7 Fashion Tricks to Look More Expensive

Table of Contents

• 1. Focus on the Fit
• 2. Choose Better Fabrics
• 3. Take Care of Your Stuff
• 4. Upgrade the Details
• 5. Stick to Neutral Colors
• 6. Keep It Classic
• 7. Use Better Accessories
• References
• Images Sources

1. Focus on the Fit

If there's one golden rule in dressing well on a budget this is it

Fits everything.

A $15 blazer that hugs your shoulders just right will always look better than a $200 one that swallows you up or pinches in the wrong places.

When clothes fit your body the way they should , they hang better, they move better, and they give off the "tailored just for me" vibe—even when they weren't.

A few small tweaks from a tailor can totally change how your outfit looks and feels.

Think hemming jeans, adjusting waistlines, shortening sleeves—tiny changes, big difference.

Why it works

Because poor fit is usually what gives away a cheap piece.

Sagging, gaping, or pulling in the wrong spots screams low effort.

But when something looks like it was made for you?

That's where the magic happens.

Even if you dont have access to a tailor, learn the basics.

Some simple YouTube tutorials can teach you how to take in a waist or fix a hem at home.

Or, when shopping, just keep an eye out for things that already suit your body type.

Know what shapes flatter you best and stick to them.

And honestly, once you experience the power of good fit, there's no going back.

It's like a style cheat code.

2. Choose Better Fabrics

Okay so you're not splurging on Italian wool.

Totally fine.

But fabric still matters—a lot.

The feel , weight, and drape of the material is one of the fastest ways people (even unconsciously) judge how "expensive" something looks.

Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool usually look more luxe than shiny or flimsy synthetic ones.

Think: thick cotton T-shirts, crisp linen shirts, structured denim.

Even a decent faux leather or suede can pass for the real deal if it's got the right texture and weight.

What you wanna avoid

Ultra-shiny polyester, paper-thin jersey, or that weird plasticky feel some items have.

These fabrics usually dont hold shape well and can wrinkle or pill fast—instantly cheapening your outfit.

If you're not sure, just try the touch test.

Rub the fabric between your fingers.

Does it feel soft and sturdy?

Or thin and scratchy?

Go with the one that feels more solid—it's usually the better bet.

3. Take Care of Your Stuff

This is a big one

You could be wearing the nicest thing in your closet but if it's wrinkled , stained, or pilled all over

It won't matter.

People notice.

Keeping your clothes in good shape is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to look more polished.

No need to buy new things constantly—just make the ones you already have look their best.

That means steaming or ironing when needed, using a lint roller before heading out, and washing things properly so they last longer.

Also: storage matters.

Hang things that need to stay crisp, fold the stuff that stretches out, and dont cram everything into one drawer.

Give your clothes room to breathe a little.

They'll look better for it.

Here's a simple care checklist to keep handy:

Clothing Care Basics:

4. Upgrade the Details

Sometime it's the tiniest things that make the biggest difference

Buttons zippers , stitching—these little elements can either cheapen or elevate a piece fast.

A super easy fix

Swap out cheap plastic buttons for something better.

Metal, wood, mother-of-pearl, or even covered buttons can give your shirt or coat a more luxe feel.

And it's usually a quick DIY.

Next, check the stitching.

Are the seams straight?

Are any threads coming loose?

Do the patterns line up properly on both sides?

Clothes with clean stitching and attention to detail almost always look more expensive.

Also keep an eye out for lining, especially in jackets or dresses.

A lined piece usually looks and feels more structured—aka fancier.

And if something's unlined, that doesnt make it bad, but maybe pair it with accessories or layers to balance it out.

5. Stick to Neutral Colors

Neutrals are your best friend when it comes to dressing luxe on a budget

Black white , beige, navy, camel, and gray—they just naturally have a more polished vibe.

They're easy to mix and match, and they tend to hide imperfections in fabric or construction better than loud prints.

Bright colors can be fun, but in cheap fabrics, they sometime look a little off.

Same goes for busy patterns or huge logos—they can cheapen a look fast.

If you love color, go for rich tones like deep green, burgundy, or rust, and keep the silhouette simple.

Monochromatic outfits (where everything is a different shade of the same color) can also look super chic.

Plus, they make you look taller and more put-together with almost zero effort.

6. Keep It Classic

Trendy pieces can be fun, but when you're working with a tighter budget, it's better to lean classic.

Simple, timeless shapes—think trench coats, button-up shirts, crew neck sweaters—tend to look way more expensive than whatever's trending for five minutes.

Not only do classic styles last longer (style-wise), but they're also often made better, even in budget versions.

You're not paying for wild cuts or crazy patterns, so the focus is usually on the fabric and shape.

So skip the ultra-distressed jeans or shirts with huge logos, and try clean lines, solid colors, and minimal details.

Think French girl, not TikTok trend.

Also, the best part?

Classic pieces can be worn a hundred different ways.

You'll always have something that works.

7. Use Better Accessories

Okay so accessories aren't clothes—but they totally change how your outfits perceived

A sleek belt , a structured bag, or a nice pair of shoes can make even the simplest outfit look intentional and expensive.

If you're gonna splurge anywhere, this is where to do it.

You dont need a $500 bag, just one that looks structured and solid.

A leather (or good faux leather) tote, clean white sneakers, or some simple gold jewelry can do wonders.

Avoid overly sparkly pieces or things with too many details—simple almost always wins.

The goal is to look like you paid attention, not like you're trying too hard.

Here's a quick cheat list:

Accessory Upgrade Ideas:

• Minimalist leather handbag

• Clean white sneakers or loafers

• Simple gold or silver hoops

• Classic belt (not too wide or trendy)

• Neutral-toned scarf or sunglasses

So what's the real trick to looking like a million bucks when you spent twenty

It's all in the little things

Start with a killer fit , and then build around it with good fabrics, clean details, and thoughtful care.

Add in a few timeless pieces and some smart accessories, and suddenly—cheap clothes?

They dont look so cheap anymore.

And the best part?

You don't need to max out your card to pull it off.

Sources and References

• Real Simple: How to Make Cheap Clothes Look Expensive

• Harper's Bazaar: Style Tricks to Elevate Your Look

• Who What Wear: Cheap Clothing Hacks That Work

• Refinery29: Tips for Dressing Rich on a Budget

• The Everygirl: Make Your Outfit Look Pricier

Images Sources and Attributions

All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.