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Runway models and celebrities nearly always look amazing. But what if you can’t afford the expensive designer dresses or pricey fabrics? How do you dress up your $20 match-it-buy from a chain stores to make it look like it's from one of the high end boutiques?
The idea of luxury is something that makes you feel special, so getting your luxury look for less is really all about finding things that make you feel amazing. It doesn't mean having to spend loads of cash!
1: Visualise an outfit in its entirety
When you see a runway collection, each garment will be paired with a belt, a shoe and a makeup look created specifically for it. Everything from the haphazardly clashing hosiery to the unlaced boot would have been thought of to create an entire look. It’s this idea of clothing as a building block which really elevates an outfit and gives it that 'luxe feel'. If you are choosing to buy the black cotton voile dress over the silk edged pricey version, that belt from an op shop and headband from mimco, hosiery from farmers and patent shoes are going to add the kick that is lacking from the cheaper version.
2: Don’t pine-find…
Stop pining over the silk Chloe top you cannot afford and instead think honestly about why you like it. Is it the shape, the way it fits on the model, the colour or the beading around the top half? Take that idea away and use it to find something you can afford. Recently I found the most amazing (and super expensive) Stella McCartney print dress. I figured out I loved the floral print fabric and the ruffly detail, and in the weekend I picked up something that had those same features from Glassons and styled it as if it was the most pricey thing in the world – it looks fab! I love it and it earns compliments. The best bit is it did not cost the thousands of pounds that the SM version did…
3: Define a sense of style and rock it
People who know what they want, know what they like and always look amazing. It’s not the clothes that do it – it’s them. Click here to help find your own inner style maven.
4: Embrace affordability
I almost feel that these days it’s a bit of a sin to get a steal. But if you want that luxe designer item then wait patiently for the end of season sales/sample sales and hope it's still there. If patience is not a virtue, chain and online stores exist to make a cheaper version of something you simply can’t afford. Whilst it won’t look exactly the same it will have the feel of its pricey cousin. And don’t forget second-hand stores are a treasure trove of designer items from previous seasons; sometimes the oldies are the best.
Not power tools (although they are handy)! The best way to look like a million dollars is to feel like a million dollars. Go through your wardrobe and try on everything. If it doesn’t make you feel amazing rework it or get rid of it. Sell it on Trade Me and use the proceeds to buy things you actually love. Or find real ways to make it work in your wardrobe now, if it’s a week later and your still hanging onto it then it's time to let go –it's lack lustre nature will not magically become luxurious.
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