Remember that scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts walks into the expensive boutique in Beverly Hills and gets snubbed? She gets snubbed because she doesn’t look like she can afford the items in that store. She also doesn’t act like she can afford those items.
People will look at what you are wearing and make conclusions about you. If you are well dressed and put together, if you have the latest clothes and shoes, people will assume that you are someone that they have to deal with respectfully. Why? Because you look like you are successful and have money. People naturally assume that successful people have money and also have more connections, more power, and more influence. So, how do you get that look when you don’t have that much money?
To look expensive, spend more on key items that make an impact. Don’t choose designs that are trendy. Choose classic, long lasting designs to stretch your dollar.
Trends will come and go, but the classic items can be used forever. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on designer items, then choose the items that you can use more frequently and choose classic designs that will last more than one season. Ideally, your goal is to use that item for at least 3 years if not more. Plus, don’t buy expensive items that wear out easily or can only be worn once in awhile. Here is my suggested order of things to buy that will make you look expensive, but won’t break your bank:
1) Purse: A good designer purse can last you a long time. Look for the classic designs and not the latest fashionable designs that people won’t carry past 1 season. For example, at Louis Vuitton, the classic design is the one with the brown background and gold monogram. At Burberry, it is the black, tan and red pattern known as their classic check. If you don’t know which ones are classic, ask the salespeople. They can tell you which ones are their classic and timeless pieces.
2) Shoes: A few pairs of nice shoes will last you a long time. Make sure you have a great pair of office heels such as classic black pumps along with a pair of flashier evening shoes to go out in. With shoes, you don’t have to spend as much (Jimmy Choos or Manolos). Just make sure that your items are high quality so they will last long and look good. Cole Haan, Sergio Rossi, and many other designers have fantastic shoes that are not as pricey, but still look great.
3) Jewelry: Start with a nice necklace. Tiffany, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, will all have beautiful necklaces that can be worn all the time. Look for a delicate piece on a silver or gold string, with a smaller pendant. If you can afford it, find a pendant with diamonds or some sort of stone on it. If not, a nice pendant that is not too loud, but is still distinctive works best.
4) Coat: The coat is the first thing people will see when you are walking around outside. One nice coat can last you more than 5 years. For your coat, definitely spend more and pay for quality. Make sure it is well made, tailored to fit you, and stylish and classic. If you live in a colder climate, spend more on that coat since you will be wearing it much more than those that live in warmer areas.
5) Jeans: These days, a pair of nice designer jeans is a must. The designer jeans fit better and everyone can tell from the butt and the wash that you are wearing a higher quality pair of jeans. Splurge a little on jeans, but only if they fit you well. If you don’t have enough money, buy 1 pair of nice jeans, don’t buy those casual jeans you would wear to walk your dog in. Buy a pair of darker wash jeans that you can wear to go out at night in and be “seen” in.
This list may look longer than you expected. Or, you may already have all of these items and can start buying others. Either way, make sure you are shopping smart and looking for high quality, long lasting, impactful items to add to your wardrobe. Looking good and expensive will give you that added bonus of making a stronger first impression and allow you to get what you want more easily.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I really want to no how to combine colours in clothes i wear.
Usually, a good trick is to combine neutral colors such as white, black, tan, navy or brown, with brighter colors such as green, red, blue, or yellow. Don’t try to wear all bright colors. All neutral colors is fine although adding a little bit of color such as with a scarf or belt or shoes adds something different to the outfit. Hope that helps!