10 Ways To Make Your Outfit Look More Expensive

With the holidays upon us, invitations to parties are beckoning. You’ll want to look your very best without cutting into your holiday gift-giving budget. Here I share some simple techniques to elevate your party attire and make an outfit look expensive.

10 Ways To Make an Outfit Look Expensive

Don’t over-embellish:

Too many bows, buttons, frills, etc., can make a garment look cheap. The more streamlined the garment, the more refined it will appear.

Avoid too much ice:

The same rule as above applies with too much ice. An over-indulgence often looks gaudy. There’s a statement my mother use to make, ‘Rich people don’t have to say they’re rich’. I often think of this when I see a person over-adorned with ice, such as: a large statement necklace combined with over the top earrings, multiple bracelets and rings. There is elegance in the simple touches. If you decide to wear a large necklace, select a smaller stud for an earring. If your garment’s neckline is such that it doesn’t need a necklace, now’s the time to wear a unique pair of statement earrings.

Look for pills and pulls:

Make sure your knitwear is free and clear from pills and pulls or snags. Though it may be your favorite sweater or shawl, you don’t want to lessen the value of your look by showing up in a garment that’s seen its better days.

What lies beneath:

To create a smooth silhouette with clean lines and a good lift, choose proper undergarments. Ill-fitting underwear is a sure-fire way to cheapen the look of your outfit.

That’s the pits:

Check the underarms before you leave home. Make sure your dark garments are free from deodorant build-up. Watch a quick video on how to remove the stain.

Mani/pedi perfection:

How many times have you seen a well dressed woman with tattered nails? It’s not very becoming. As a matter of fact, it can ruin an entire look! Before the soiree, pamper yourself with a mani/pedi. You’ll look divine sipping champagne with your lovely hands on display, and your perfectly painted toes will enhance your jewel encrusted sandals.

No smears:

This may seem strange for some, trust me, it makes a world of difference for appearance sake. Make sure your eyeglasses are smudge free. Eyeglasses covered with smudges tell me a person doesn’t pay attention to details. Sparkling, pristine eyewear is a must and shouldn’t be an afterthought. Your eyewear is a part of the bigger fashion picture.

Belt it:

If your belt will be visible, it’s important to make sure that it is of good quality. If it’s shedding, cracked, tarnished, etc., it has no place in your closet, and definitely should not be a part of your party attire. Belts are often overlooked, but a good quality brand will elevate your look instantly.

No scuff marks:

That scuff you got on your favorite pumps last week must go before you combine it with your little black dress.  The same rule that applies for men and polished shoes, also applies to women. Keep your footwear in tip-top shape. Scuffs, damaged heels, etc. will make your outfit look shoddy, not expensive.

Stand up straight:

There were reasons our mothers instructed us to stand up straight. Did you know good posture makes you appear more powerful, happy and confident? These are great attributes to take to a party, plus, when you use good posture, the line of clothing hangs much better.

I hope you have an incredible holiday season!