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Are you looking to upgrade your wardrobe to make everything look more expensive? Without draining your bank account? You’ve come to the right place. Color is one of the most powerful tools for achieving a more expensive look, and there are certain fabrics that can instantly make your wardrobe look more luxurious too. With the right fabrics and colors, you can easily take your outfit and wardrobe to the next level. New wardrobe level: unlocked.
Fabrics That Make Your Outfit Look More Expensive
When it comes to creating a more luxurious wardrobe, choosing the right fabrics can make all the difference. Sure, you might not have Balmain blazer or Chanel handbag money, but you don’t have to!
Look for materials that have a rich and high-quality texture, such as:
Silk: Known for its luxurious smoothness and natural shine, silk instantly elevates any outfit with its expensive-looking appearance and beautiful draping.
Cashmere: This soft fabric is not only cozy, but it provides an air of elegance and sophistication while still providing warmth and comfort.
Wool: Wool is a classic, timeless fabric that exudes quality and refinement, particularly when used in tailored pieces such as blazers and coats. Classic wool camel coat, anyone?
Velvet: It’s fit for kings….and queens! With its plush texture and rich appearance, velvet adds a touch of opulence to any outfit, making it look more expensive.
Linen: Although linen is a casual fabric, and yes, it wrinkles, well-tailored linen pieces convey a sense of effortless sophistication, making your outfit appear more upscale. Just think rich woman vacationing in the Hamptons.
Leather: A well-made leather piece, such as a jacket, can add a sleek touch to any outfit.
Jacquard: This intricately woven fabric creates detailed patterns and textures, giving garments a high-end yet vintage aesthetic, perfect for dresses and blazers.
Brocade: Associated with royalty, brocade is a luxurious and ornate fabric featuring intricate designs woven with metallic threads, often used for formalwear or special occasions.
Ultimately, investing in high-quality fabrics will not only make your clothes look more expensive but will also ensure that they last longer and hold up over time.
Though we all love the look of luxurious fabrics like silk, cashmere, and wool, they can be expensive to purchase. And since this post is all about making your outfit look more expensive without draining your bank account, it’s only fair to offer alternatives!
How To Wear Expensive Fabrics on a Budget
The good news is that you can still incorporate these fabrics into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. One of the best ways to wear expensive fabrics on a budget is to look for them in second-hand or thrift stores. Many high-quality items can end up at these stores, allowing you to find great deals on pieces made of silk, cashmere, and wool.
Another option is to invest in one or two key pieces that you can mix and match with less expensive items. For example, a silk blouse can elevate a pair of Target jeans.
Related: How To Mix High and Low Fashion (& Know When To Splurge and When To Save)
Perhaps the best option is to look for items made of high-quality synthetic fabrics that mimic the look and feel of expensive materials. A higher quality reproduction can give the look of the real thing, while being much more friendly on the wallet!
Consider making these swaps:
- Linen -> Cotton or Cotton Blend
- Velvet -> Velveteen
- Wool -> Acrylic or Polyester Blends
- Cashmere -> Alpaca Wool or Acrylic
- Silk -> Satin
- Leather -> Faux/Vegan Leather
- Jacquard and Brocade -> Printed Fabrics
Related: 16 Tiny Tweaks That Will Make Your Outfit Look More Expensive in No Time
Colors That Make Your Outfit Look More Expensive
When it comes to upgrading your wardrobe and making everything look more expensive, color choices are just as important as fabric choices. Classic colors are timeless and always in style, as you know.
Camel: One of my favorites! Camel is a neutral color that instantly elevates any outfit and gives it a polished and timeless look.
Black: Black is a timeless color that instantly adds a touch of polish and sophistication to any outfit.
White: White always looks crisp and fresh. Plus, the brightness conveys simplicity and adds an air of elegance to your looks.
Charcoal Gray: Charcoal gray is a versatile color that adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your outfit.
Navy Blue: This classic color looks luxurious and sophisticated.
Burgundy: Burgundy is a rich, deep color that adds a sense of luxury and richness to your look.
Ivory: Ivory is a sophisticated and clean color that gives off an air of luxury and refinement.
Chocolate Brown: Chocolate brown is a warm and rich color that gives your outfit a luxurious and expensive feel.
Royal Purple: It’s all in the name. Royal, or deep purple, is a luxurious color that adds a regal touch to your outfit.
Emerald Green: The richness of this vibrant and regal color exudes opulence.
Metallic Gold: Though technically not a traditional color, adding gold accents or incorporating a metallic gold piece in your outfit can instantly make it look more expensive and glamorous.
By understanding the role that fabrics and colors have in your wardrobe, you can easily elevate your entire look and give off an expensive and polished vibe!
Want even more ideas on how to look expensive? Check out one of my top-performing posts: 9 Tips on How to Look Expensive + What to Avoid
In the meantime, I have a free wardrobe shopping list you can get your hands on that will help you pick up the timeless clothing pieces that give off an expensive look!
