Top: Old Navy (shop, similar) | Navy Blazer: H&M (shop similar: one, two, three) | Jeans: Loft | Bag: Target (similar) | Heels: Target (shop) | Necklace: Forever 21 (shop)
This outfit transitioned beautifully from my long meeting yesterday straight to Thai food with the husband. My favorite--both Thai food and the hubs. Even though all of these pieces are from Old Navy, Forever 21, Target, and H&M (all of my most shopped at stores!) this outfit felt expensive. I was trying to figure out why. Maybe it was that my top wasn't t-shirt material and the blazer fit well and had a special touch of striped lining on the cuff of the sleeves. Or maybe it was that the necklace, though it cost $6, seems more expensive because it has a strip of leather woven in (closer look here). Or maybe because my purse feels a little expensive with its hardware and rich color. Or all of the above?
I used to spend a lot of time trying to crack the code on why some outfits seem expensive when they're not, but I didn't have a style blog back then to document it and now I've forgotten. Looks like it's time to figure that one out again! Any thoughts on how to make an outfit feel/look expensive without having to buy expensive items?
I think inexpensive items look expensive when they are a good fit. It really doesn't matter what brand you are wearing; if it is frumpy or too tight, it looks cheap.
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I agree with Lindsay, things look best when they fit right! Also, when materials are in good shape - no pilling, stains, etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree with my buddy @google-a9dac743bb84e7dab86e215b94202a02:disqus Fit is everything! And the confidence you put into an outfit can make it look like a million bucks. I really love this blazer :)
ReplyDeletelov those target heels! did u buy them in store or online?
ReplyDeletegorgeous outfit! you look so great.
ReplyDeletekw, Ladies in Navy
Accessories. I think having chunky, well-made, classic accessories make any outfit look expensive.
ReplyDeleteI used to work with a high-end caterer where I live. Every time we did a dinner party or other event, I paid close attention. Those women could dress casually and still look like a million bucks. It wasn't long before I realized it was all in the accessories.
I think a lot of it has to do with fit. Even if a loose lightweight sweater drapes beautifully, if the sleeves gap or the armpits flap, you look less elegant an breezy and more hobo. A color scheme can be sophisticated, the pieces well intentioned , but if you look like a stuffed sausage or a potato sack, the poor fit is going to give you away.
ReplyDeleteI think an outfit looks expensive for two reasons: fit and color. Accessories definitely add pop to it, but I've seen many an elegant-expensive looking outfit void of accessories and it still looks really classy because it's fitted well and the colors are rich. You look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIn store, but they're available online.
ReplyDeleteI have a problem with that sometimes...sometimes I feel like my clothes look cheap (especially when you walk in expensive stores) and sometimes I feel like they look expensive! Maybe it's just how I'm pairing things together! Love this look! A blazer always dresses things up!
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I think it looks expensive because it all fits you perfectly!
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www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
That green top does not look like much when I look at it on the ON website because it is plain, doesn't seem to have a real shape and has the capped sleeves...but paired with the blazer it looks really great- the neckline is gathered nicely and the length looks just right. I would never have picked it out to pair with a blazer but when you cover the sleeves of the shirt it instantly classes it up! I love that necklace too, it is simple but goes well with so many things :) Another great combo- you are inspiring me too look at my clothes in a different light. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else who said the fit of clothes can really make them look more expensive then they are! Also, some materials just wear better than others.
ReplyDeleteYou and I are on the same page...You don't have to spend a lot to look like you did!!! It's my motto! And I think we are both pretty FAB at shopping on a budget and still being fashionable!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI like the mix of blue-tones you incorporated into this look. Cute bag :)
ReplyDeleteWhich style of Loft jeans are those? Straight or skinny?
ReplyDeleteI am so getting those heels in black & camel :)
They're called "modern skinny"
ReplyDeleteI doubt that I will ever crack that particular code. Instead, I'll just randomly stumble on it before wandering the other way again, haha. At any rate, your clothes all fit you super well, so that probably has a lot to do with it. And you like the pieces, so you feel more awesome in them? That's my guess.
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit. I agree with the bottom comments about outfits that look expensive for their cut and fit.
ReplyDeleteAgi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
i'm just excited that it's finally cold enough to wear pants in socal!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, girl! Honestly, the blazer was *almost* too hot for yesterday, but I stuck it out anyway on principle that you should be able to wear blazers in October! Too bad it's going back up to the mid 80s next week. :(
ReplyDeleteI love this look! I love navy and teal together! I also love the good deals!
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit. I think fabric and fit have a lot to do with an outfit looking expensive.
ReplyDeleteI think the majority of it comes from a great fit, although I do love the way you've put these pieces together as well :)
ReplyDeleteFit is a big thing, but sometimes it's fabric quality or even just thickness. Usually I think more expensive pieces just lay better because of the fabric, but every once in a while you can find bargain pieces that do this, and I think that goes a long way too... Also little extra details that make things special, like what you've got going here. Cute!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jodi Inkenbrandt :) Fit is #1 with an outfit looking great and expensive. I just bought an adorable Old Navy brown tweed blazer from Salvation Army for .99 cents. Seriously! And when I walked into Ann Taylor the lady said "Oh I love your blazer. Is that from here? It fits you perfectly!!" That just made my day! the #2 reason is, in my opinion, colors...you stretched a color palate to coordinate, but not over power...it is a gorgeous look (well, everything looks fab on you though, so that's nothing new :))!! There's my 2 cents :)
ReplyDeleteI love that blazer! You're right.. it's totally classy and expensive looking.. love it! -Rachel (forthebirdsblog.net)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I need those pants. They look great on you! Second, I think it comes down to fit, like many below have said. Plus it's all about the lady wearing the clothes! You can stuck $10,000 of clothing on someone a little less than classy, and it'll look cheap.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot has to do with the texture of the clothes and the little details. You sure look like a million bucks today :)
ReplyDeleteAlice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
the blazer, purse and heels make your outfit look fancy!! :)
ReplyDeletexo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
I agree, fit. Also, imo, a blazer makes outfits look expensive. Would love to see a one piece different ways on blazers. I'm a little slow on incorporating that.
ReplyDeleteLove that blazer!
ReplyDeletecreamyclothes.blogspot.com
Fit is everything! I love this outfit!
ReplyDeletehttp://work-it-blog.blogspot.com/
I think everything you mentioned plays a role in it. I also wonder about that, or more generally, how come I shop at the same stores as other bloggers, and their outfits seems more polished?
ReplyDeleteI have come to find, and I am shopping towards that way now, that it is not about the price, but rather about quality (or quality looking fabrics) and the clothes fitting well. A nice cut, a well fitting garment made out of good fabric, will look more polished, then something that just doesn't quite fit.
Hey! Came across your blog and have spent the last week going back over all your outfits! I absolutely love your style and can't wait to use your rules to build myself a better wardrobe. I do have one question, as I do a lot of my shopping at Target, Old Navy, etc. - do you ever have trouble with their clothing shrinking? Mine almost always does, and I would love to hear if/how you avoid it. Thanks so much for your inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey!
ReplyDeleteI love your style. I think the reason this piece works so well and has that 'expensive' feel is because it's so simple and elegant.
The nude heels complement the outfit incredibly well and a blazer is always the perfect addition to most ensembles.
Really enjoying your blog,
xx Tasha
i definitely think fit and quality help make things look more expensive than they are! love this look!
ReplyDeleteChioma
C's Evolution of Style
I love this ensemble! Very chic!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!
ReplyDeleteI am going to agree with the ladies that posted before me. Fit is key! Some of my favorite and most talked about items are from Old Navy and Forever21 but they fit perfectly. Even if you need to get the item tailored to fit you, it's worth it if you bought it at a good price!
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I have spent a lot of time thinking about why some people *in general* have an expensive look about them and why some people just can't manage to look anything but cheap. I haven't really been able to come to any conclusions except for having a good hairstyle and good skin! haha. One of my favorite bloggers posted this a couple months ago, which really helped. http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2012/08/how-to-not-look-cheap.html
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