First, why do we want to look expensive, chic, or polished? After all, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Haven’t we earned the right to forgo style over comfort at a certain age? But did you know that it takes less than seven seconds to form the 1st impression? In a world where over 50 women have all but been invisible, it’s time to take stock and rethink putting our best foot forward. As a rule of thumb, we notice people who look polished and put together and wonder how they do it. What’s the secret to glowing skin, perfectly coiffed hair, and an effortlessly chic outfit? Does it take a lot of money to look polished? Not to mention the time and effort? Today, I’m sharing five style secrets on how to look expensive on a budget. Your clothes and overall look are the first steps to having confidence in yourself no matter your age, but especially if you’re a woman of a certain age who doesn’t want to shrink into the background. It doesn’t take lots of time, effort, or money to look pulled together. But you do need a few style tips up your sleeve.

How to look expensive on a budget

1) Stick to neutral colors

I love bright colors, and nothing brightens my mood faster than a bold pop of pink or red or purple. While you can make any color look timeless, classic, and classy, since we’re talking about how to look expensive on a budget wearing neutrals is an easy way to do just that. Neutrals never go out of style, and they can mix and match with anything in your closet. Camel, black, taupe, grey, white, cream, and navy are my go-to’s but don’t forget olive green and burgundy are good choices too.

2) Wear a monochromatic outfit

Head to toe in one color elongates your body and is an easy way to look expensive, stylish, and sophisticated. Wear black if you want to play it safe. Black never goes out of style and always looks chic. But if you’re going to take more risks, go with a tonal outfit in red or pink. Bold colors are trending this year, so it won’t be hard to dress in monochromatic green or red. If you have areas of your body you want to hide, like a tummy or thighs, avoid lighter colors as they visually add weight.

3) Classic jewelry

How to look expensive on a budget? Wearing classic jewelry is easy to add your spin or personality to an outfit without drawing too much attention away from the overall look. There’s a time and place for statement earrings, a flashy cocktail ring, or a statement necklace. But when we want to look effortlessly chic simple classic jewelry in gold, silver or platinum always works.

4) Avoid large scale prints and busy patterns

I’m all for pattern and have never met a stripe I didn’t like. And give me plaids all winter long. But when it comes to looking chic and sophisticated loud prints are not your friend. Patterns by nature are busy and keep your eyes darting back and forth, and we begin to lose focus. In contrast, the absence of prints has a soothing effect and has your eyes take things in from top to bottom seamlessly.

5) Structure over slouch

While slouchy relaxed pieces are all the rage these days, we’re discussing how to look expensive on a budget today, so the easiest way to look classic and classy is to opt for more structure in your outfit. An easy rule of thumb is to have two out of three items to your outfit structured. Here’s an example: straight leg jeans (structured), relaxed sweater (slouchy), and blazer ( structured). It works every time!

Happy Sunday!

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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