Popsugar Fashion Fashion Trends Chic and Affordable Outfits That Look Superexpensive 7 Styling Hacks For Chic Outfits That Look Way More Expensive Than They Are 22 February 2021 by Jamila Stewart View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐀 (@janicejoostemaa) As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Let's be honest: even a self-proclaimed fashion obsessive is reluctant to break the bank on every purchase. In fact, true shopping expertise may very well be savviness — the ability to make even the most affordable pieces look like they're actually superexpensive. Call it a fashion optical illusion. There was a time when the most coveted retailers were only available in a select few countries rather than the whole interweb, and now Instagram floods our feeds with covetable new brands on the regular. Suffice it to say, our bank accounts are probably happy to hear that times have changed. With an influx of great fashion at our fingertips, and more and more moderately priced brands entering the market practically by the minute, it's easier than ever to find what you want at a fraction of the cost. Of course, creating a designer-caliber outfit without the steep price tag requires a little finesse. For example, you'll want to nail the right accessories and add the perfect dose of glamour (you'll see what we mean). Read through for seven tips on how to create expensive-looking outfits on a budget. Trust us: you're the only one who will know the difference. Related: Nordstrom Marked Down 12,000+ Items For the Weekend, but These Are the 37 Deals to Buy 1. Add a Unique, Polished Shoe View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristen Marie Nichols (@kristenmarienichols) You heard it here first: shoes have the power to make or break your not expensive but expensive-looking outfit. Strike the perfect balance with a style that has subtle statement details (think: distinct heel shape, contrast stitching, two-toned elements, and unique texture) while remaining neutral with the rest of your look. Avoid over-the-top silhouettes, excessive hardware, embellishments, and clashing tones. Bella Vita Stephanie II Kitten-Heel Booties Image Source: macys.com Bella Vita Stephanie II Kitten-Heel Booties ($90) Bella Vita Stephanie II Kitten-Heel Booties $90 from macys.com Buy Now Tony Bianco Olivia Black Como Heels Image Source: us.tonybianco.com Tony Bianco Olivia Black Como Heels ($170) Tony Bianco Olivia Black Como Heels $170 from us.tonybianco.com Buy Now 2. Opt For Neutral Tones View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lauren-Nicole (@laurennicolefk) Minimalism is in. If there's one hack to nailing the "expensive" look, it's having an outfit that looks put together and refined. And because most neutrals pair well together, working with these colour families is just about the easiest route to take. Need more than black, white, and grey clothes in your life? Don't fret — earth tones like rustic orange, dusty pink, tan, olive, and chocolate brown all fall in this realm, too. H&M Pleated Blouse Image Source: www2.hm.com H&M Pleated Blouse ($40) H&M Pleated Blouse $40 from www2.hm.com Buy Now Nasty Gal Wide Awake High-Waisted Wide Leg Pants Image Source: nastygal.com Nasty Gal Wide Awake High-Waisted Wide Leg Pants ($24, originally $54) Nasty Gal Wide Awake High-Waisted Wide Leg Pants $24 from nastygal.com Buy Now 3. Choose Your Jewellery Wisely View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amy Julliette Lefévre (@lefevrediary) Accessorising can go one of two ways. If you're partial to statement jewellery such as chunky necklaces and oversize earrings, keep the number of pieces to a minimum (lest you overwhelm the rest of your ensemble). On the flip side, layering delicate jewellery always looks effortlessly elegant. The choice is yours — both will look equally chic. Mejuri Honey Necklace Image Source: mejuri.com Mejuri Honey Necklace ($65) Mejuri Honey Necklace $65 from mejuri.com Buy Now Ellie Vail Anya Wire Bracelet Image Source: revolve.com Ellie Vail Anya Wire Bracelet ($60) Ellie Vail Anya Wire Bracelet $60 from revolve.com Buy Now 4. Revamp Your Look With a Statement Belt View this post on Instagram A post shared by @nikolxxnikol Sometimes bigger is better — when done tastefully, that is. A statement belt paired with a minimalist outfit instantly elevates your look. What's more, you can belt just about anything — a shirtdress, trousers, an oversize tunic with denim, the list goes on. The statement belt is truly the accessory that keeps on giving. Boden Snaffle Waist Belt Image Source: bodenusa.com Boden Snaffle Waist Belt ($80) Boden Snaffle Waist Belt $80 from bodenusa.com Buy Now Topshop Velvet Wide Belt Image Source: yoox.com Topshop Velvet Wide Belt ($45) Topshop Velvet Wide Belt $45 from yoox.com Buy Now 5. Tie It All Together With Tights View this post on Instagram A post shared by IVONA ZUPET (@yvzux) Though sometimes annoying to put on, tights (both sheer and opaque) are without doubt the item that pulls a look together when you feel like something is missing. Whether the magic lies in the delicate nature or almost-fully-clothed-but-actually-not illusion, tights just work. A New Day Micro Texture Tights Image Source: target.com A New Day Micro Texture Tights ($9, originally $10) A New Day Micro Texture Tights $9 from target.com Buy Now Uniqlo Heattech Tights Image Source: uniqlo.com Uniqlo Heattech Tights ($8, originally $15) Uniqlo Heattech Tights $8 from uniqlo.com Buy Now 6. Suit Up View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐀 (@janicejoostemaa) Suit sets pretty much radiate expensive vibes, even when worn alone. No longer associated only with workwear or formal events, suits have the ability to create a refined look with minimal effort. What's an easier way to assemble a polished look than with something meant to be worn together? That said, other iterations like leather and silk trouser sets will get the job done just as well. Zara Houndstooth Blazer Image Source: zara.com Zara Houndstooth Blazer ($90) Zara Houndstooth Blazer $90 from zara.com Buy Now Zara Houndstooth Shorts Image Source: zara.com Zara Houndstooth Shorts ($40) Zara Houndstooth Shorts $40 from zara.com Buy Now 7. Add a Little Embellishment View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🧿 J A D A S E Z E R (@jadasezer) On special occasions, you may be tempted to go for bling, bling, and more bling (sequinned dress, crystal shoes, embellished handbag, etc.), and that's totally fine. But when it comes to creating an elevated outfit, there's a time to go all in, and there's a time for just a dash of sparkle. The latter will usually work in your favour — it allows your outfit to shine without overdoing it. Just a sprinkle of frost is the way to keep 'em guessing. Lulus Good Fortune Rhinestone Triangle Handbag Image Source: lulus.com Lulus Good Fortune Rhinestone Triangle Handbag ($30, originally $38) Lulus Good Fortune Rhinestone Triangle Handbag $30 from lulus.com Buy Now Zara Sparkly Heeled Strap Sandals Image Source: zara.com Zara Sparkly Heeled Strap Sandals ($60) Zara Sparkly Heeled Strap Sandals $60 from zara.com Buy Now ShoppingFashion TrendsFashion ShoppingAffordable ShoppingFashion InstagramsWinter FashionSpring FashionWinterSpring