You may think that in order to look like you have money, you need to buy expensive items – but that’s actually not the case.
Over the past few years, it’s become clear that the ‘quiet luxury’ look is in, as influencers show off their perfectly manicured nails, matching outfit sets, and understated designer bags.
Sofia Richie Grainge seemed to set the tone for this trend during her April 2023 wedding, when she was branded the face of the ‘clean girl aesthetic.’
Fashion fans went crazy for her elegant slick-backed buns and less-is-more vibe, trying to emulate the subtle makeup and monochromatic outfits she would show off on her TikTok account.
Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence have also been mentioned in the same breath, known for their subdued, tasteful style.
The ‘quiet luxury’ trend is still standing strong, even three years later.
But although it may seem like you need to drain your bank accounts to fit in with the trend, it’s actually not necessary, according to multiple stylists and fashion experts who spoke to the Daily Mail.
You don’t need your own personal stylist on speed-dial or an unlimited budget either – instead, there are simple ways that you can elevate your look, making your wardrobe appear more expensive than ever – even if it’s not.
Sofia Richie Grainge seemed to set the tone for this trend during her April 2023 wedding, when she was branded the face of the ‘clean girl aesthetic’
Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence have also been mentioned in the same breath, known for their subdued, tasteful style
Great tailoring is the key to a polished look
According to New York City-based fashion stylist Liz Teich, one of the easiest ways you can make your clothing look more luxurious is to make sure it’s perfectly tailored to your body.
It doesn’t even matter how much the item cost you, either.
‘When something fits for you, it always looks more expensive than it is,’ Teich, who is known online as The New York Stylist, told the Daily Mail.
‘Little details like the best hem for you and your shoes, darts to make things fit better or adjusting sleeve length can make all the difference and transform even something that’s inexpensive,’ she shared.
It’s a tried-and-true trick that Teich uses herself.
‘This is something I’ve always done as a stylist on photoshoots, whether it was with a tailor or behind the scenes tricks like pinning and clamping and that’s what makes anything look pricier,’ she said.
And on a similar note, the professional stylist recommends making sure that your clothing is impeccably clean and free of any wrinkles.
And on a similar note, the professional stylist recommends making sure that your clothing is impeccably clean and free of any wrinkles – like the suit worn here on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
She noted that even a simple lint roll of a sweater can help to elevate its look.
Celebrity fashion stylist Kim Appelt seconded Teich’s sentiments.
‘A wrinkled pant or dress instantly downgrades an outfit and makes you look sloppy,’ Appelt told the Daily Mail.
Stick to classic-looking jewelry and cohesive hardware
Jewelry is the key to any outfit, and there are some particular pieces, like a pair of pearl earrings, that can help you level up your look on a budget.
‘Classic jewelry always looks wealthier than trendy,’ Appelt, who is the author of the book Style for Everybody, revealed.
‘So if you are on a budget, stick to pearl or diamond studs and small gold or silver hoops,’ she recommended.
Of course, many brands sell diamond earrings made of cubic zirconia for a much cheaper price, and imitation pearls.
Of course, many brands sell diamond earrings made of cubic zirconia for a much cheaper price, and imitation pearls. Jennifer Lawrence is seen here wearing a pair of diamond stud earrings
You can find these at stores like Forever21 or even Nordstrom.
The stylist also suggested buying a ‘simple chain necklace that matches the earrings’ as well as a ‘few dainty stackable rings.’
When paired all together, you can make it seem like you, too, have a personal shopper at The Row on speed-dial.
‘When in doubt, simplify,’ Appelt said. ‘One bold accessory is more powerful than five loud or busy ones that are all competing for attention.’
Appelt also advises that fashion fans stick to just one hardware in their jewelry, either silver or gold.
‘Oftentimes hardware is the giveaway between looking cheap versus a luxury vibe,’ she explained.
Neutral colors are best when wanting to raise the bar
Have you ever noticed that some of the most famous ‘quiet luxury’ icons, like Meghan Markle and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are often seen wearing neutral colored outfits?
‘Neutrals tend to always look more elevated and therefore expensive,’ Teich explained to the Daily Mail. Meghan Markle is often seen wearing neutrals
Appelt agreed, explaining that sometimes, going with neutral colors can even be more ‘cost-effective’ for your wardrobe (Sofia Richie pictured)
There’s a reason for that, according to stylists.
‘Neutrals tend to always look more elevated and therefore expensive,’ Teich explained to the Daily Mail.
‘You don’t need to be boring in beige, but if you do want to introduce color, a simple pop like a red scarf, or a monochromatic look can also make a bold color look pricier,’ she said.
Appelt agreed, explaining that sometimes, going with neutral colors can even be more ‘cost-effective’ for your wardrobe.
‘Neutrals are easy to style and often more cost effective because you can mix and match pieces that will all go together,’ she said.
Forget about showing off designer logos
If you think that getting decked out in designer logos from head-to-toe will have you looking like a millionaire, you’re mistaken, according to one expert.
It turns out that less is more.
‘When it comes to clothing, wealth whispers, but insecurity shouts, and often it shouts in logos,’ image strategist and celebrity publicist Tracy Lamourie told the Daily Mail.
The image strategist shared that people who are truly wealthy wear outfits that they have ‘nothing to prove’
‘Truly wealthy people don’t need a logo to validate who they are or their position. So if you’re trying to project that kind of presence and authority, do what they do and stop leaning on logos.’
The image strategist shared that people who are truly wealthy wear outfits that they have ‘nothing to prove.’
‘If you want to project wealth that is the kind of confidence you must have internally when you get dressed every morning, before you even start deciding what to wear,’ Lamourie said.
You don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on the latest trends
If you’ve been lusting after trendy designer items but hate their eye-watering prices, there are tons of ways to get the look for less and still look expensive.
Instead of buying a cheap dupe from Amazon, Teich recommends shopping on secondhand websites to get pre-owned designer items at a discount.
‘Often trends are recycled from older designs, so this is a great way to not only get the current designer look for less, but also curate your wardrobe with quality and more unique finds,’ Teich said.
Some of her favorite places to shop for pre-owned items include the Phia app, The Real Real, Vinted, and Poshmark.
Of course, shopping at discount stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx that sell brand-name items for less can also help you achieve your quiet luxury fashion dreams.
The key to shopping at these stores, according to Appelt, is to keep an eye out for the material that the clothing item is made of.
‘The best tip I can give here is to always shop the fabric, not the label,’ Appelt said.
‘Natural fibers will wash and wear better and also have a naturally classic look and feel,’ she continued.
‘Look for natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk blends.’
Even the quality of the buttons can matter when deciding whether or not to make a purchase.
‘Check the lining, stitching, and quality of the buttons. I look for neutral buttons, shiny gold or silver can look cheap if they are not done well,’ Appelt said.
She also recommends trying to focus on buying items that could be part of a ‘capsule wardrobe,’ which are timeless pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.
‘Ask yourself when you’re shopping if you can wear this item three ways,’ Appelt said. ‘For example a blazer that works with jeans, skirt or over a knit dress.’
‘Pay attention to where the cut of the piece you are trying on hits you, if it’s not quite right look for something similar!’
Make sure you’re choosing clothing items that work for your body type and fit correctly
Another simple way to make your clothes look more expensive than they are is by sticking to items that suit your body type.
For example, if you have a petite stature, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not swimming in your clothes.
‘Slouchy cardigans and blazers work for an athletic frame that needs a bit of flow and softness,’ Appelt told the Daily Mail.
‘If you are curvy you want a fitted blazer that ends at the waist,’ she said.
‘Tailored pants are always great and if you carry a bit of weight around the middle a high rise is perfect for you. Clean denim with no rips or frays looks elevated on everyone.’