Luxe For Less

Over the years, I’ve learned that even if you’re shopping on a budget, there are a few keys to make your outfits appear more expensive.  Even though it takes a little bit of patience & some extra effort to identify those pieces that look luxe, it’s always worth it when you take into account how much you’ve saved.   So today I thought I would share with you some of my top tips for achieving this, along with some budget-friendly examples.

CLOTHING
1) Choose textured fabrics with luxe finishes like lace, bouclé, jacquard or tweed & seek out pieces with special details like fringe, embroidery or embellishments.  Look for skirts, dresses & jackets that are fully lined – this gives them a nicer drape & they will hold up better.

2) Be very picky when evaluating faux leather & suede – try to purchase styles that are buttery soft & feel like the real thing.  Stay away from anything to stiff, shiny or plastic looking.

3) When it comes to knitwear & outerwear, as much as possible, I’d try to avoid acrylic blends (or make sure that the percentage of acrylic is low) – in my experience, these fabrics don’t wash or wear well over time & tend to pill more than others.

3) Fit is everything!  Even a $30 blouse can look high-end if it is perfectly tailored – in some cases, this might mean having slight alterations done after you buy.  But, it’s equally important to not settle for something that doesn’t fit you well or flatter your shape.

I’ve put together a round-up of some fall essentials below, including a mix of classic & more modern styles.  Would you believe that all of these are under $50?!

JACKETS:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR
SWEATERS:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR
SKIRTS:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR
BLOUSES:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR

JEWELRY
I recommend avoiding colorful stones & instead sticking with clear crystal, modern polished metals, semi-precious gems & simulated pearls. In my opinion, classic minimal jewelry always looks more expensive.

Knotted Necklace // Cuff Trio // Pearl Earrings // Crystal Studs // Drop Hoops
Bamboo Hoops // Knot Ring // Pearl Ring // Ear Crawlers // Tassel Pendant

SHOES
I suggest skipping over patent leather finishes, which can often look cheap, & instead choose shoes that have a rich texture like croc, velvet & suede.  You can also look for interesting details like perforation, small studs, embroidery or embellishments.  All of the styles below are great examples of this & everything you see here is under $50!

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE
SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN

HANDBAGS
Seek out classic options with luxe details like quilting, suede finishes & calf hair.  Sometimes you can find real leather styles on sale at a reasonable price (try sites like T.J.Maxx, Saks Off 5th, Last Call & Nordstrom Rack).  But, if you prefer vegan options, I’d follow the same criteria as I suggested for clothing – be sure the look & feel is as similar as possible to the real thing.  Stay away from purses with splashy logos or excessive hardware – the bags below have sleek silhouettes & look expensive, but they’re all less than $65.

ROW 1:  ONE // TWO // THREE
ROW 2:  ONE // TWO // THREE
ROW 3:  ONE // TWO // THREE