How to Look Expensive, Classy and Chic
Want to Look Expensive, Classy and Chic? There are countless ways to elevate your wardrobe to look pulled-together. Clothes are a tool to help us look and feel our best. American fashion photographer Bill Cunningham said it best, “Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life.” Which is why I love to share style tips and tricks with you that will make your life easier when getting ready in the morning. But How to Look Expensive, Classy and Chic? Investing in classic wardrobe staples, having your clothes pressed and fitted, looking classy, chic, and expensive isn’t as difficult as you might think.
TL;DR
Beth shares tips and tricks for How to Look Expensive, Classy and Chic
Plus, example outfits and items with shoppable text widgets
How to Look Expensive, Classy and Chic
1. Steam or Iron Your Clothes
To avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed steaming or ironing your clothes before you leave the house is key. I own an iron and ironing board and I take it out from time to time at night to press a stack of clothes that’s built up while I binge watch a television show.
Taking the extra time & effort to press or steam your clothes makes the difference between a thoughtless outfit and a polished outfit. That’s when a steamer comes in handy. I have a full-sized steamer from Rowenta standing in my closet. Whenever I take a blouse or pair of pants off the hanger I turn my steamer on and take the extra five minutes to steam my clothes so they look crisp. The devil is in the details, including a steamed garment that adds instant polish to even the most worn-out item.
I also have a travel steamer that I take along with me when I travel. It’s a game changer because clothes can get quite wrinkled when they’re packed inside a suitcase.
2. Grooming
Personal grooming is all about putting your best foot forward each and every day. How you treat yourself speaks volumes about who you are. When we are well-groomed it makes a statement and creates a positive impression. We don’t have to strive for perfection or look like a beauty queen. But we do want to pay attention to our personal hygiene. Grooming not only makes you look more attractive but gives you a healthy dose of self-confidence.
Pay attention to your hair care - invest in a great haircut. A fantastic stylist is worth their weight in gold. Don’t have a stylist you love? Next time you see a woman pass you by and you love her hair stop and ask her where she gets her hair cut. That’s how I found my latest stylist. And don’t neglect your hair care routine, shampoo, conditioner, and a hair masque will keep your hair silky and shiny.
If you want luminous skin, then a skincare routine is a must. But let’s not forget about your teeth and your nails. Make twice-yearly appointments with your dentist for a good cleaning and ask about teeth whiteners. My dental hygienist recommended Crest White Strips. I wear them for 30 minutes a day for ten days in a row every other month. It keeps my red wine and coffee stains at bay.
And let's not forget about our nails. Well-groomed hands and feet are a must! Since I’m in front of the camera on YouTube and the blog I regularly go in for a manicure and pedicure. It’s my secret indulgence as it gives me an hour or two to be pampered.
3. Invest in a few classic pieces
For a wardrobe that will stand the test of time, search for key items, whether it’s designer or otherwise, that you’ll love forever. Think about the items that will be timeless in your wardrobe. These are the “bones” of your closet. What makes up the bones of a timeless wardrobe that will keep you looking classy, chic, and expensive? Think classic boots, well-fitting denim or a beautiful handbag. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started.
Oversized White Button Down
Finding the perfect button-down can be a difficult feat, but when your goal is to look classy, chic and expensive it’s imperative to find one. When it comes to a classic white button-down shirt, it's all in the details. I have over a dozen white shirts and I’m still on the hunt for the perfect one. But I absolutely love an oversized version of a white button down to look less preppy and more casual.
Last week I was at our Tybee Beach house and a dear friend of mine from my Houston days came to visit. Guess what she wore one night when we went out for dinner? That’s right, an oversized white button-down that she paired with a simple pair of denim. She looked adorable! And speaking of beach days, you can wear this button-down open and breezy over a fitted dress, or swimsuit, and throw on a wide-brim hat for good measure. You can never, ever go wrong with an oversized white button-down. And for those of you with larger busts, this is the perfect shirt that won’t have your buttons gasping for air.
Shop Oversized White Button Downs
Little Black Dress
We all know a classic black dress will get you everywhere, from sightseeing on vacation to early dinner reservations. A black slip dress with spaghetti straps looks fantastic with a blazer or denim jacket. But I recently spied this black sleeveless dress from Tuckernuck that’s fitted, structured, chic, and perfect for work or the weekend.
Shop Little Black Dresses
White Linen Dress
Yes, an LBD has staying power but let’s not underestimate its cousin the white dress that’s just as impactful as a white button-down. I snagged this white linen dress from Banana Republic this spring. Let me tell you it is the perfect dress not only for late spring but all summer long.
Shop White Linen Dresses
White Sneakers
White sneakers, first and foremost, are a staple in every fashion-forward person's closet or shoe rack. I’ve been wearing them since forever. My first shoe memories as a child were my white canvas sneakers that I wore all summer long and poked my big toe through the toe bed by the end of summer. At the end of the day, there’s nothing that beats a pair of crisp, clean white sneakers.
Shop White Sneakers
Shop Consignment
If you love to shop luxury items but have sticker shock (and who doesn’t) then shop consignment or buy and sell used items. One of my best tips to looking expensive while staying on a budget is to purchase truly expensive well-made items, without paying full sticker price.
If you haven’t checked out sites like The Real Real, ThredUp or Poshmark you would be shocked to see how many “like new” items can be found for 50% or more off retail prices. Visit my five star-rated Poshmark Closet to shop Petite size 0 or Regular size 8. My daughter-in-law Kelly who is a Petite is a regular contributor to the blog Style at a Certain Age and many of her items are available on Poshmark along with my size 8 clothes. I can attest to both The Real Real and ThredUp for a seamless shopping experience.
4. Go with Neutrals
Having a great sense of style shouldn’t be confused with having an unlimited budget to finance it. Some of the best outfits are a mix of high-end and low-end fashion, for a timeless look that’s also on trend. In terms of color, keep in mind black, grey, navy or beige to build a timeless wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong, we love florals, bold colors or animal prints but if you want to look classy, chic and expensive, stick to a neutral color palette.
Shop the Outfit
Shop the Outfit
5. Easy Tricks to Elevate your Look
Add a Scarf
A scarf is a classic wardrobe staple that many of you own, can be worn year-round, and lasts for years and years. From wool scarves in the winter, cotton scarves for summer, or silk scarves that can be worn year round the sky is the limit. When the weather is cool, tie one around your neck or drape it over your shoulders. During the warmer months, tie a scarf on your handbag or use it as a chic and classy belt.
Shop Scarves
Drape a Third Layer
Next time you want to achieve a sophisticated look throw a third layer over your shoulders whether it’s a cardigan, denim jacket or blazer. This one style trick takes your outfit to the next level.
Shop Drapable Third Layers
Roll With It
Sometimes my beloved button-downs can look stuffy. But if you roll the sleeves, they immediately look relaxed and effortless. But it’s not just our button-downs that can be rolled. Roll the cuffs of your jackets and blazers that add visual interest and show off a stack of bracelets.
Shop the Outfit
Shop the Outfit
Start a Pinterest Board to Develop Your Personal Style
When you are working to define your personal style and lay down the foundations for your wardrobe, it is very helpful to have visual inspiration to guide you. My YouTube Channel shares many, many videos with photos and video to help you on your journey. But starting a Pinterest Board and filling it with images of outfits that look expensive and that your are drawn to will help define your style. Check out my Pinterest for inspiration!
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, I shared the perfect summer vacation dress. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Thank you for this well thought out article. These were snippets of classy dressing I knew, but had not put together in a pattern to follow. You have continually produced an excellent blog for mature women that want to look their best. Your contributors like Jennifer and Kelly are down to earth and supply us with solid info we can use every day. You should be very proud of your creation.
I’m so happy you are finding inspiration from the blog. SaaCA truly has a fantastic team!
Lots of great, concise information here. Thank you so much!
I had a friend who always looked well put together and expensive. She had a few designer handbags to go with her outfits. As I got to know her better, I was surprised to find out that she bought most of her clothes at T J Max. It was the purses and a few pieces of good classic jewelry that made her look so classy and expensive. She was my role model and I miss her dearly
Accessories always make or break your outfit. But when chosen wisely they will always add that little extra something!
Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! I’m happy to hear you found today’s post helpful.
Which are your favorite white sneakers?
I Like Superga.
Great post Beth. You have a great blog and you do a great job educating on how to dress. I can’t imagine how hard you work, but I’m sure glad you do!
It’s a lot of work but a whole lot of fun!
This was a great blog today Beth! All good advice!
I’m so glad you found the blog post helpful!
You always look classy, Beth! Thanks for letting us in on your secrets!
I’m really interested in the full-sized steamer by Rowenta. Do you hang your clothes on the screen, and steam them that way? I’ve looked at some steamers where you hang the clothes on an included hanger. I’m wondering how those things work with pants?
One video on You Tube shows a girl steaming her garment on a separate mannequin, so any tips you have about usage would be great! I do have a handheld steamer as well as an ironing board and Rowenta iron; however, I am currently struggling with a sore right hand and trigger finger, so a steamer makes sense. Thanks Beth!
Hi Nancy!
There are upright steamers that included a hangar to place your clothes on while you steam. Others, like this one with the screen give you vertical support so the clothes aren’t flopping in the air. It also has different fabric settings like an iron.
Hope this helps!
Enjoy your blog & outfit suggestions. Please tell me where you found or the brand of the gold strapped heeled sandals & the tan outfit worn with sneakers. Love them both! Thank you
Beth, I love all your posts, but this one has to be my all time favorite! Effective and doable approach to looking our best!!
You have become my go-to style model. If it wasn’t for you and your posts I’d probably just wear a t-shirt and jeans every day! In your “third layer” picture with the pink blazer, what is the brand of the white blouse you’re wearing underneath?