How To Look Expensive On A Budget in 2025
Want to know the formula for how to look expensive on a budget? Follow my tips and tricks to get a classy, bougie look…without blowing your paycheck.
Contrary to what many believe, you don’t need designer everything to look like you have your life together. The truth? Class has more to do with intention than price tags.
With the right habits and styling strategies, you can pull off an elevated, polished look while still watching your spending. I’m sharing exactly how to do it in 2025!
Invest in Fewer Staple Pieces
get the look for less:
Staples are the foundation of every polished wardrobe. Think basic tees, classic jeans, a neutral tote, and timeless outerwear. Rather than buying trendy fast-fashion pieces that wear out in months, invest in high-quality basics that will last, and look chic for seasons to come.
Yes, a $50 well-cut white tee might cost more upfront than a $10 one, but it’ll hold up better and elevate your outfits in the long run. Plus, many quality staples can be resold on Poshmark or The Real Real once you’re ready to refresh.
I recommend you start slow. Build a wardrobe around:
- Basic tees
- Leather flats
- Classic jeans
- A classic black dress
- A neutral leather tote
- Key outerwear: trench coat, blazer, denim jacket, and leather jacket
Go With Neutrals
shop neutrals:
Neutrals are your best friend when you want to look luxe on a budget. Black, white, grey, taupe, olive, and brown mix beautifully and instantly read as elevated.
Stick to a mostly neutral color palette and use small pops of color with accessories. Neutrals are timeless and versatile, so you’ll get way more outfit mileage with less.
I always feel more elevated when wearing my favorite neutral pieces. And more cannot be said about the power of a pair of off-white jeans or trousers!
Focus on a Flattering Fit
get the look for less:
Fit is everything. Even the most affordable pieces can look high-end if they’re tailored to flatter your shape.
Here are some of my top tips:
- Balance oversized with fitted (think a chunky sweater with straight-leg jeans)
- Learn what silhouettes work for your body type
- Hem your pants, sleeves, or skirts if needed
- Don’t be afraid of a good tailor—it can make a $40 blazer look like $400
Keep Accessories Sleek and to a Minimum
Accessories should enhance, not overwhelm. I love how minimalist jewelry, structured bags, and clean lines goes a long way when elevating a simple outfit.
Try my fave more affordable accessory options below:
- Dainty cuff bracelet
- Dainty gold hoops or croissant earrings
- Pearl drop necklace
- A simple gold chain
- Cat-eye or wayfarer sunglasses
- Neutral-tone leather loafers or mules
- Structured black or brown tote
A few well-chosen accessories add polish and help tie everything together.
Find the Right Fabrics
get the look:
Fabrics can make or break an outfit. Prioritize materials like:
- Cashmere (or blends) – I adore this $50 cashmere sweater
- Linen (or blends with cotton)
- Cotton/Poplin
- Silk (Quince has great affordable silk options)
- Wool
Check the fabric tag before buying. A cotton or linen tee will always look more elevated than polyester.
Launder With Care
No matter how nice your clothes are, if they’re faded, pilled, or wrinkled—they won’t look luxe.
Read your care labels, hang dry when possible, and invest in a fabric shaver or steamer to keep things crisp. Your wardrobe (and wallet) will thank you.
Shop the Right Brands
Some affordable brands just get the elevated essentials. A few of my personal favorites are:
- Quince: offering cashmere, linen, and silk for a fraction of the price
- Mango: trendy yet timeless styles in natural fabrics
- Madewell: amazing denim and classic accessories
- Everlane: clean, ethical basics
- H&M: stick to the Conscious line and look for natural fibers
- Zara: stick with pieces made with natural fibers (cotton, linen, leather, etc)
Sign up for email lists to catch sales, and stalk those “back in stock” notifications.
Buy and Sell Used
Luxury doesn’t have to be new. Sites like The Real Real, Fashionphile, and Poshmark offer designer pieces at a serious discount—often in like-new condition.
I also often sell my pre-loved pieces and use the profits to upgrade. This way I can keep my closet fresh and sustainable.
Start a Pinterest Board for Inspiration
I highly recommend building a visual library of outfits you love. Before shopping, look through your board and take note of recurring themes: color palettes, silhouettes, accessories.
This will keep you focused and help you recreate the expensive looks you love with budget-friendly alternatives, and avoid impulse buying!
Study the Pros
I love to follow the fashion it girls on social media for inspiration. I take note of how they style staples, balance proportions, and accessorize.
When looking at outfits that inspire you, ask yourself:
- What makes this outfit feel elevated?
- What details am I drawn to?
- Can I recreate this with what I have?
Don’t full-on copy, just take cues. Use their looks as blueprints to refine your personal style.
In my opinion, looking expensive on a budget is less about how much you spend and more about how you shop, style, and care for what you wear.
With the right mindset and a little patience, your wardrobe will feel effortlessly elevated—without draining your bank account!
shop my fave budget-friendly staples: