Style is a language that conveys many messages to the people around us, long before we speak. First impressions are important, so what is it exactly that makes someone look classy, sophisticated, or wealthy? Turns out the answer isn’t head-to-toe Gucci. Someone being rich doesn’t necessarily mean being famous, so when we picture “iced-out” celebrities, although they do have money, they don’t always look elevated.
Here’s 10 Tips to Punch Up Your Look for Next to Nothing
[Disclaimer]: There are many cultures in which wearing someone’s wealth on their body is the ultimate symbol of their status, but for the purpose of this post, I’ll be looking through the lens of Western culture.
Iron, Steam, and Lint Roll
Nothing can cheapen a chic outfit quite like wrinkles and lint can. To emulate the look of dry cleaning, make sure you take your clothes right out of the dryer when they’re finished, and iron, steam, or spray Wrinkle Releaser on pieces that still have some wrinkles going on. Investing in a hand steamer is the best option for those who want the look of ironing without the hassle. After getting the wrinkles out and lint rolling, your outfits will give off “my assistant just picked up the dry cleaning” energy.
Wear What Fits Best
Rich people have most of their clothes tailored or altered to best fit them. Although tailoring and alterations aren’t always expensive, get the look by paying close attention to the fit of items when shopping. If there’s something you already own that you love but doesn’t fit you well, it’s easy to “take in” and alter an item yourself with hand sewing. Look up some YouTube tutorials and in an hour or two, you’ll be able to alter pretty much anything. We’ve all seen a businessperson in an oversized suit, and another in a tailored one. Which one looks like they have the higher salary?
@emmanuellek_ 
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[Extra Tip]: Seamless Undergarments
In the same token as the previous tip, ill-fitting underwear that shows panty lines, gapping cups, spillage, or visible lace/bows/sequins can distract from an outfit, and that’s not what we want anyone focusing on. Nude, seamless undergarments go a long way under many outfits, especially under anything white or thin.
Neutrals and The Three Color Rule
Neutrals and solids are staples in the “sophisticated” wardrobe. Try to limit your outfits to 3 colors or less, to avoid the outfit getting too busy. An all-black outfit is the go-to chic color palette for styling, but overall, monochrome or bicolor outfits are most perceived as luxurious. You can definitely include some colors that aren’t neutral, but psychologically, neutrals are calming, which sends the message that you are composed, in control, and aware. If neutrals seem boring, play with different fabric textures and simple patterns to keep it interesting.
Avoid Logos
Being plastered in name brand logos will draw attention to the brands themselves, not to you. You are more interesting than the brand you wear, so don’t let them distract from your outfit. Being a walking billboard for a brand sends the message that you want people to notice who you’re wearing, not what you’re wearing. If your goal is to be “bougie on a budget,” then you’re in luck, because no one needs to know where you got your jacket from. Excessive logos are just plain tacky. Expensive taste isn’t always a definite side effect of being wealthy.
Modesty
When choosing skin to show, choose one zone and stick to it: cleavage, legs, midriff, or open back. For the most sophisticated look, refrain from mixing zones. Wearing something form fitting is okay, however, wearing something too small falls under the category of ill-fitting clothes. This is just a style of dress, and if modest style isn’t your style, that’s okay. Wear whatever makes you feel good. What you wear, or don’t wear, doesn’t determine your worth. The personal joy you get from your style is far more important than what people think of you.
Neutral/Natural Makeup
Sticking to a neutral color palette when doing your makeup will keep everything looking more “natural” in general. This doesn’t mean you have to rock your “no makeup” makeup look every day, it just means a pink glitter cut-crease isn’t the most elegant look in your arsenal. Less is more when it comes to elevated makeup looks. Accentuate your favorite features, and don’t forget to smile. Here’s a checklist of things to look out for:
- Foundation that matches skin tone: apply and shop for foundation in natural light. Match foundation color to your chest and shoulders! Your neck will always be the palest skin, so don’t match to your neck. The backs of your forearms and hands will usually be darker, so don’t match to them either.
- Neutral lip color
- Contour less, bronze instead. Don’t forget a little matte blush.
- Finely milled or liquid highlighter. No chunky glitter
- Shorter, but wispier lashes. A solid block of 25mm lashes isn’t the first choice here.
- Minimal eyeliner: wear a small wing or choose brown over black liner for the daytime.
Sleek Hair
Having neat, sleek, styled hair is one of the most important parts to pulling your look together . This doesn’t mean your hair has to be straightened. As long as your natural hair looks kempt and is given some love, it’ll make you shine all the same. The key is how you style your hair when it’s not so clean. Trade in your messy bun for a top knot or slicked back low bun/ponytail. These styles require a boar bristle brush, so your typical detangling/denman brush isn’t going to cut it. Dry shampoo, hairspray, shine spray (my new favorite), and gel are all your best friends to keep your hair looking clean and sleek.
[Extra Tip]: If you color your hair, keeping your dye job fresh and natural looking will make all the difference, and if you keep your hair short, those 2 week trips to the barber/hairdresser will best maintain your look.
Clean Shoes and Bags
Keep your leather goods free of scuffs, scratches, and stains. A soft bristle tooth brush and a mild soap are an easy alternative to a leather cleaner if you don’t have one on hand. Suede is a little more tricky, but that’s why it’s important not to skip out on coating your shoes and bags in protective spray before wear.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are the all-year-round accessory that will instantly elevate any outfit. Choose the silhouette that best fits your face. Keep them simple with a dark lens and you might get mistaken for a POI by the paps in your city.
Simple Gold Jewelry
My take on this topic is slightly different from other’s who’ve adopted the “chic” style. I believe that “simple” doesn’t have to mean thin, dainty, and small when it comes to jewelry. Simple, to me, is limiting the number of pieces you wear at once. If you have trouble deciding, just choose the piece you can’t leave the house without, then add what’s appropriate afterwards. I typically choose, earrings, then rings, then a watch/bracelets.
- If you’re wearing earrings, your neck should be bare.
- Limit bracelets when wearing rings.
- When wearing a watch, limit the bracelet stack on the same wrist.
- Try not to mix metals.
Even if you only apply these tips for your work clothes, on the weekends, or whenever you feel like it, I hope you feel just a little more fancy when you do your last check in the mirror before leaving the house.
Enjoy! Much Love, XOXO
-N. Alexandra