We always want to present our best selves to others and dressing the part plays such an important role in that. But how exactly do we dress to look expensive? Here are some tips that won’t break your budget.
Know your style
First things first ladies (and gents), make sure you know what kind of expensive look you’re going for! The Kim K expensive and Kate Middleton expensive will be nothing alike. Go on pinterest and create an inspiration board of every look that gives you life. This can help you narrow down when you’re shopping and make the next few tips easier:
Go Neutral
While neon has been making a comeback and we all love a pop of red, neutrals will forever be a tried-and-true staple of an expensive look. Try a classic LBD or a pants suit. When in doubt, neutrals are the way to go.
Entry-Level Designer Pieces.
Update a simple look with designer pieces. Adding sunglasses or a scarf with that label on it can seriously up your game and play up the less expensive pieces that you have in your outfit. You can tie a scarf around a bag, through your hair for summer trends or around your neck.
Splurge in the right places
Ask yourself, what’s the first thing that you notice about someone’s style? For me, it’s always a handbag and shoes. This is always what gets me while out shopping and where I’ll spend more of my money. Stepping out with a great handbag and shoes not only makes you feel great but makes you appear like you have money. If you don’t have the moola to splurge on a brand new piece, no worries. Head over to TheRealReal or Poshmark to find luxury items for less. With that all being said, don’t forget NOT to splurge in the wrong places. Get your basics, like tees and tanks, at less expensive places. No ones going to be pulling out the tag to check!
Posture + Manners
While clothes are great and do up your “I’m rolling in the dough” appearance, nothing can match the importance of posture and manners. If you know your posture is terrible (like me!) stand or sit in front of a mirror and practice your posture for at least 15 minutes every day. This will make an incredible difference on your first impression with people. Also, call up your grandma and see what tips she has for manners. If she’s like mine I’m sure she’ll have plenty and will be more than willing to share. Or, always consider taking an etiquette class! No matter where you’re at with customs and courtesies, it never hurts to learn more.
Eyebrows + Concealer
No matter how minimal I go with the rest of my makeup, eyebrows and concealer under the eye are an absolute must. There is a power that these two things bring everytime they’re added. Eyebrows shape the face and make you appear naturally blessed (hallelujah) and concealer covers those grey circles, which none of us should be walking around with!
Add a Jacket
Leather jackets, utility jackets, trench coats, the blazer, you name it. Jackets will take any basic look to 100 the second you put it on. These don’t even need to be designer or expensive! As long as they fit well and go with the color pallet you’ve chosen for your look, you’re golden.
Heels
This is probably a given for you all but some tips on picking heels: go for nudes and lighter colors in the summer, since most of us will probably be switching to a lighter color pallet in the summertime. Adding a nude shoe similar to the color of your leg will make them appear longer. In winter, go for the opposite! If you have smaller legs, pointy shoes will balance everything out while rounded & open toed heels are better for mermaid thighs.
Red Lipstick + Polished nails
These are again two things that work for everyone. Choose a red lip that is in the darker shades so that it blends comfortably with your skin and doesn’t detract from the rest of your appearance. The red lip will no doubt be the showstopper, so make sure the rest of your outfit doesn’t have too many flashy pieces. Polished nails are a must and celebrities are paving the way for a whole new ballgame when it comes to nails. However, to play it safe stick to neutrals and shorter nails.
Go Monocrome
Monocromatic looks are EVERYWHERE right now and won’t be going away anytime soon. They are actually pretty simple to do if you’re choosing a neutral monocromatic look, as most of the pieces will already be in your closet and the best part is that the shades don’t have to match, just be of the same color family. Grey on grey here we come! See my favorite monochromatic looks here.
Jewelry
Just like with everything here, it’s important to have balance. This is SO important when it comes to your jewelry. I would always say err on the lighter side of jewelry, adding maybe a few rings or a necklace, but never go for multiple big pieces in one look. And, if your outfit is already a statement enough, you don’t want your jewelry trying to steal the show.
Do Rent the Runway program
If you still feel like you’re trying to keep up with everyone else – maybe your job requires it – then a program like Rent the Runway might be a great option for you. Rent the Runway allows you to rent designer pieces and receive new ones every month for a monthly subscription.
Xo,
Gina
© Gina Johnson Spoden 2019
