Let’s call it like it is, shall we? We all want to look put together, we want to look fashionable, stylish and, simply, like a million bucks. However, the finer things in life usually come with a price tag to match. We have to admit that supreme tailoring and amazing fabrics, not to mention a fancy label, come at a hefty cost, so we often just flip through the pages or magazines, looking at airport jet-set style section photos of celebrities and simply sigh. Well, it turns out you don’t have to spend a million to look like a million – there are tons of loopholes and style tricks that you can use to your advantage so you always look absolutely fabulous while staying inside the budget lines, so let’s see what the loopholes are.
Hunt for buried treasures
Vintage stores have been here for quite a while, so it’s not like the millennials have discovered hot water. However, millennial tendencies to shop in vintage and second-hand stores, whether online or brick-and-mortar ones have certainly shaken things up in this world, and made us remember that these stores frequently hide luxury treasures that will cost you just a small fraction of the original price. With their popularity, vintage stores have done their due diligence when it comes to the store appearance, and shopping in them is now an actually amazing experience. The clothes are laid out like in a ‘proper’ store, and sometimes, the décor is even better than in most regular stores. There are times when you will find a killer jet-set style designer dress, blouse, or skirt with the tag still on, and once you get the lay of the land, even in places like Goodwill, you’ll be able to snag designer goodies for less than ten dollars.
Be patient
There will always be sales, and those pricey items you crave so much will be available at places such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Saks Off Fifth, and Nordstrom Rack. They’re high-end, most of them are still incredibly stylish (don’t purchase anything that’s overly trendy, that’s just money down the drain) and they come at amazing prices. All you have to do is follow the news, know when the sales are and go hunting like Grace in that episode when she goes with Will to the annual sale at Barneys. Just don’t go that crazy.
Jet-set style It’s about quality
We all know there are amazing fast-fashion stores that draw inspiration from the designer collections and create pretty darn great pieces that come at great prices. You can find incredible designer dupes, as well as some completely original and amazing garments at such stores as Zara, Mango, and at times even H&M. There are also incredible swimwear brands and collections – case in point, the amazing Seafolly Bali Hai line that looks super-pricey and that you can proudly rock at any beach destination and feel like one of the French Riviera jet-setters. When it comes to bags, Zara essentially re-creates most of the trends, just make sure you get a solid and sturdy bag and not a soft one. For affordable footwear that looks like that $500 pair you’ve been eyeing, there are stores like Sol Sana, Kelsi Dagger, and let’s not forget that most great sneakers from well-known sports brands don’t cost over a $150, and since we are living in the age of athleisure, snag a cute pair and rock it with everything like Bella Hadid.
Know your fabrics
The most luxurious-looking fabrics that won’t cost you a fortune are linen, cotton, and faux-suede, and even polyester and poly-blend items tend to hold on and ‘age’ well, so always look at the inside label with the fabric information and you will know what to put in the bag and what to leave behind.
Know your colors
Not all colors are made equal – some simply have a more luxurious appearance than others. Minimalists are definitely onto something, which is why the trend will probably never die out. Black and white look amazing, but again, if you choose your fabrics right. Grey will never fail you, and neither will maroon, burgundy, burnt orange and mustard yellow. These hues are unmistakable, and once you try a little mix and match, you’ll see what we’re talking about.
Don’t go overboard
When it comes to jewelry, less is definitely more, so opt for minimalistic pieces that exude a luxury vibe but are in fact incredibly reasonably priced. Also, less is more when it comes to the number of pieces you put on yourself – everything more than two is too much. Finally, always choose darker metals over paler and shinier ones as they definitely look more expensive.
Final pearls of wisdom
Never underestimate the power of ironing, keep your hair neat and clean, nails as well, and always, always mind the fit. You could purchase the most expensive item there is and look cheap if it doesn’t fit properly. Make sure it looks like it was made on you and fits like a glove. These are all words of wisdom, use them wisely and don’t forget them.
Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Travelling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on the lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips.
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