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Did you know that how you dress influences how you perform in life? Numerous studies show that how you dress affect your physical and mental well-being. If you look good, you feel good. If you dress well, you will exude confidence and this will simply affect how others perceive you. Whether you like it or not, appearances do matter. Thus, if you want to become successful, you need to dress the part. You need to learn how to dress for success. The good news is that you don’t need to actually wear expensive clothes to look expensive. Here are some secrets on how to look expensive even on a budget.
1.Wear Black
If you have been to Paris, London, Milan, New York and other fashion capitals of the world, you will be surprised that most people in those cities prefer to wear black. Black has been the symbol of power, elegance, luxury, and fashion.
Black is a neutral color. It blends perfectly well with any other color of clothing or accessories because it is very versatile. It will look good on anybody regardless of skin color or body shape.
Black is the most slimming of all colors. It is the most flattering. You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age and you can wear it for almost any occasion.
– Christian Dior
Black is simple and modern. You can experiment on different fabrics and styles without hurting your budget. The black pieces that you purchased more than a decade ago can still look good until today. You can wear it 24 hours a day. It works perfectly in the morning as well as the evening. You can never go wrong with black.
2. Wear White
If black is not your thing, then wear white. The color white is the color of perfection. It is pure and it looks clean. A white on white ensemble is simple yet it is chic. You can wear it on the street or you can wear it on the beach. You can match it with any other color. A white shirt or blouse paired with a pair of jeans still looks elegant despite its simplicity. Just add any accessories and you are good to go but don’t forget to wear nude or white underwear.
3. Use a Structured Bag
A bag is very useful. It is not only functional, it also completes an outfit. If you can spare a few bucks and do your budgeting responsibly, a designer handbag can be a form of investment too as long as you stick to the classics. If you visit some designer outlets in some parts of the world, you might get lucky and find your investment bag in outlets at a discounted rate.
On a budget? Fret not. It is possible to find a stylish bag that looks expensive without actually splurging. Forget about those knockoff designer handbags with big logos. Instead, opt for a structured bag. They are chic and timeless. The simple lines and hardware gives the added poise and polish that will complete your look. Use the structured top handle bag in the office and use the cross-body strap for a more casual look on the weekend.
4. Wear Pointed Shoes
Wearing pointed heels or shoes create an elongated effect. It instantly makes your legs longer making you look taller, slimmer and more graceful. They give a sleek, sophisticated and expensive look. It is also easier to dress it up or tone it down. A black pointed heel is a must have in every closet.
Pointed shoes can be paired in almost everything. If you are a woman and you are not fond of wearing heels, fancy flat pointed shoes on formal occasions will do the trick. If you are wearing casual clothing and you want to dress it up a little, pointed shoes will also do the trick.
5.Wear Clothes That Fit You
Fit is the most important aspect of dressing. Well-fitting clothes will complement your body. If you wear something too tight, not only will it make you uncomfortable, it will also make you appear fatter. On the contrary, if you wear something too big or oversized, you tend to be more relaxed. Although it will cover your true body shape, you will end up exhibiting a poor posture. You will come off as sloppy.
Unfortunately, most people buy clothes that don’t fit them, especially if the clothes are on sale. If in case you end up buying one, make sure to visit the tailor first and have it adjusted to your size before you even consider wearing it.
6. Don’t Wear Wrinkled Clothes
Going out looking like you slept in your clothes is a big no, no. If you want to look nice and expensive, you have to make sure that your clothes are properly steamed or pressed. Wearing wrinkled, dirty and sloppy looking clothes gives the impression that you don’t care or you don’t put importance to people that you are meeting. Put it this way, it will turn off prospective clients, your boss or even your date.
Well ironed clothes make them look more expensive than they actually are. Pressing your clothes before going out makes a lot of difference in your overall look.
7.Have a Signature Scent
Have you ever met someone that you are drawn to because they look so elegant and lovely because of their scent? A signature scent is a fragrance of a person that lingers in your memory that it becomes a part of that person’s very essence. Your task is to look for your very own signature scent. The scent need not be expensive. It can be a perfume, a cologne or an eau de toilette. The important thing is that it has to be scent that suits you. It has to be something that you like that will make you feel confident about yourself.
8.Choose the Right Materials
When it comes to clothing materials, choose the ones that are made of natural fabrics like cashmere, cotton, leather, linen, silk and suede. Unfortunately, not all can afford these materials because most of them come with a price tag to match. The good news is that there are some affordable clothing materials out there that look expensive. All you need to do is to look for these fabrics the next time you shop.
9.Add a Statement Piece
A statement piece always works in improving an outfit. You can use a scarf, a belt, necklaces, bracelets or other jewelries. If you have extra cash invest on vintage accessories or a luxury watch. Just choose something that will accentuate your outfit and bring it to life. Just remember not to overdo it.
10. Pay Attention to Small Details
Little things do matter. It is the finishing touches of an outfit that help complete your look. Here are some small details that you should pay attention to that people normally overlook:
- Lining should be invisible.
- Zippers should not be exposed.
- Clothes should be correctly buttoned.
- No loose threads on hems.
- Threads should be the same colour as fabric.
First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 01.28.2019.
Feature Image by Pixabay Images
