10 Expert Ways to Make Cheap Clothes Look Expensive
Transform affordable wardrobe pieces into luxurious looks with clever styling, care tips, and strategic upgrades.
Looking expensive doesn’t require a hefty price tag. With the right approach, you can transform even the most budget-friendly finds into polished, luxurious-looking outfits. Below, discover ten proven strategies for elevating affordable clothing so you can step out with confidence and style—no matter your budget.
1. Get Everything Tailored
Fit is the foundation of luxury: expensive-looking clothes always fit perfectly. Affordable garments often lack this custom fit, but a minor investment in tailoring can make a world of difference.
- Take even basic pieces, like a simple skirt or unstructured jacket, to a tailor for nip and tuck adjustments. Perfectly fitted clothes instantly look higher quality.
- Keep alterations simple and budget-friendly by shopping for easy-to-tailor garments—think skirts, straight-leg pants, and simple dresses, rather than items with elaborate constructions.
- Prioritize fixing hems, sleeves, or waistlines so even a $10 skirt can outshine a pricey designer piece in terms of fit and appearance.
2. Replace the Buttons
Buttons are a telltale sign of a garment’s quality. Budget clothes often come with basic, cheap plastic fasteners that can drag down the entire look. The simplest upgrade? Swap them out for more luxe alternatives.
- Opt for metal, bone, or mother-of-pearl buttons, which are widely available on sites like Etsy, eBay, or local trimming shops.
- Salvage beautiful buttons from old or unworn clothing for a sustainable touch—a small detail with big impact.
- Don’t worry if you lack sewing skills; most dry cleaners or tailors will swap buttons for a minimal fee.
3. Only Wear Pieces in “Like New” Condition
Luxury clothing always looks immaculate. Any stain, snag, rip, or loose button instantly diminishes the perceived quality—even if it’s an otherwise beautiful item. Keep your clothes in tip-top shape for a more expensive look:
- For stains you can’t handle at home, take garments to the dry cleaner immediately. If a stain is truly stubborn, it may be best to donate the item.
- Commit to quick fixes: Sew up loose seams, tighten buttons, and trim stray threads as soon as you notice them.
- Invest in lint rollers and fabric shavers to remove fuzz and pilling, keeping your pieces fresh and new.
4. Stay Away from Distressed Pieces
Intentional distressing—think torn hems, faded patches, and ‘worn-in’ effects—often falls flat on fast-fashion items. High-end brands devote time, technique, and skilled artistry to distressing, which makes the result look authentic. Budget pieces often just look worn-out or messy. Exceptions exist, but be selective.
- Avoid excessive fading, whiskering, and fake ‘worn’ details on denim, t-shirts, and jackets from budget retailers.
- If you like ripped jeans, select styles where distressing looks purposeful and high-quality. Less is more: one or two subtle rips are better than full-blown destruction.
- Instead, opt for clean lines and undamaged materials, which project polish and longevity.
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5. Stop Washing Your Clothes So Much
Frequent laundering, especially in basic washers, can prematurely fade colors, degrade fabrics, and make clothes look tired and cheap. You can keep pieces fresh without over-washwear:
- Spot clean marks with a damp cloth, soap, or a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of full washes.
- Keep things smelling fresh by storing lightly-worn pieces in airy spaces or even popping them in the freezer overnight—a trick that neutralizes odor without the wear of washing.
- Follow garment care instructions closely, and consider gentle detergents and wash bags for delicate items.
6. Buy a Steamer
Wrinkles are the nemesis of sophistication. Ironing may be tricky—and some synthetics can’t tolerate it—but a good clothing steamer is a game-changer.
- A steamer keeps even inexpensive fabrics looking crisp, smooth, and high-end.
- In between washes, hang clothes in a well-ventilated area, use a steamer, and let the cool air help freshen up the fabric overnight.
- Look for compact travel steamers if you’re short on space or on the go.
7. Save Your Money for Stand-Out Pieces
Instead of splurging scattered sums across every item in your wardrobe, strategically select a few statement pieces to invest in. These focal items elevate the rest of your look, letting basics recede into the background.
- Save for attention-grabbing shoes, a standout jacket, or a striking bag—these are the pieces people notice first.
- Keep staple garments simple and classic; let your investment pieces do the heavy lifting.
- Mix high and low fashion seamlessly by pairing wow-factor accessories with affordable clothing basics.
8. Choose Black Over Brown
Browns, olives, and muted earth tones are challenging to render luxuriously at a low price point; these shades can easily look muddy or cheap in less expensive fabrics. Instead, focus on more reliable choices for a polished look:
- Black, white, and solid bold jewel tones (emerald, ruby, sapphire) maintain vibrancy and sophistication, even in lower-grade textiles.
- Pastels that are crisp and strong—not faded or muddy—can look fresh and vibrant.
- If you want to branch beyond black, deep navies, grays, and burgundy are safer ‘expensive’ looking bets.
9. Create a Smooth Silhouette Under Your Clothes
Visible panty lines, bra seams, and underwear outlines can all undermine a polished appearance. Since budget clothing can be less structured or lined, proper undergarments are crucial.
- Invest in smooth, properly fitted bras and panties, slips, or lightweight shapewear to create sleek lines under clothes.
- Avoid undergarments that create bulges or show through fabrics. Go for seamless or skin-toned pieces where possible.
- Skintight shapewear isn’t always required, but a little smoothing goes a long way in making clothes appear chic and expensive.
10. Wear with Confidence and Care
No matter how much or little you’ve spent, the ultimate finishing touch is confidence. Carry yourself with poise, care for your clothes diligently, and remember that luxury is as much about attitude as attire.
- Stand tall, make eye contact, and focus on how you feel in your outfit. Self-confidence always elevates the look.
- Pay attention to small details: buff shoes, organize bags, and polish jewelry, so every aspect of your ensemble appears intentional.
- Be aware of posture, grooming, and how you carry your accessories—these elements contribute to a put-together vibe that money can’t buy.
Wardrobe Staples for an Expensive Look
- Tailored Blazer: Instantly upgrades jeans, dresses, or trousers for a sharp silhouette.
- Little Black Dress: Or a high-quality garment in a rich color, for versatile day-to-night chic.
- White Button-Down Shirt: Classic, crisp, and endlessly versatile for both casual and formal outfits.
- High-Quality Handbag: Structured and neutral to pair with every ensemble.
- Elegant Heels: Choose timeless shapes and materials for added polish.
Quick Table: Cheap vs. Expensive-Looking Habits
| Cheap-Looking Habit | Expensive-Looking Switch |
|---|---|
| Wearing wrinkled or pilled clothes | Steam and de-pill for a smooth finish |
| Fraying or missing buttons | Replace with textured, luxe alternatives |
| Ignoring tailoring | Alter fit for custom appearance |
| Wearing visible undergarments | Choose seamless, well-fitting pieces |
| Neglecting care instructions | Spot clean and treat with care |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I really make cheap clothes look designer?
A: Absolutely. The combination of fit, fabric care, button upgrades, and thoughtful accessorizing make even discount finds appear luxe and custom-tailored.
Q: What clothing items should I always take to a tailor?
A: Focus on trousers, blazers, dresses, and skirts. Tailoring basics—like adjusting hems or taking in the waist—offers the best return on your investment.
Q: How can I keep my clothes in good condition without expensive dry cleaning?
A: Spot clean, use a steamer to refresh, and always read care labels. When possible, air-dry rather than using a dryer to preserve fabric integrity and color.
Q: Do certain colors always look more expensive than others?
A: Yes. Black, white, jewel tones, and saturated colors are more forgiving on budget fabrics. Earthy tones can sometimes look washed out unless rendered in high-quality textiles.
Final Thoughts: Luxe Looks at Any Budget
Making cheap clothes look expensive is about more than shopping for bargains—it’s about intentional styling, smart care, and strategic upgrades. With tailored fits, savvy color choices, elevated accessories, and meticulous garment care, your affordable wardrobe can rival any high-end closet. Ultimately, luxurious style is accessible to all—confidence, polish, and attention to detail are the only true investment required.
References
- https://flourishstyling.co/2023/07/08/the-cosmopolitan-style-archetype/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/a32906/ways-to-make-cheap-clothes-look-expensive/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpontJnDy7U
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/fashion/6192-how-to-organise-your-wardrobe-so-getting-dressed-every-morning-is-a-doddle
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a38185/how-to-stop-spending-money-on-clothes/
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