A good handbag creates the illusion of a luxurious look, without destroying its budget
As long as you haven’t splurged on it, a quality bag is a great investment. Choose a classic design, such as a bag with a frame and a top handle for the office and a shoulder bag for weekends in a neutral color.
Tip to preserve your handbag: keep its luster by rubbing Windex on the patent leather parts, and an unscented body lotion on the other leather parts. To help the bags with frames keep their shape, fill them with paper or fabric before storing them.
To create a classy look at a low price, add the freshness of a perfume
No outfit will be complete if it is not matched with a luxury fragrance . Find a scent you love and apply it to your skin (never your clothes or hair) where you feel your pulse, advises fragrance expert Sue Phillips. For a fragrance that lasts, put perfume on your ankles, the back of your knees, and between your thighs. To avoid mixing too many scents, wipe your skin with a fragrance-free moisturizer or almond oil before applying perfume.
To get a luxurious look at a mini price, wear weighty accessories
Cheap jewelry is the ultimate impulse buy, and when carefully chosen and worn, it can really elevate an outfit. Go for clear crystals over junk gemstones, and dark metal over super shiny. Also, choose massive-looking metals rather than thin, brittle alloys. For a classic look, wear a watch with a metal or leather strap. Do not be afraid to add a touch of madness by embellishing everything with a vintage or ethnic element. Jewelry is the ultimate way to assert yourself and make your mark.
Create a luxurious look at a low price by collecting classic coats
No matter what you’re wearing underneath, a nice jacket will instantly spruce up your appearance. Above all, look for good quality, durable clothing. A trench coat with a belt, a black leather jacket, a raw denim garment, a navy blue frock coat, a camel hair coat or a black pea coat will never go out of style. Collect them, and you’ll never again say, “I have nothing to wear!”
Pay attention to the details to compose a sumptuous look
If you find a thread sticking out, snip it off. Want to get rid of lint on a sweater? Get rid of it with a disposable razor. A thread pulled on one of your clothes? Gently stretch the fabric to spring it back into shape, and use a sewing needle to iron the pulled thread through the garment and then bring it inside.
Hire a tailor to give the illusion of a luxurious ensemble
A few alterations here and there can make a $30 dress look chic and custom-made. You want to make sure your new garment has the correct hem (ankle height or 2.5cm below for jeans, just above the knee for a sheath skirt) and sleeve length (just below the wrist )?
Use a steamer to create a classy look
A steamer is easier and faster to use than an iron. To keep your clothes wrinkle-free, fold them or hang them on a hanger as soon as you take them out of the dryer, and steam them the day before you want to wear them. Don’t waste time and water by running the very hot shower in the bathroom: it’s pretty much inefficient.
Create a luxurious look by avoiding earthy colors
Earth tones can look dull and dated. For a more sumptuous look, stock your closet with garments in light and pastel jewel tones. For printed fabrics, the leopard spot pattern is a classic. The others, for the most part, will make you look dated.
Opt for minimalist makeup and neutral nail polish for a chic look
Speaking of makeup , you’ll never go wrong with a touch of concealer, blush, mascara, and fruity lipstick. For a sumptuous hairstyle, nothing beats an elegant brushing. And don’t forget your nails: it’s better to have no nail polish than peeling nail polish!
For an elegant look, match your shoes to your bag
Your shoes are constantly hitting the ground, so it’s not really worth spending a fortune on the ones you wear every day. However, it is still important to keep your shoes in good condition. Stains on shoes can be safely cleaned with warm water and dish soap. To treat scuffs on patent leather, smear a little petroleum jelly. For a super polished look, match your shoes to your bag.
Tuck in your blouse for a dressy look
A blouse tucked into a skirt or pants always gives a distinguished and chic look. And for an even more refined result, go monochrome: black, white or navy blue.
