How To Look Expensive On A Budget

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more info.

You don’t need a lot to look expensive. You don’t need to spend a lot to look like you have a lot. In fact, many social media influencers and celebrities mix high-and-low pieces that are indistinguishable from each other.

To look expensive on a minimal budget, there are a few major principles to follow, to achieve that lottery winner style. By adopting these specific rules, it will be easy to look and feel your best, regardless of your budget.

How Can I Look Expensive?

There are a few tips I have found that has helped me shop and get dressed.

One of the most important rules is to pay attention to the fit of your clothes. A well-dressed person will always mention how important it is to have clothes tailored to his/her particular body type and dimensions. Personally, I alter my trousers and jeans to make them fit better to my petite frame.


Fabric choices are a key component of how to look expensive on a budget. The best fabrics to choose from are cotton, wool, cashmere, and silk. Granted, those are more expensive fabrics than polyester, but buying a cashmere sweater will actually be more cost-effective in the long run than a cheap badly-put together sweater.


There are also plenty of outlet options to search for high-end fabrics and pieces. Also, it is now easy to find well-made fabric pieces at Zara, H&M or ASOS that will give off that lottery winner style.


Scroll below for more practical tips on how to look expensive on a budget.

Tip #1: Switch Up Your Buttons

how to look expensive on a budget, 	how to dress expensive on a budget, 	how to look rich and classy, how to look expensive
Instagram @ultrasophisticate

Gold buttons change an ordinary piece so it doesn’t look generic.


The buttons of any clothing item can be changed, for a very minimal cost, to give a piece the high-class style without much effort.

Tip #2: Go Monochrome

how to look expensive on a budget, 	how to dress expensive on a budget, 	how to look rich and classy, how to look expensive
Instagram @cristinahudacov

Monochrome clothing, preferably in a neutral palette, are one of the easiest ways to look fancy.


Monochrome outfits are elongating on the body. Neutral colors are timeless, and answer the question of how to look expensive on a budget.

Tip #3: Add An Oversized Blazer

how to look expensive on a budget, 	how to dress expensive on a budget, 	how to look rich and classy, how to look expensive
Instagram @dani_elle_laz

There is something inherently chic and classic about slightly oversized blazers. You will instantly feel more luxe whether you pair the blazer with jeans or trousers.

If they are too oversized for you, tailor it down to fit your specific proportions, while persevering the oversized nature of the blazer.

Tip #4: Choose Black Accessories

how to look expensive on a budget, 	how to dress expensive on a budget, 	how to look rich and classy, how to look expensive
Instagram @vanessaroseblair

Black not brown. A black bag, especially with gold hardware, will always look expensive. A brown bag can look tired and beat-up. A black bag will withstand day-to-day wear better than other colors. Always invest in a classic bag that you will keep for a lifetime.

This principle applies to sunglasses and belts. Choose a classic black sunglass frame, such as a cat-eye frame. Also, a black leather belt will always elevate a basic outfit.

Tip #5: Quality Staple Pieces

how to look expensive on a budget, 	how to dress expensive on a budget, 	how to look rich and classy, how to look expensive
Instagram @sonia_dhi

Having a sophisticate style does not need to be expensive. Purchasing quality pieces, such as a white tee, is a necessary piece for every wardrobe. When purchasing a white tee, always size up. This makes a budget item look more luxurious. It can be worn with jeans, shorts, or underneath a blazer.


Jeans are another important staple item. A straight leg, high waist denim will always be timeless. Choose one that is not too distressed for a classic. clean look.

Tip #6: Choose A White Button Down

how to look expensive on a budget, 	how to dress expensive on a budget, 	how to look rich and classy, how to look expensive
Instagram @mayisha.nyc

A classic button down shirt is an integral part of how to look expensive.

The white button shirt, whether it is cotton or linen, is a piece that always makes an outfit look expensive and streamlined.

The white button down shirt is a versatile piece that is an important piece for a monochrome look.

Tip #7 : Layering Your Look

how to look expensive on a budget, 	how to dress expensive on a budget, 	how to look rich and classy, how to look expensive
Instagram @melisekrem

A layered look is a great way in the cooler months to look put together and luxurious.

The white button down piece, I discussed earlier, can be used as a foundation piece underneath a blazer. Wear a turtleneck underneath the button down for cooler temperatures.

Tie it together with black accessories, such as the belt and bag, to complete the look.