how to make inexpensive pieces not look cheap.

Target Dress. Marc Fisher Wedges. Hat Attack Bag.(similar here.) Karen Walker Sunglasses. Kate Spade Necklace.

In an ideal world, every piece I added to my closet would be of the highest quality, and something I would love and cherish for years to come.  And in truth, I’ve gotten closer to that in the last few years.  I try to buy less and spend a little more on quality pieces that I will actually love and cherish for years to come.  But let’s be real, unless you’re a millionaire, you’re probably going to sometimes buy pieces that are on the more inexpensive side of the track.  So today I thought I would share with you a few of my tricks for how to make inexpensive pieces not look cheap.

Choose wisely. Just because it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be picky with the pieces you add to your closet.  Make sure you love it, that it fits, isn’t an outdated style and that it’s still at least fairly well made.  If the quality is super poor, or it’s damaged, it should get a pass no matter how little it costs.

Find pieces that are on-trend, and designer look-alikes.  Follow current trends and look for inexpensive pieces that are on trend.  I have one word for you this year, ruffles.

Find go-to inexpensive brands.  I have several brands that I keep in my back pocket that are really reasonably priced that make great on-trend pieces.  I love the Who What Wear line from Target.  Their pieces are always on trend, well made and so inexpensive. I also love H&M, and TopShop as well as BP at Nordstrom.  I always find great pieces for great prices.  I also wrote a whole post on the brands I shop at Shopbop that are in a good price range.  You can read it here.

Look for detail.  Thoughtful details on a piece always communicate quality to me, so if you find a great ruffle top, or a dress with pretty bow sleeves like this one, those details add to the feeling of quality.  Just make sure you inspect the details first.  If they’re done poorly pass on the item.

Pair it with quality pieces.  If I buy an inexpensive top, I like to pair it with a great pair of AG or Rag and Bone jeans.  Quality denim instantly elevates any outfit.  With this outfit, I paired this pretty, but inexpensive dress with my favorite Marc Fisher wedges, my Karen Walker sunglasses, and a beautiful straw bag from Shopbop.  The quality pieces instantly elevate the look of the dress and make it feel like a much higher-end piece.  When in reality, it’s just over $30.

Go for classics.  Classics have a way of communicating quality and value, even if the price-tag is low.  A great breton striped top, (the ultimate classic) always looks like a quality closet piece, even if you snag it for around $30.  This pretty dress comes has a shift silhouette which and it’s done in a pretty chambray, which are both classics and means it won’t look dated in 6 months.

So there are my tips!  I hope this helps you feel more confident in your clothes and makes your closet work even better for you.  If you have any tips or tricks you use to make your inexpensive pieces look more high end, share in the comments so we can all use them!

XO

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