Looking chic and expensive doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little wardrobe creativity and smart shopping, you can elevate your look and dress bougie on a budget. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve that luxe look without breaking the bank.
1. Create a Timeless Uniform
When money is tight, the best tip is to forget chasing the latest trends and designer labels and create a stylish, timeless uniform. Start with a foundation of high-quality basics; you probably already have many in your wardrobe: well-fitted jeans, an elevated T-shirt, a tailored blazer, and a classic trench coat. Stick to solid colors and wear them in the same shades and tones: classic black, navy, tans, and neutrals; look elegant and, say, quiet luxury. If you need a style update, you can buy well-made, high-quality basics from brands like Zara, H&M, Madewell, and Everlane.
2. Embrace Neutral Shades
A bougie wardrobe doesn’t mean one filled with expensive brights and bold prints; it means having good, neutral staples that can be mixed and matched and give off an air of sophistication. Soft neutrals like white, gray, and cream always look clean, elegant, and timeless. All-white looks are stylish, and you’ll never go wrong with white jeans or pants and a stylish white t-shirt (break it up with a black belt and simple black slides). Classic black and white combos (black pants, white tee, or button-down) are also chic.
3. Layer On Luxe Jewelry
An easy way to make an outfit look more bougie is to add a few pieces of jewelry. Simple, understated jewelry can add a touch of elegance to any outfit. They don’t have to be expensive or even real gold; it’s more about choosing timeless styles. Look for elegant gold hoop earrings, fine delicate chain necklaces (or layer a few long strains), or a cute cocktail ring; all these will give your look richness.
4. Rock a Rich Girl Red Lip
Nothing says glamor and luxury like a bold red lip. Complement it with a red manicure, and you will look like a billion dollars. Red is a power color that instantly boosts your confidence, outfit, and mood. Always find the right red for your skin tone and use a hydrating satin formula (mattes can be too heavy) or a lipstick that feels too much; a glossy lip tint will add color and fullness to your pout. When you rock a red lip and nails, you can wear the most basic outfit; it looks fire against black, navy, and white particularly.
5. Tailor Your Clothes
Even inexpensive clothing can look high-end when it fits well. The easiest way to cheapen your look is to wear boxy, unflattering pieces with no tailoring. Spend a little extra to have your clothes tailored to your body, and you’ll instantly look more put-together. You will also instantly look more polished and elevated in a tailored suit; again, there are many excellent, affordable options out there.
6. Do Dramatic Sleeves and Silhouettes
Looking bougie can be as easy as wearing a dramatic sleeve or an exciting hemline. An interesting cut can elevate the most boring outfit and is an instant fashion flex. Monochrome outfits can make you look taller, slimmer, and more refined, even if the pieces are inexpensive.
7. Swap Out Buttons
One easy way to make a cheap jacket or blouse look more expensive is to swap out the buttons for higher-quality ones. Buttons are an overlooked part of our everyday fashion that can say a lot about the quality of a piece. Look for metal buttons at your local craft store to add a luxe touch to your garments.
8. Add a White-Button Down and Keep it Pressed
A white button-down shirt is a wardrobe essential and an instant ticket to looking more chic and polished. You can get good, affordable cotton (avoid synthetic fibers) from brands like Zara and H&M, which instantly elevate jeans and trousers. However, wrinkled, stained, or worn-out clothes can ruin your look and make you look cheap. To look bougie on a budget, ensure your outfits are always clean, well-pressed, and in good condition. It’s a subtle yet meaningful way to signal that you’re wearing expensive clothing even when you aren’t.
9. Invest in a Classic Structured Bag
A structured handbag can instantly make your outfit look more expensive. Slouchy bags can look cheap and juvenile, which ruins your whole look. If you want to appear more lavish, look for bags with clean lines and minimal hardware; these are often more affordable and timeless than overly trendy styles.
10. Choose Pointed-Toe Shoes
Nothing says bougie and sophisticated like a pair of pointed-toe shoes. This shoe style adds a sleek touch of elegance and can even make your legs appear longer. Whether it’s flats or heels, this is a timeless way to boost your outfit and appear more lavishly dressed than you are.
11. Shop Second-Hand
Thrift stores and consignment shops are treasure troves for high-quality, designer pieces at a fraction of the price. People everywhere donate expensive and well-made clothes every day, so take advantage of this. Take the time to hunt for hidden gems that can add a bougie touch to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
12. Focus on Expensive-Looking Fabrics
Certain fabrics, like silk, wool, and cashmere, naturally look more expensive. Just because these are natural fibers doesn’t mean they cost a lot of money. There are ways to seek out affordable items made from these materials or opt for good-quality blends that mimic their luxe appearance.
13. Always Have a Little Black Dress On Hand
A little black dress or a maxi style will take you anywhere. It’s a classic wardrobe staple that always looks stylish. Add some gold necklaces or statement jewelry, throw over a cute blazer, and add a cute heel or dressy sandal; you’ll instantly look more expensive. The great thing about a black dress is that although it is simple, you can wear it in any style or cut you like, and each has a different personality. You can never have too many, and they’ll see you through every “I have no idea what to wear” crisis.
14. Get a Hair Cut and Gloss
Your hair is an extension of your look (and your makeup). If your hair is graying or thinning or you haven’t had a cut for a minute, start there and see how it brings your whole look together. The right hairstyle can take years off your age and make you look polished. Update your style, cover your grays, and have a gloss treatment to boost the condition of your hair. Shiny, glossy hair looks rich.