From cheap to couture: make your clothes look more expensive!
We’d all love to have the wardrobe choices of Victoria Beckham or Beyoncé, but sometimes a girl’s just gotta make do. Don’t fret though, there are so many simple ways to make your outfit stand out from the crowd without having to pay extra. We’ve hunted out the best style hacks to have you looking like you’ve just stepped off the catwalk (even if you’ve just stepped out of Penney’s)…
1. Make a statement
A simple outfit can be taken to the next level with the strategic addition of jewellery. Try a blinging necklace, earrings or bracelet to make your outfit sing, whether you’re wearing a basic shift dress or a plain white t-shirt.
2. Don’t be afraid to have your clothes altered
High street clothes manufacturers make their clothes to fit a large range of shapes, regardless of size. So if the sleeves on your new blazer are too long, or the waistband on your jeans is loose at the back – take them to a dressmaker’s and have them tweaked. Properly tailored clothes always look classy.
3. Store your clothes properly
Don’t just throw your clothes on the floor every evening – take the time to hang them up. That goes for coats, jumpers and cardigans too. Try to avoid wire hangers where possible – wool is delicate and the shape can easily be ruined by the wrong shape of hanger. You can buy multi-packs of padded or wide plastic hangers very cheaply and it makes all the difference!
4. Splurge on one key piece
Whether it’s a winter coat or a leather handbag, one expensive-looking piece can make all the difference to a basic outfit. You don’t need to go all out – high-street stores like Topshop and River Island have some gorgeous classic coats and bags that won’t break the bank… so you can look like an Olsen twin without the hefty price tag!
5. Give your shoes a new lease of life
It’s inevitable that boots and high heels will get wear and tear over time. Most shoemakers offer re-heeling and re-soleing services for a low price. You’ll easily get another six months out of those stilettos with some extra TLC! Stains on suede and leather shoes can also usually be removed with some gentle care, and the right shoe cabinet will make sure that you’re not dealing with any unnecessary daily damage.
6. Actually LOOK at washing instructions!
If the tag on your favourite top mentions hand washing, don’t just bang it in on the hot wash with everything else. Following washing instructions means your clothes will hold their shape for far longer. When it comes to dry-clean-only items, if you really don’t want to hand over the cash, try washing the piece inside a pillow case on a cool wash. You won’t get it back all freshly-pressed but it still does the job nicely!
