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Shop the Hermés Birkin-Inspired Bag for $119
Every so often, I’m asked this question: How do you manage to look like you’re made of money? Even my own friends ask this, and they know I’m not rolling in dough.
Honestly, I’m one of the cheapest people on this planet, but I also think that you can manage to appear expensive even when you’re actually broke. Here are some of my best tips to dress like you’re rich.
More Fashion Posts:
- The Look For Less: Valentino Rockstud Kitten Heel – $995 vs. $115
- The Look For Less: 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli – $895 vs. $75
- How to Spice Up the Classic Moto Jacket For Fall
- Designer-Inspired by Ainifeel: Chanel Medium Classic Flap Bag – $4,900 vs. $125
- 4 Hermés Birkin-Inspired Handbags By Ainifeel: Crocodile, Ostrich and More
#1 Pick Up a Designer-Inspired Piece
You should know me by now! I’m a huge advocate of designer-inspired pieces – in fact, I wrote up a post explaining the differences between designer-inspired items and fake designer goods. When styled appropriately, designer-inspired pieces can instantly become the “luxury touch” to any outfit. My favorite ones that are similar to Hermés because of the clean lines and timeless designs – they truly compliment any outfit.
JW Anderson Pierce-Inspired Handbag ($53.98) | Valentino Rockstud-Inspired Handbag ($109) | Hermés Birkin 30cm-Inspired Handbag ($119)
More Designer-Inspired:
- The Look For Less: Chanel Colorblock Heel – $800 vs. $84.99
- Designer-Inspired by Ainifeel: Valentino Rockstud Spike Quilted Top-Handle Bag – $2,795 vs. $109
- The Difference Between Designer-Inspired Items and Fake Designer Goods
- Italic: Ending Retail Markup With Designer-Quality Products At-Cost
- Designer-Inspired Gift Guide: Italian Leather Handbags Under $105 From Fashion Drug
#2: Wear Simple Pointed-Toe Pumps
Pointed-toe stiletto heels are the epitome of classic fashion: you simply cannot go wrong with them. Not only do they match with practically everything in your wardrobe, they can also bring a touch of class to even the most casual of outfits, from a plain T-shirt-and-jeans combo to jogger pants on your errand-running days.
One tip to mention: Avoid platform heels at all costs. Although the comfort they provide might be tempting, platform heels can easily “cheapen” or tarnish the look of any outfit if not styled wisely. Save those platforms for the club when you really need the comfort!
Shop the Chloé Nile-Inspired Bracelet Handbag for $105
Shopping tip: If you want to invest in a good quality pair of pumps, check out Shopbop’s sale section. They have some amazing sales on designer shoes – check out their selection of Stuart Weitzman pumps on sale! That’s just one of the many designer deals you’ll get at Shopbop.
Shop More Sale Pumps at Shopbop
#3: Incorporate Structured Shapes
Long structured coats, straight-leg boyfriend jeans, boxy handbags or even simple loose blouses that drape over the body rather than hug it can create a simple silhouette that’s synonymous with classic style. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to upscale fashion.
Shop the Hermés Birkin-Inspired Ostrich Bag for $149
Shop similar red over-the-knee boots: 1 2 3 4
H&M Wool-Blend Coat ($79.99) | H&M Double-Breasted Coat ($59.99) | H&M Wool-Blend Coat ($129.99) | H&M Oversized Coat ($99)
#4: Choose Simple Color Palettes
Although there’s nothing wrong with bold colors, simple colors like black, white, grey, and nudes work best in creating simple and minimalistic outfits. Focusing less on colors and more on shapes and details are often the best way to give a subtle hint of luxury.
Not sure where to start? Go for all-black and top off with a warm-colored coat like camel or try an all-white outfit for warmer days. You can also keep it simple and stick to all black and white.
Showpo Trench Coat in Grey ($69.95) | GoJane High-Waisted Skinny Jeans ($33.30) | Delicious High Heel Ankle Bootie ($35.99) | Chloé Drew-Inspired Handbag ($55.04)
#5: Go For Good Denim Washes and Distressed Jeans
It’s so interesting how a good wash or distressing can instantly amp up a pair of jeans. And isn’t it crazy how designer denim prices can surpass $100? If you have the time, you can make them yourself with my DIY distressed denim tutorial to bring back some life into your old and boring jeans. If not, check out some of my favorite budget-friendly jeans below.
Shop the Hermés Kelly-Inspired Bag for $109
Faux Fur Leopard Coat ($30.50) | Public Desire Sock Boot ($59.99)
GoJane Step Above Distressed Skinny Jeans ($27.90) | GoJane Let it Rip Distressed Boyfriend Skinny Jeans ($25.50) | GoJane Destroyed It High-Waisted Skinny Jeans ($26.40)
#6: Integrate Designer Logos
If you can’t afford designer clothes, shoes or handbags, you can always start your designer collection with accessories or lower-priced designer items. Items with designer logos can easily be integrated into casual or athleisure outfits to play up the use of labels. Go for affordable items like T-shirts, belts, scarves, and jewelry. The best part: a lot of these items can go on sale for less than $100!
Off-White Industrial Belt ($210) | More Kenzo T-shirts | More Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Bralettes | More Marc Jacobs on Sale
#7: Add Some Dainty or Layered Jewelry
Simple or casual outfits can be played up with fine jewelry: add a dainty necklace, stack on bohemian-style rings or mix and match bracelets to add some feminine flair to even the most casual outfits. Gold and silver jewelry and perfect colors that are universal across all seasons.
Tip: Be careful not to overaccessorize – it’s much easier to focus on 1 or 2 types of jewelry at the most. For example, don’t overdo it with layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, rings on every finger and earrings – try to pick a max of 2. Less is more!
Charming Charlie Pavé Ring Set ($12 $7.20) | Madewell Disc Earrings ($32 $12.80) – More Madewell Earrings | Kate Spade New York Linear Earrings ($78 $15.60) – More Kate Spade Earrings | Madewell Pink Jade Signet Ring ($28 $11.20) – More Madewell Rings
#8: Add a Blazer
Not sure what your outfit is lacking? Add a blazer – I guarantee you, you’ll look much more classy. Don’t want to look too businesslike? Make it oversized, roll up the sleeves or even drape it over your shoulders for a more casual look.
H&M Blazer Jacket ($49.99 $34.99) | Cupcakes and Cashmere Blazer ($140.00 $70.00) – Shop More Cupcakes and Cashmere on Sale | Free People Silky Jacquard Blazer ($128.00 $89.60) – Shop More Free People on Sale | H&M Checked Jacket ($49.99 $34.99)
#9: Don’t Forget to Iron and Steam Your Clothes
If you’re wearing fabrics that wrinkle easily, do yourself a favor and iron or steam them before wearing them! Pieces like button-down collared shirts, plain cotton T’s or flowy chiffon skirts can easily make you look as if you were in a rush and ran out the front door when wrinkled. If you’re pressed for time, plan ahead and iron/steam your clothes the evening before and hang them up so they’re ready to go when you get dressed.
Members Only Satin Long Bomber ($180 $80) | Allegra K Longsleeve Shirt ($19.99) | Top Level Baseball Cap ($10.99) | H&M Slim-Fit Tregging ($14.99 $12.99)
#10: Top it Off With Simple Hairstyles
Hairstyles can definitely make or break an outfit. You don’t need to have elaborate curls – you can do an easy at-home blow-out with the John Frieda Hot Air Brush or the Chi Heated Styling Brush if you prefer subtle and voluminous waves. You can also check out how I give myself a salon blowout at home with the John Frieda Hot Air Brush here.
If you’re not good at heat-styling your hair, try using gel and combing back your hair for a slicked-back look (excellent for blazers or “power-suit” outfits!) or tie your hair back in a high ponytail. You can even throw your hair into a bun and pull out some baby hairs for an effortless “I-woke-up-like-this” look.
Shop the Chanel Medium Flap-Inspired Bag for $119
John Frieda Hot Air Brush ($31.99) | CHI Heated Styling Brush ($69.96) | ArtNaturals Thermal Hair Protector Spray ($11.99)
What are your favorite ways to dress like you’re rich? Let’s talk in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter below for more styling tips and outfit ideas.
More Fashion Posts:
- 3 Major Signs that You Need to Quit Your Job
- The Look For Less: 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli – $895 vs. $75
- The Look For Less: Stuart Weitzman’s Highland Boot – $798 vs. $99
- 5 Must-Have Types of Maxi Skirts For Summer
- The Look For Less: Balenciaga City Bag – $2,190 vs. $105
This post is sponsored by Shopbop. The Baller on a Budget occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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There are some great tips here. However, who would ever wear pointed toe stilettos on “errand day”? LMAO
Author
Rich people! Lol!
I love it that your outfits don’t scream “LOOK AT ME! I am trying to be sexy with these mini shorts and extremely high heels and with all these logos!” haha.. thank you so much. I really appreciate the covered and classy yet sexy look. I am a conservative person and I am really happy in seeing and knowing that one can be stylish without looking like an attention-seeker. And, I love your lip colors!