These Outfits Are Going Straight Into My "Secret Weapon for Looking Expensive" Folder

A woman in a tweed jacket.

(Image credit: @amagodson_a)

How do I put together expensive-looking outfits? It's a question I've been asked many times over in my decade as a fashion editor. There's no one right way to pull it off, but there are a few subtle choices you can make when getting dressed that make a big difference. You may find it surprising, but putting together expensive-looking outfits can actually be a refreshingly affordable endeavor. It's not all about designer logos and diamonds. It's about how clothing fits and wearing it with confidence.

When you want an outfit to look like it costs a fortune, one thing I recommend is to get your high-quality, affordable pieces tailored. A custom-fit piece like jeans or a blazer that hugs in all the right places is a transformative choice. If you're shopping off the rack, look for materials that don't wrinkle or fray easily and timeless silhouettes that embrace the quiet luxury aesthetic. Even sweats can look luxurious when styled right. The addition of dressy shoes and accessories can also go a long way in making your outfit look more expensive than it is. There are lots of great affordable jewelry brands making elegant, minimal pieces, and lastly, I try to find a unique detail that defines an outfit—a pop of color or a structured bag, for example—as a way to draw the eye and pull your outfit together. Ahead, shop six expensive-looking outfits currently on my inspo list.

A woman in jeans.

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Jeans + Blazer + Heels

A woman in a red top.

(Image credit: @nnennachem)

Pops of Red

A woman in a jacket.

(Image credit: @amagodson_a)

Equestrian-Inspired Boots + Tweed Jacket

A woman in a skirt and top.

(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Coordinated Neutrals + Bold Bag

A woman in a black gown.

(Image credit: @carodaur)

A Black Dress With Bold Details

A woman in sweats.

(Image credit: @christietyler)

Sweats Styled With Elevated Accessories

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Aemilia Madden
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