. This looks SO elevated and stylish! Black is often the easy starter for people.

   I also recommend buying basic items of clothing that can be easily interchanged. Avoid patterns, trends, bright/trendy colors, embellishments, graphics, etc. Prioritize which items you do spend money on. If you can sneak in one accessory like a purse or shoes that is a splurge for you, often that will help as well. I often shop sales, factory/outlet, discount stores, and on Poshmark to save money on items I really love and want.

   Making sure your hair and makeup are tidy is another I see recommended often. If you can’t afford makeup or a lot of it (and you don’t need the luxury stuff!) at least get yourself a decent face wash and moisturizer that will help keep your skin clear.

6. Instead of denims, wear other types of trousers. For example: chinos.
   Also wear shirts/sweatshirts without any logos/drawings/phrases. ex: a plain white t-shirt
   And then for shoes also wear something that it’s only 1 colour, preferably white, black or brown

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8. Go to the Salvation Army in richer areas. I got a real Coach purse for $20.

9. in addition to the really great comments here—I want to focus on the expensive part of your prompt since elegant doesn’t always equal expensive.
   anyways my mom says that one nice designer item is enough to make an already classy outfit look very expensive. the rest can be out of season or off-brand as long as it’s clean ! instead of burning cash on cheap accessories trying to emulate an expensive look, save for a bit and get one timeless ticket item (nice purse, belt, etc). then, use that item on the regular to spruce up your outfit. I consider my only real designer handbag an ‘investment’ for this reason haha.

10. A blazer. It adds a cherry on top.

11. Wear things that are good materials and you can actually find a lot of these items on second hand stores sites like thred up. A low bun or pony tail that is slicked back is super classy with some pretty earrings.

12. Thrift stores. You can find great stuff sometimes

13. Elegance is a mindset. Being fashonable and classy need not be expensive.

14. I think a simple black dress is the way to go..

15. Black is always elegant and classy. Most of my wardrobe is black. Simple jewelry that isn’t big or gaudy. Just being well manicured- clean nails, a little make up. A nice pair of sunglasses, plenty of knock offs that look just as good as expensive ones.

16. Everyone talks about clothing choices but I’d say working out. A healthy, toned and lean body will make you look really good, even with cheap clothing and accessories.

17. Well fitted quality materials. I buy cashmere sweaters and silk blouses at a thrift as well as expensive brand of pants and skirts when I get lucky. Thrift is the way to go. Or real real if you look for sales and put the materials you are looking for in search.

18. Being really skinny helps

19. Wear a muted colour palette – black, navy, grey, camel, khaki green.

20. I think attention to detail and alternative sourcing can make all the difference.

    My most complimented appearances at “fancy” events are with clean and steamed/pressed dresses from thrift stores or Shein. Well coordinated with shoes, and doing my own make-up and hair I look like a million bucks when I spent less than $15.

    It is also just as, if not more important to act elegant/expensive. Not snooty or stuck up, but etiquette is important. Know how you’re suppose to get in and out of vehicles, walk, speak, gesture, eat, etc.

21. Ive found many people found me more elegant when I wore dresses. You can get cheap nice looking clothes as well at thrift shops, goodwill, etc. If you can sew its even better as you can buy things like curtains and bedsheets to supplement expensive fabrics. Accessories also could really help make you look expensive on a budget as many people don’t know the cost of jewelry.