5 Easy Ways To Look Expensive Every Day

I think most of us want to look sophisticated, chic, and expensive. I know many of you may think you have to be dressed in head-to-toe designer to achieve that look, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. You CAN look like a million on a budget.

That said, I DO think there is real value in investing in a few key pieces. I am sharing both investment pieces and budget-friendly options below…. with five simple tips to make you look more expensive every day!

Watch this video on how to look expensive on a budget!

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, christian louboutin black pumps, holding the tory burch lee radziwill brown bag in Telluride, Colorado

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, christian louboutin black pumps, holding the tory burch lee radziwill brown bag in Telluride, Colorado

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, christian louboutin black pumps, holding the tory burch lee radziwill brown bag in Telluride, Colorado

#1 | Structured Bag

I LOVE the Lee Radziwill bag and have it in the large size that’s brown and black (no longer available). This is the small size and I love it too! The brown leather is so nice and luxe. And the overall structure is just SO sophisticated! Adding a structured bag will make you look more expensive… This is an example of a piece that I would invest money in.

I know that this specific bag is a little pricey, but there are plenty of structured bag options out there that are more affordable! Just remember: STRUCTURE over slouchy …to look more luxe. And, don’t forget to check online consignment stores too.

Shop more handbags here.

[flex_row]Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a white balloon sleeve popcorn sweater by French Collection with dark wash skinny jeans by Frame, brown booties by Sam Edelman, and gorjana gold lariat necklace holding a small brown tory burch lee radziwill bag in Telluride, Colorado Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a white balloon sleeve popcorn sweater by French Collection with dark wash skinny jeans by Frame, brown booties by Sam Edelman, and gorjana gold lariat necklace holding a small brown tory burch lee radziwill bag in Telluride, Colorado[/flex_row]

SWEATER | SIMILAR JEANS | BOOTS | NECKLACE | BAG

#2 | Wear White

Wearing white and other neutrals like camel, blush, tan, black, etc. will instantly make you look more expensive. These colors just look so chic and sophisticated! You can see in the photos above; I’m wearing a white balloon sleeve popcorn sweater by French Collection. The color is beautiful and luxe, the balloon sleeves elevate the basic sweater, and I love the added texture! I’m wearing it with basic dark wash skinny jeans by Frame and brown booties by Sam Edelman. The otherwise basic look is taken to the next level with the gorgeous white sweater!

Shop more white sweaters here.

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, ombré frame oversized sunglasses by BP in Telluride, Colorado

[flex_row]Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, ombré frame oversized sunglasses by BP in Telluride, Colorado Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, ombré frame oversized sunglasses by BP in Telluride, Colorado[/flex_row]

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, ombré frame oversized sunglasses by BP in Telluride, Colorado

SUNGLASSES | BLAZER | FOR LESS | CAMI | SIMILAR JEANS | PUMPS | FOR LESS | BAG

#3 | Oversized Sunglasses

One of the simplest tips…wear oversized sunglasses! All you have to do is throw on a pair of big sunglasses as you walk out the door to look super luxe. And guess what…these sunglasses are $15!! I love the brown ombré frames and gradient lenses. I love them so much they’re actually in my gift guide for her.

Shop more sunglasses here.

[flex_row]Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a dainty gold lariat necklace by gorjana, black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, and dark wash skinny jeans in Telluride, Colorado Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a dainty rose gold diamond ring by Monica Vinader, black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, and dark wash skinny jeans in Telluride, Colorado[/flex_row]

#4 | Simple Gold Jewelry

Over accessorizing is often an easy way to look less expensive. Instead of piling on the jewelry and accessories, keep it simple! Find every day, simple jewelry that doesn’t overpower your outfits. I’ve had this gorgeous Monica Vinader ring for a few years and wear it almost every day. I have the bigger size in rose gold but it also comes in a smaller size. The lariat style necklace I’m wearing is by Gorjana. It’s plated in 18-karat gold so it won’t tarnish quickly. Both pieces are dainty and elegant without being over the top. You notice them but they don’t make a statement…that’s the goal!

Shop more jewelry here.

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style holding the YSL matte red lipstick wearing a gold Gorjana lariat necklace, black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, and dark wash skinny jeans in Telluride, Colorado

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing YSL matte red lipstick, a gold Gorjana lariat necklace, black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, and dark wash skinny jeans in Telluride, Colorado

#5 | Red Lips

Wearing red lipstick may not be something you want to do every single day, but it is a super easy way to look expensive and add pop to your look. I know some women are afraid of wearing red lipstick, but I always feel so empowered and sophisticated when I wear it! I recently discovered this gem …The Yves Saint Laurent matte lipstick is so creamy, smooth, and hydrating. It’s a matte finish but doesn’t look too dry or painted on. I’m wearing shade 202 Insurgent Red. It also stays put and doesn’t bleed. Yay!!

If red lips are a big NO for you, try another bold color that suits you better, like burgundy or pink.

Shop more lipstick here.

Look Expensive, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black double breasted Balmain blazer with white lace cami by BP, dark wash skinny jeans, christian louboutin black pumps in Telluride, Colorado

You CAN Look Expensive!

6) Wardrobe Basics

Having those wardrobe basics will make it easier to get dressed and to build chic outfits. Wearing basics is always more sophisticated than wearing trendy pieces. When in doubt, go with basics! If you don’t have my Wardrobe Basics Checklist, subscribe to my newsletter to get them in your inbox!

7) One Unique Detail

Along with wardrobe basics, finding those basics that are elevated will look more expensive stylish! For example, a white button-down is taken to the next level if it has cool puff sleeves or interesting style detail.

8) Textures

Wearing textures like suede, velvet, faux fur, faux leather, etc. can make you look more expensive. My white sweater above is a perfect example of texture!

 9) Style Secrets

If you missed my video with 20 style tips in under 20 minutes, make sure you watch that! Those style secrets can completely change, elevate, and make an outfit look more thoughtful!

10) Take Care of Clothes

 Taking care of your clothes can make a huge difference! A sweater with pills looks a lot less expensive than a sweater that’s been taken care of, washed correctly, and has those pills shaved off. Also, don’t feel like you have to dry clean everything. I hand wash or use gentle cycle for MOST of my cashmere sweaters.

Which tip is your favorite? Please share in the comments!

Huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. You can subscribe to my weekly newsletter here to receive some awesome freebies including wardrobe basics checklists and a lookbook full of outfit ideas!

Thank you for stopping by!

Erin Busbee signature

Team Busbee

Maybe you have a friend who would enjoy this post too!?

 Just use any of the buttons below to share it! And if you aren’t already a newsletter subscriber, make sure you sign up here for our invaluable style and beauty resources!

 Thanks for reading!

  1. TINA MORETTIN says:

    Erin,
    ❤️ Your style tips. Classic yet on trend. I’m a bIg fan of “power lip color”. Love red & pink.

    Not sure what your thoughts are on lip liner, but liner is my “must Have” .

    So happy i fOund You.
    -Tina. Xo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Receive Our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Capsule Wardrobes & More!

Sign up and instantly receive our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Closet Editing & Organizing Checklists, Zoom Call Tips, Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Suggestions and a Lookbook of outfit ideas!