How to Look More Expensive Without Breaking the Bank (I)
The key thing about looking expensive and sophisticated is truly understanding the meaning of the phrases “less is more”, “simple and effortlessly put together” and “confidence is attractive”. Being loud in manners and in style really screams “attention seeker”, and a sophisticated person does not need to solicit for attention. That being said, you will find that to look like a million bucks, you would have to be a million bucks in character as well. Below, in no particular order, are some tips to help you achieve this.
1. Closet Color Scheme
Wear and invest in rich colors like neutrals e.g white, black, blush, grey and nudes. If you must wear more colors, then go for either pastel colors e.g pastel blue, pastel green and pastel yellow; or jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, etc. They give you a more sophisticated look, because they are less loud and more effortless.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
It is poor taste to have very poor hygiene. Acquire the habit of practicing good hygiene. Alway carry a sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and some tissues with you. Wash your hands and lotion them regularly. Carry a pocket cologne or sample sized cologne in your purse, reapply when needed. Stay dry and fresh always, try not get sweaty or clammy. People tend to trust and feel more comfortable around those who have good hygiene. Its psychological.
3. Identify Or Create Your Style
Looking sophisticated has more to do with confidence then you may realize. Feeling good about yourself and being comfortable in your skin and choices help to boost this confidence. To solidify this boosted confidence, you have to identify what you like, what looks good on you, and what you feel comfortable in. That is how you find your style. You may need the professional help of good fashion magazines, blogs and social media accounts to guide you on the journey of finding your style. feel free to consult them as often as you need to.
#ImportantTip: Take a cue from royal women and elegant women all over the world, and notice the unbreakable link between modesty and elegance; between decency and sophistication. The link can never be broken. Don’t believe me? Go check out and compare Meghan Markle’s style, especially her Post-Prince Harry style!
4. Wear More Solid Colors And Less Patterns
Patterns tend to be a bit more loud and distracting, when compared with solid colors (non-patterned fabrics). This doesn’t mean you should abstain from patterns completely. Simple patterns every now and then, paired with solids have a way of looking fashionable. When choosing patterns, go for floral, aztec, geometric or animal print. Also try to avoid patterns that have more than two colors.
5. Simpler And Minimal Jewelry
Your jewelry should not be overstated, that way it does not dominate your entire outfit. Invest in simple and timeless jewelry pieces that will last the test of time and trends. Whether they’re casual pieces or dressy pieces, simplicity and minimalism is key.
6. More Natural Looking Makeup
Remember how we mentioned earlier that less is more? That statement applies here. Minimum makeup that looks like skin-but-better, is so effortlessly chic. It also shows you are comfortable with your features, and you’re not trying to alter them with makeup, but only enhancing them. A few tips for achieving soft and natural looking makeup are:
- Invest in good quality products. Cheap products and knock offs tend to give you away.
- Wear earthy tones on your eyes.
- Wear more natural lip colors and red for days you need a pop of color.
- Tone down the face makeup, allow your skin peep through.
- Avoid very matte finishes. A little dewiness gives a more glowing and healthy look.
- Take care of your skin.
7. Soft Colored Or Neutral Colored Manicures
Again, less is more. An appropriate length when it comes to your nails is always more elegant, even when you’re getting stick-ons. More natural looking manicures tend to look less juvenile than the others. Once more, your choice of color can take you from down town to uptown real quick. Always ensure that your nails are kept clean and well groomed. Finally, if you chose to get manicures, ensure they look well manicured alway. No chip, no smudges!
8. Invest and Unique Accessories And Designs
This is a great way to show off your taste. Chose unique items that represent you and go with them. They could be in scarves, brooches, sunglasses, purses, shoes, hats or anything that catches your fancy. They give your style a dash of originality that is personal to you. They are also a great conversation starter.
9. Tailor to Fit
We all know that tailored pieces are more likely to cost more than off-the-rack clothing. This is as a result of so many reasons, one of which is the fact that bespoke clothing are literally crafted specifically for you, as opposed to the mass produced ones in the store. They are typically a better fit as they are tailored to fit your body perfectly. Ill fitting clothing always look cheap and tacky. If your outfit is too tight, you’d at look at best like you put on weight and can’t afford to get clothes that are your actual size yet; and at worst like you’re calling for it. If you’re clothes are too big, they’d look really unflattering. If you buy an outfit and it doesn’t fit perfectly, you could either get them adjusted or altered by a tailor. This even gives it a bit of a custom finish.
10. Keep it Simple and Chic
I feel like I’ve already emphasized simplicity a lot. To make it more practical, invest in simple and chic but quality wardrobe basics like a white buttoned down shirt, a great black blazer, black tailored dress pants, good fitting jeans, a white t-shirt, a little black dress, structured leather bag, black pumps, nude pumps, etc. These do not have to be bought all at once. Create a list, and working with your budget, buy them over time. These basics can all be dressed up or dressed down to create a great outfit. They can also be repeated in so many ways. You’d definitely get your money’s worth. So look up inspirations, check your closet for which you need and get to building your list!
11. Keep it Covered Up
I’ve also mentioned this above. I recently came to the realization that looking expensive and elegant involves a lot of covering up. So I conducted a little research on my own, carried out a few personal experiments, and my findings confirmed it. People started to treat me more like a lady, with a lot more respect than they treat others, when I started to cover up more. There’s something deep about covering up that sends the clear message to everyone that you are exclusive and so is your body. It is, therefore, not for everyone’s eyes. Masterpieces and expensive art are always the most securely guarded at the art gallery. They’re not for the eyes of every Tom, Dick and Harry. Expensive people conceal and guard their bodies like the expensive masterpieces they are.
12. Invest In A Good Fragrance
Have you ever walked past a person and thought “damn she smells heavenly”. The feeling of knowing you smell great is unmatched. Your fragrance really doesn’t have to be an pricey one. Work within your budget to get a good one you can afford. Also, I find that ouds ooze that “old clean money” scent. You know the one? The one you associate to that rich aunt of yours? Yes that one.
13. Stay Well Groomed
Pay attention to your grooming. Ensure you wax as often as needed, shampoo and style your hair regularly, take good care of your skin and body. With regards to your hair style, it is best to stick with a simple style that is sustainable and not too high maintenance. That way it will be relatively easier to keep it looking well groomed.
Photo Credit:Instagram (@kefilwe_mabote, @s4de_u, @yamiko_); Pinterest
oprolevorter
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waterfallmagazine.com
July 8, 2020 at 8:13 pmhttps://waterfallmagazine.com
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Ekeugonma
September 22, 2021 at 11:12 amThank you so much for this. More people in our generation need to hear more about this especially the part about modesty🙌🙌🙌