Style Guide

How to look chic & expensive on a budget

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I know it sounds crazy, but it’s really not hard if you know what to do! Here are my top tips for looking expensive on a budget…

Pick the right fabrics…

Certain fabrics read fancier than others, and being mindful of this is the BEST way to make inexpensive items seem higher-quality. See my guide below…

This Reformation top is made of one of my favorite fabrics: jacquard! It was on sale at the Reformation outlet for under $100! (Shop similar here!)

Fabrics that seem expensive (but aren’t):

  • Jacquard
  • Poplin
  • Organza
  • Tulle
  • Cotton
  • Taffeta (the synthetic kind, not silk taffeta; but this is a trickier one as not all taffeta is created equal!)

Fabrics that tend to look inexpensive (even if they aren’t):

  • Jersey
  • Rib knits (aka like a men’s white tank top material)
  • Acrylics
  • Satin (especially as thin polyester satins usually wrinkles pretty quick!)
  • Faux leather (this one is a hit or miss; some faux leathers from high-end brands can look rich, but most faux leather that’s cost-effective will look cheap, so be mindful)
  • Anything with glued-on glitter or sequins (fabrics with stitched-on sequins or rhinestones looks more expensive)
  • Anything that can pill super easily, like knits with a fuzzy, fiber-y look
  • Lamé or tinsel fabrics
  • Rayon (used in a lot of clothing, but doesn’t really wash well IMO)

Fabrics that actually ARE expensive (and look like it):

  • 100% silk or silk blends
  • Silk taffeta
  • Wool
  • Cashmere
  • Silk chiffon

In a nutshell, thicker fabrics are always going to look more expensive. Cheaper fabrics will usually be thinner. (Makes sense, right?) Many, though not all, synthetic fabrics tend to look less expensive because they can stretch, pull, wrinkle easily, or pucker. Fabrics that have more structure, like tulle, organza, and jacquard, consequently make the item of clothing look like it has more structure, and therefore like it took more effort (ie money) to create. Super soft fabrics and knits are comfy but only last for a few wear and wash cycles before they pill, which drops the chicness factor down significantly.

Consider the cut…

Cut alone can’t outweigh the importance of fabric choice, but the common denominator in most expensive clothes is that they fit and flatter the body more than inexpensive clothes due to more mindful construction methods. While it can be a little tricky to find clothes on a budget that have the same kind of fit principles as expensive ones, it’s definitely doable, so here are some examples of my favorite flattering clothing cuts that are still budget-friendly…

Defined Waistlines

The fashion golden rule: define a waistline! A lot of higher-end womenswear clearly defines a waistline, and it’s one of the most flattering things you can look for. Thicker waistbands like the one here are the best choice over tiny ones because they balance out body proportions better. This Rihoas dress in the picture was only $49!

Thoughtful Ruching & One Shoulder Necklines

Ruching can be (hint- *can*) your biggest best friend for flattering outfits. When ruching is placed thoughtfully, like a few pleats through the waist, it can camouflage any area of discomfort or even provide more shape where it’s needed. Don’t overdo it though; allover ruching tends to look inexpensive and less-than-flattering! One shoulder necklines are also great if you’re not comfortable showing a ton of skin, but still want to show some, and they can provide the appearance of more volume to a smaller bust as the widest point of the one-shoulder goes across the chest. This Zara cotton dress was under $50 (shop similar here)!

Tasteful High Waists & Crop Tops

A well-thought out crop top is on-trend and can be flattering if you style it well with a higher-rise bottom. Stay away from fashion extremes and look for more structured fabrics like poplin if you’re going to go cropped. Make sure undergarments are covered and secure, while peeping just a touch of skin above the waistband (not too much!). This one shoulder crop top and harem pants were both from Target at about $30-$40 a piece! (Shop similar here and here!)

Classics look more expensive than trends…

Trends come and go, so usually these kind of items are made quickly and cheaply to keep up with the changing demand. Classic closet staples like trench coats and button downs tend to look nicer because they’re something you’ll have regardless of trends, and they don’t come off as super cheaply-made, even if they are! Here are some classics to keep an eye out for that are universally flattering:

  • Trench coats
  • A-line dresses
  • Button-down poplin shirts
  • A good pair of jeans
  • Classic tennis-style sneakers
  • Ballet flats
This poplin A-line shirt dress and flat mules are closet staples even though they were each under $100! (Shop here!)
This A-line dress is ultra-flattering and was a vintage secondhand find under $70! (Shop similar here!)
These Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are versatile and super comfy, plus less than $100. (Shop here!)

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Xx Tabi

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