I learned one of my most important style lessons from a former boss who wore Chanel as casually as I grabbed my flip-flops before leaving the house.
One time I thought she was wearing her usual Armani suit until she mentioned her jacket was from Victoria's Secret. I was shocked: my boss, who regularly shopped at high-end boutiques, was wearing a jacket that probably cost less than $100!
She told me that if you wear a budget piece with really chic accessories, like an Hermès scarf, people assume the entire outfit is expensive and high quality.
If you want to shop smarter, here are the best things to invest in and the ones you can save on.
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Jeans are the first thing I encourage customers to upgrade their quality to
Once you experience the slim fit, unique finishes and exceptional quality of denim with the perfect amount of stretch, it's hard to go back to cheaper styles (especially when you see how good they look on your body).
In my opinion, jeans are a great investment. To ease the price shock, consider how often you wear them. Divide the price by the expected number of assumptions over several years — you'll probably end up paying pennies to wear a classic, good-quality pair once.
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Beautifully crafted shoes can last for decades
If someone hung a “Goodfellas” poster in an elegantly decorated living room instead of a work of art, no one would notice the beautiful furniture.
Shoes play a similar role in styling. It's like finishing a house – poor quality can spoil the whole effect.
On the other hand well-made, comfortable shoes can elevate any outfit — and serve for years.
I recommend checking out luxury second-hand clothing sites like The RealReal where you can find high-quality shoes at more affordable prices. I recently found a customer a pair of Jimmy Choo evening shoes in great condition for less than $100.
Handbags are an essential accessory
A great handbag doesn't necessarily have to be a fashionable, expensive “it bag”. However, spending more money on a high-quality model will elevate the look of the entire outfit.
If you buy wisely and take care of designer handbags, they can last a really long time.
Look for solid seams and durable materialssuch as skin. Avoid items that look plastic, feel glued or have threads sticking out.
Well-made sweaters create an outfit
Sweater made of natural materials such as cashmere, wool or cotton, it will provide warmth and consistency to the entire outfit.
If you spend a little more, you can find models with interesting details – impressive sleeves, unusual necklines or eye-catching colors.
Sweaters containing more than 30 percent acrylics may look nice, but they pill and deteriorate more quickly.
Also make sure you have a solid, warm coat
Invest in a coat that will really keep you warm – and stylish.
To add character to the styling, choose a color other than black. This will make it easier to find your coat on the hanger.
On the other hand, it's not worth spending a lot on basic T-shirts and tops
Sharon Stone famously wore a Gap T-shirt with an Armani coat to the 1996 Oscars. If a simple T-shirt was enough for the Oscar-nominated actress, it will be for you, too.
Yes, there are great t-shirts out there, but If you want to save money, the basic model from a chain store will work perfectly.
Moreover, most clothes worn as layers are also not worth the high price tag.
Hardly anyone pays attention to the top or T-shirt underneath, and these simple elements can be easily “elevated” with elegant accessories.
All you need is that they are comfortable and have the right length to tuck into your pants – and that's it.
Summer dresses from thrift stores? Absolutely
Usually, cheap summer clothes look better than cheap winter clothes, which is why I am a supporter of inexpensive summer dresses.
If a dress fits well and flows nicely, it can look elegant, even if it was cheap. So if you see a nice dress in a chain store, buy it.
Pair it with better shoes and a bag, and people may even ask if it's from an expensive brand or boutique. Just smile and confirm.
Black trousers for work are often difficult to judge by price
While there are beautiful, well-tailored styles, black trousers can be found virtually anywhere — or achieved a similar effect with the help of a good tailor.
Wear a simple skirt with an elegant coat or an expensive sweater, and no one will notice that they didn't cost much.
Don't overpay for trendy trends
Testing TikTok trends or experimenting with style is cool, but remember that fashionable things go out of fashion quickly.
Instead of spending $550. for a Balenciaga baby tee, show off your Y2K style in the $18 version. from Everlane.
The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider
