12 Ways To Look Like You Spent Way More Money On Your Outfit Than You Actually Did

Pick an investment piece for the season
This isn’t just about dropping cash. It’s about dropping cash on the right thing. Consider it an investment rather than an expense. It’s the one piece you’ll rock again and again and again, the piece you’ll wear most this season. Sure, you will feel minted every time you put it on, but this high rotation also brings the cost per wear way down. Think a well-cut pair of jeans, statement glasses, a blazer you won’t want to take off or the beige trench coat you will wear with everything. It’s time to choose your own adventure.

Mix in your basics
Then take your one new pick for the season, lay it on the bed (or floor, whatever is closest to your wardrobe), and pull out all the basics that will play nice with it. Go for pared-back prints and block colours and loads of neutrals. Consider it your edit for the season. DIY capsule collection, zero dollars outlaid.

Keep your whites white
The key to looking minted is to keep your style clean and crisp. Take a look at the whites in your collection – how are they travelling? Keep them feeling  sharp with a little TLC. A good old fashioned soak can buy you another season or two out of your white basics. Need to update your whites? Make sure you go for an all-rounder. Here’s a little more on the one white shirt that goes with absolutely everything.

Play favourites
Pick a tone and own it. The all-over look is a fast way to look like you dropped more dollars than you actually did. Fifty shades of beige here you come.

Bring a little structure into your game
If you’re a jeans and tee kind of woman, sharpen it up with a well-cut blazer. If you’re a fan of soft outerwear though (hel-lo teddy coats), then go for some well-cut shirting. Anything with a little volume, and some clean-line tailoring, will elevate your look in a flash.

Make BFFs with your iron
… Or, if you are more keen to spend that extra 10 minutes in bed than at the ironing board, get acquainted with your local dry cleaner. Your clothes will feel like new.

Go all-out luxe
… Without breaking the bank. Team a satin or silk-feel skirt or slip with a soft-to-the-touch knit. Got for deep, jewell tones. Be they silk, silk-inspired or satin, we’re vibing silk feels and femme fabrications. Think: a wearable kind of luxury. Talk about opulent.

Bag this
Go for a clean-look clutch or a carry-all tote, or the editor-approved top handled bag. Try something luxe like mock crock or all-look black leather. Super chic.

Add a belt
You’d be surprised how fast this can elevate the simple jeans and blouse look. Also handy for roping in oversized knits over your slip dresses.

And a silk-print scarf
We love it with a blazer and plain white crew neck tee, or an oversized knit, or tied around your tote’s handle. Or, as a hair accessory, keeping that low pony of yours in check. Yet another MVP and the fastest way to elevate any look. Plus, it’s the pop of colour you’ve been craving.

Be unafraid of the bling
Pearls are back in a big way and, best of all, they always look like they cost a bomb. This must be underwater love.

Keep your eye on the sales
Sometimes you can find you designer want-it-nows at a steal.