Your Guide to Cheap Clothes that Look Expensive
Women face an interesting dilemma when it comes to clothing: there isn’t a linear relationship between price and quality. Just because you spend $300 on a dress doesn’t mean it’s not made from 100% polyester in an overseas sweatshop. In fact, most boutiques do exactly this, banking on clientele not doing their research.
On the upside, the reverse is also true! Just because something cost $10 at Shein doesn’t mean it’s not 100% cotton and built to last. You’ll just have to sift through a sea of crap to find the gold.
If that time investment is worth it to you, keep reading! Follow these guidelines to find quality clothing on cheap websites.
Find cheap clothes that look expensive
Step 1 is thinking through all of the cheap online stores with huge inventories, like Shein, Boohoo, H&M, and Walmart. With so many clothes available, there’s bound to be some low-priced gems in the mix.
Use filters to your advantage
Here’s what you’re typing into the search bar to find inexpensive things that are high quality:
Fabrics: Items should have a description that includes the fabric type. The key is to search for quality fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen. Mid-tier fabrics include rayon and spandex. The worst thing you can buy is 100% polyester - a scratchy, wrinkly, and less breathable fabric. However, a polyester spandex blend will be a bit softer and stretchier.
Patterns: Look for embroidered and jacquard patterned items. They look expensive, just as long as the embroidery isn’t an iron-on patch. You should be able to tell by closely examining the picture or reading reviews.
Colors: Colors that make you look best and flatter your skin tone will naturally appear more expensive. If you’re unsure what your colors are, try a color analysis quiz.
Develop an eye for things that look expensive
Or, if you’re tired of filtering, simply look for items with an expensive appearance. Here are some features to keep top of mind:
Structure: Look for thick, heavy, structured looking clothing that holds its shape. It’s likely made from higher end fabrics.
Button material: Search for buttons made from metal or a non-plastic material (bonus points for faux pearl or jewels). Essentially, the typical plastic brown buttons signify low quality!
Extra details: Details like bows, pockets, and zippers cost extra to add. When done tastefully, they elevate outfits.
Style cheap things to look more expensive
And if you already buy inexpensive clothes and want to elevate, try these methods.
Accessorize: Invest in a few earrings, shoes, bags, or a belt that you can wear with multiple outfits.
Tailor: Tailor cheaper items to fit as if you paid more - just make sure you factor in the cost of tailoring when you shop! It might be the same price to just buy something nicer. I like to tailor my mom’s hand-me-downs since they were free to start with.
Iron and steam: Steam everything before you wear it. Wrinkled clothing gives off a cheap fabric look.
Shop smarter on pricey websites
Set on shopping at Nordstrom, Saks, and Abercrombie? You can do that on a budget as well.
Use wishlists: Shop at these stores frequently and create wishlists. Check your wishlists (or set up notifications) for price drops, and snag it on sale.
Get coupons: Search coupons or add things to your cart and let them sit. Often, stores will follow up with a small discount to purchase.
Check fabrics: A full circle moment - remember to check the fabrics and keep “expensive look” principles in mind at these stores. Nordstrom has plenty of sheer polyester items priced over $100.
Take back your shopping power
Navigating the world of fashion doesn’t have to break the bank if you know what to look for. By focusing on quality fabrics, structural details, and smart shopping techniques, you can find affordable pieces that rival high-end fashion. Whether you’re sifting through budget retailers or scouting sales at luxury stores, these guidelines will help you build a stylish and cost-effective wardrobe.
Repeat after me: price and quality are not a linear relationship!
