How to Dress Smart on a Budget

Want to feel and look your best in a fashionable, expensive-looking style that won't cost you a fortune? You've arrived at the right place. Just because you aren't rich doesn't mean you have to look like it!

Dressing to to seem more expensive is less about trying to impress others and more about feeling confident, well-dressed, and polished on a daily basis.

Rules on how to look stylish without spending much:

• Make sure your clothes fit well

There is nothing worse that poor fitted clothes. Small jacket, too short pants, the coat that is a three sizes bigger than you or a shirt that is about to explode.

Remember that your clothing should show you in the best way . Choose what fits you perfectly without focusing too much on the size on the label.

Man in Black Suit Jacket Holding Brown Necktie by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

• Quality over quantity

Choose quality items made from natural materials. Linen, wool, silk... Yes, it sounds expensive. But believe me, you can find great clothes in regular mass markets as well. Decide on what you really need and don't make impulse purchases. Less is more when it comes to trying to look expensive. Avoid extravagant details such as jewelled embellishments or complicated styles.  Instead, go for a simple, clean look made up of solid colours that suit you.

Bit of advice: Create a basic capsule wardrobe from which you can create 10-15 looks for any occasion using only a few pieces of clothing.

Photos by Tima Miroshnichenko and Thirdman from Pexels

• Keep your clothes clean and polished

When most people think of something valuable, they envision it as refined, polished, and perfect. An expensive outfit that is dirty and wrinkled will appear much cheaper than a good value outfit that is clean and tidy.

To extend the life of your clothes, wash them according to the instructions and air dry them whenever possible.

Bit of advice: Don't be too cheap to purchase a roll remover and an adhesive tape roller. Your clothes will always look neat and clean with their extra help.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

• Accessorize

Once you've decided on an outfit, it's just a matter of finishing it off with some extra accessories.

Handbag

A quality handbag is essential for any woman who wants to look expensive. A handbag is something that you will want to pay a bit more for. Cheaper handbags not only look cheap, but will not last as long as you’d like and in the long run, aren’t worth your money.

Whether it be a designer bag, a shopping bag, or a crossbody bag, opt for something made of real leather or other durable materials and a neutral color that can match most of your outfits. Matching your handbag with your shoes is one of the most effective ways to create an expensive look.

Scarf

A scarf is a great way to up your style and add a bit more dimension to your look in the colder months of the year. Having several different colors of scarves can allow you to either contrast or complement a number of different styles.

Jewellery

A small piece of statement jewellery, such as a necklace, earrings, bracelet, or watch, can make a basic, low-cost outfit stand out. Clear crystals and dark metals are preferable than plastic gemstones and gleaming metals.

A classic style can be enhanced by a metal or leather watch. Alternatively, try for a more ethnic or vintage style to make the jewellery stand out.

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

• Fake it till you make it

Others don't need to know that you don't have a million dollars in your bank account. As if you've just stepped off a yacht, keep everything neutral in white/beige. Look for a good quality knock offs of your favourite styles. Remember that fashion isn't just about how much money you spend. If you choose wisely and confidently, you can look great in something from a budget store!

Dress for the life you want, not just the job you want.