5 Simple Ways to Look Expensive & Classy This Winter!

Look Expensive During Winter

If you’re a YouTube subscriber, you’ve probably seen this video where I share 10 styling tips on how to look expensive. It’s one of my most-viewed videos on YouTube and I decided it was time for a little refresher. But this time…with a winter twist! Below, I’m sharing 5 tips to look expensive during the winter that are simple, attainable, and functional, but will make you feel very elegant and classy!

If you’d like to watch the video version of this blog post, you can watch that here. I’ve also shared a post with some tips on how to look expensive every day that’s a must-read!

How to Look Expensive During Winter

Why Do You Want To Look Expensive?

I want to drill down on what it really means to “look expensive” and the reasons you want to look expensive. Make sure you’re choosing to “look expensive” for the right reasons. I want you to look at it from the perspective of feeling empowered, rather than just wearing clothes to look expensive. “Looking expensive” should make you feel elegant, glamorous, amazing, special, classy, powerful, and like you can conquer the world. Try to avoid dressing to impress other people so you aren’t looking for the approval or worthiness of others. It’s an important distinction and one that’s so key in finding your style from that inside-out approach I’ve been talking so much about on YouTube lately. Now for the tips to really dial up your winter outfits…

Note: You NEVER have to break the bank to look expensive. I share some amazing shopping tips for looking expensive on a budget here in case you’re interested.

 

Faux Shearling Coats

Tip #1) Faux Fur or Faux Shearling Coats

The first way to look expensive during the winter is to wear faux fur, faux shearling, or teddy coats and jackets. The teddy coat I’m wearing above by Vince has been a major top seller this month. (It’s discounted more here but has limited sizes available.) It’s so gorgeous, has a beautiful fit, and the neutral brown color makes it super versatile.

I love the look of a teddy coat because it gives the look of a shearling or faux shearling coat, which can be very expensive, for a fraction of the price. This Vince teddy coat is still pretty pricey, but it’s on sale now and I linked some similar options below. Fur or faux furs can also be pretty expensive but there are options out there that are beautiful AND affordable. I’m sharing a few favorites below but don’t forget to watch this video to see me styling more faux fur and shearling coats and jackets!

By the way, I shared 7 ways to style this teddy coat in this post in case you’re looking for more ways to style it!

Neutral Colored Puffers

If faux shearling, teddys, or faux fur coats and jackets aren’t your thing or you need something a little more practical for cold weather climates, consider a puffer! But…try a neutral-colored puffer. The lighter-colored, neutral puffers look a little more luxe than your standard black puffer. I shared a few options below…

If you’re looking for the best winter coats and jackets for extreme cold, make sure you check out this post.

Faux Fur Hat to Look Expensive During Winter

Tip #2) Faux Fur Hat

This one really is a game-changer. You could definitely wear a classic beanie and look pulled together, expensive, and luxe. But if you really want to dial it up, wear a faux fur hat! I bought the hat I’m wearing above a few years ago while in Poland and it’s the WARMEST hat I own. You can even wear a beanie underneath it if you need the additional warmth. But the look of the faux fur hat really elevates an outfit in the winter. You can go with whatever color faux fur hat you want, but I prefer lighter browns and beiges for my skin tone.

how to look elegant during winter

Tip #3) Wear A Matching Set

Remember when it was sort of passe to wear a matching set? Well, that’s no longer the case. It’s very elegant, on-trend, and modern to wear a matching set now! The matching sweater skirt set I’m wearing is gorgeous for winter. The ivory and brown color combo is so luxe, and the fit is incredible. Another great thing about matching sets for winter is that they’re SO simple. There’s no more wondering if “this goes with that” because it takes the guesswork out of it.

I share more info about this specific Tory Burch set in this post in case you’re interested. But I’ve linked it and a few more options below…

[flex_row]neutral winter outfit neutral winter outfit | Look Expensive During Winter[/flex_row]

Tip #4) Neutral Colors

One of the most expensive-looking colors in the winter that I LOVE to wear is… white! I know that white isn’t a color everyone is comfortable wearing. I get messages all the time that you’re afraid to get white dirty, which I understand! But my tip is to just choose white pieces that don’t break the bank so that it won’t break your heart if you do get them dirty. Another tip for washing your whites…get a good stain remover, wash in cold, and NEVER dry them!

You can also wear and play around with other lighter neutrals like light grey, taupe, beige, blush, tan, light brown, etc. You can wear a monochromatic winter white (or your neutral color of choice) outfit like I am above or mix and match with the other pieces in your closet. In the look above, I’m wearing an all-white outfit featuring a white pompom sweater, some white jeans,  and a neutral off-white coat. This look includes different tones and textures, which is the key to pulling off a monochromatic look. But if this is outside your comfort zone, try wearing a white sweater with some traditional blue jeans to dip your toe in the winter white water.

what to wear in winter to look expensive

Tip #5) Turtlenecks

Don’t underestimate the power of a turtleneck! I haven’t talked about turtlenecks in a while because I’ve had some trouble with them recently…as I’ve gotten older and the skin around my neck and chin have gotten looser, I feel less comfortable with turtlenecks that are tighter on my neck. So, what I’ve started doing is looking for tops that are a little shorter than a turtleneck, like a mock neck or are looser around the neck. Another option is to try a stand collar top or a 3/4 zip like the one I’m wearing above and just zip it down so it’s not so tight to the neck. If you’re comfortable with a traditional turtleneck, go for it…wear what makes you comfortable!

Bonus Tip) Accessories

  • Hats – I talked about the faux fur hat but wearing any sort of hat can really elevate any outfit you’re wearing.
  • Scarves – I would definitely grab a classic, luxe scarf that you love. Again, sticking with neutrals and luxe-looking fabrics.
  • Sunglasses – Adding a pair of sunnies can help pull any outfit together and look glam.
  • Handbag – Since people don’t see much of your outfit in the winter (it’s mostly your outerwear and your bag), it’s important to be strategic with your handbag. That doesn’t mean it needs to be expensive! Look for something that’s structured, in a neutral tone, and well-made. I linked some mid-range options below.

I share even more tips in the video below about belting your coat, the boots I like to wear during winter, and more so make sure you go watch that!

Which tip is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

If you liked this post, please share it using the buttons below! Pin it, tweet it, email it…however you want to share, we appreciate it! And don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for incredible style resources and exclusive content. If you’re struggling with style or just need a style refresh, don’t forget about our Style Made Simple course.

Thanks for stopping by!
Erin Busbee signature
1

Little Black Dress

You really can’t go wrong with black dresses. I have this exact Alice + Olivia dress in hot pink and LOVE the fit. For winter, try some chic knee-high boots, classic leather ankle boots, or even a pair of black pointed-toe sock booties to dress it up.
2

Casual Striped Dress

With mini dresses, you can choose to wear pretty much any style of an ankle boot. I love this casual Line & Dot dress because stripes (especially horizontal) are very on trend right now, the length is really nice, and it’s warm but not TOO warm so you can still wear it on cooler spring days. Oh, and it’s under $120! To keep casual dresses casual, consider sticking with a shorter ankle boot or combat boot. To dress it up, go with a knee-high boot or heeled ankle boots.
3

Short Floral Dress

I’m not a huge fan of floral prints but I LOVE the way boots look with floral dresses. Ulla Johnson makes some of the prettiest prints and this dress will be perfect for the remainder of winter and into spring. Don’t forget that adding tights or a long coat can make some of your neutral “spring-like” dresses very wearable for winter! The same “boot rules” apply to this mini dress. I’d probably wear it with some white or brown ankle boots and an oversized teddy coat to winterize it!
4

Fun Fringe Mini Dress

Finge is really having a moment! This Line & Dot dress is SO cute and the perfect way to add some texture to a look. I’d style it with some white or beige ankle or knee-high boots and an ivory coat for a beautiful monochromatic winter white look!
5

Classic But Casual Midi Dress

This is the kind of dress every woman needs in her closet! It’s the perfect mix of casual and dressy depending on your accessory choices. And it’s by Rag & Bone, so you know it’s high quality and will last for years! Considering the length and the more fitted bottom, I’d opt for some sort of ankle or combat boots but avoid knee-high boots.
6

Elevated Black Slit Dress

This is the kind of dress you can really show off a killer pair of shoes! Since it has a slit, you can go with whatever style of boot you prefer. By the way, this dress is a great basic option if you’re looking for a versatile (but elevated) black dress for winter. Susana Monaco makes pieces in wonderful, luxe fabrics that are stretchy and comfortable.
7

Versatile Navy Midi Dress

This navy Tory Burch midi will look beautiful for the rest of winter but will also look beautiful in spring! I would style it with knee-high boots or ankle boots depending on where the dress hits on your legs. But you can probably get away with any kind of boot style. You just want to avoid a too-small sliver or skin showing between the bottom of the dress and the top of the boot.
8

Midi Dress to Dress Up Or Down

This fun, funky printed midi dress has a sexy slit, so it would work beautifully with a knee-high boot like the Schutz boots I featured in look #4. But if you want to dress it down a little, try the dress with ankle boots instead.
9

Beautiful Printed Midi Dress

Ulla Johnson does it again with another gorgeous, printed dress! This one is a little dressier than #3 and would be beautiful for a wedding or special event. It looks like it’s the perfect length so you can get away with any style of boot you prefer.
10

Sexy Silky Maxi Dress

This classic but silky dress by Vince would look beautiful with a pair of black, heeled ankle booties and a leather jacket for date night! But since it’s not as fitted at the bottom and has that A-line shape, you can get away with knee-high boots too.
11

Romantic Silky Dress

If you like the look of the last dress but want something with a little more coverage, this Vince dress has sleeves, a tie-waist, and can easily be dressed up or down. It’s also a beautiful option if you like a more romantic feel in your maxi dresses. Wear this with any kind of boots or booties you want.
12

Versatile Printed Maxi Dress

You all know how much I love a pink dress and this one by Misa is so beautiful. It’s a dark enough print to wear during winter, but also bright enough to wear during the spring! You could wear it to lunch with whatever boots you prefer or with heels to your next event.

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!

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!