It’s a tale as old as time, but it rings true: You don’t have to spend a lot on your outfit for it to look elevated and expensive. Whether it’s a specific colour to tap into, a styling trick to try or a trendy basic to incorporate, I’ll rarely pass up the opportunity to share my favourite ways to achieve that luxe look. Since I know you’re curious about how to create this effect with minimal effort and/or funds, I thought I’d compile some of the best expensive-looking outfits out there into one useful guide.
So if you’re looking to emulate this elevated vibe, consider the below nine looks to be your guiding force this spring and beyond. This year, there are a few formulas that should be on your radar, and trust me when I say they couldn’t be any easier to re-create. When it comes to expensive-looking outfits, the simpler the look, the better, so I mean it when I say that the ones you’re about to discover are just as aspirational as they are attainable.
Simply keep scrolling to discover nine of these elevated ensembles and read about which details make them stand out. Of course, you can peruse similar shopping picks as well.
Camel is littering our social feeds, and it happens to look especially elevated. My favourite way to adopt the hue is via a few key basics, such as a camel coat or camel knit, that you can style all together like the above image or separately.
No way does this look £60.
A heel you can genuinely walk all day in.
I own this in cream, and it’s the perfect oversized fit—no need to size up.
Extra-large bags have dominated the runways, and fashion’s early adopters are already endorsing the oversize carryalls, which tells me they’re a key trend to know for 2022. Trendiness aside, though, there’s something about a large leather shopper that’s quite luxe—probably because the price point tends to start higher than it does for mini bags.
The ultimate weekender bag.
I love this creamy colour.
Unusual-shaped bags are having a moment.
Leather (and its vegan alternatives) just screams “money.” It’s pretty much a given that genuine leather has a rich-looking effect, but leather lookalikes are also getting so good that they’ve become my favourite way to achieve this look on a budget.
Simple and fuss-free.
This year, wide-leg leathers are all the rage.
Layer this with a roll-neck.
It might sound counterintuitive since sharp tailoring is typically associated with an elevated outfit, but when done right, relaxed and roomy silhouettes can do the same in an especially fresh way for 2022. Take TyLynn’s look here, which she styled with beige tones and a thin top to offset the denim’s volume.
Arket brings these best-selling trousers back every spring.
A cool update on classic black jeans.
Satin always hangs so beautifully.
Whether you spend £30 or £300 on one, a big, boxy blazer will single-handedly elevate anything you wear it with. Seriously, with blue jeans or atop a minidress, it’s the one piece that does all the legwork for you.
The blazer all of our editors want to own.
No, that price isn’t a typo.
It’s easy to see what makes the black blazer a wardrobe classic.
Cable-knits are going through a chic rebrand. The “grandma” knits have officially gone from feeling dated to elevated thanks to a number of cool new versions on the market that are breathing new life into the classic texture.
This cable-knit is an influencer favourite.
The zip-down neckline gives the classic cable-knit a 2022 update.
Jumpers with matching scarves are a mood.
I’ll never tire of knee-high boots because of their uncanny ability to bring a whole look together. I look for leather pairs with a structured shaft that stand up without slouching. With a mini or midi skirt, they’re just *chef’s kiss.*
Who said your knee-high boots had to be black?
Or high-heeled for that matter?
Mock-croc finishes always look expensive, too.
Monochromatic outfits are probably the quickest and easiest way to look put together, and while the exact colour you wear doesn’t always matter, neutrals tend to convey this elevated vibe the best. I like styling crisp basics, like a button-down shirt and tailored jeans, with a simple, slicked-back hairstyle. It’s clean and simple but very chic.
The perfect linen shirt does exist.
I’ve been wanting to try these jeans for the longest time.
Another Totême item to add to my wish list.
I saw so many people trying this on in my local Zara store this week.
A coat you’ll never regret investing in.
The fuzzy texture on this coat makes it feel even more high-end.
