Look, all those well-dressed women you see in all those inspirational posts are great, but give me a clothing budget with several zeroes and I’ll easily manage too. But those who’ve got to make do with the Zaras and H&Ms of the world have to go about their budgets slightly differently. In today’s Explorer, tips & tricks on how to pick out an economical outfit which looks like a million dollars. Here we go.
1. USE A GOOD TAILOR
The fabric of the garment is largely to blame for it looking cheap, but also because the fit is never perfect. If you’ve got a great tailor to remake that €19,95 dress you’ll only need that same amount of money to make it fit perfectly, which will make it look a dozen times its worth. We’re fan of Bubble & Stitch. They even know what to do with a Gucci skirt that has cost a fortune.
2. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR SHOES
Nothing is as off-putting as sneakers that have been worn too often underneath an acceptable look. I swear at the statement of shoes + jeans + simple top. Zara jeans, H&M blouse, and L.K. Bennett pumps — and you’re done. But you should definitely take good care of your heels because there’s nothing worse than heels that sound cheap.
3. WHEN IN DOUBT, BUY BLACK
A tip I hardly ever listen to (I’ve got a black, wearing black and owning a cat is impossible), but one that really works. Just look at all those chic fashion magazine girls, they’re all dressed in black. Black is timeless, slimming, and matches everything.
“I always feel on top of the world with my Chloé Paraty on my arm.”
4. INVEST IN A REALLY GOOD BAG
Just like with shoes, a good bag is a must. It doesn’t have to be a Hermès of €15,000.-, a €400 Marc Jacbos (almost) has the same effect. A good bag on your arm and things can’t go wrong. I always feel on top of the world with my Chloé Paraty on my arm and a good pair of L.K. Bennett, Giuseppe Zanotti, or my Isabel Marant boots on my feet. It costs something, but you’ll enjoy it every day and it improves every outfit.
5. INVEST IN A REALLY GOOD COAT
Also a good investment, a coat. A coat is a clothing item you wear in times of cold and is the thing people notice about you. Why not make a good investment of this? Jet once bought a gorgeous (black!) Gucci coat, quite the investment, but it still looks beautiful. Which probably won’t change for the next ten years.
6. NEATLY PUT AWAY YOUR CLOTHES
Don’t just throw everything in a corner on the floor. Fold great tops made from subtle fabrics, don’t hang these or else they’ll start to sag. Regularly vent your closet, use moth balls, and clean everything every few months. Your clothing looks better longer and you’ll wear that instant million dollar effect.
8. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR HAIR
Party? And no budget to buy an Elie Saab or Valentino? Pas de problème. A budget dress is good enough as long as you go to the hairdresser for a good blow out. Trust me, you’ll look like a movie star when your hair looks great. And 40 euros give or take and you’re done. A lot cheaper than an Elie Saab dress.
