Cheap Chic Style: 15 Tips for a Sophisticated Look
How to give the illusion of wearing a designer look with inexpensive clothes? This is the challenge that you, the sophisticated woman of the 21st century, must meet every day. You can't throw away your wardrobe and replace it with designer creations, right? So let's see together how to adopt an inexpensive chic style with your current clothes or your future purchases at affordable prices.
1. The material: 90% of chic style
There is no secret: a chic look begins first and foremost with noble materials: natural silk, cashmere and leather are refined materials. which are also very expensive.
As for affordable alternatives, turn to linen, faux suede and good quality cotton (more than 57 threads per cm²). If possible, avoid low-end synthetic textiles which age poorly, lose their shape when washed and block perspiration.
Sianna ruffled tank top and loose pants set in linen and cotton -
2. Knowing how to combine colors
Once the right materials have been chosen, there remains the choice of colors. You can play harmony through a gradient of colors (example: white, beige, camel) or, on the contrary, play sharp contrasts with color block. But ideally, highlight yourself with the colors that suit you best thanks to the colorimetry and visual harmony between your natural colors and those of your outfits and accessories. We highly recommend reading our article Colorimetry: Which colors suit me best?
Colorimetry of the autumn woman (image credit: Freepik)
3. THE chic must-have: the white shirt
If there's one piece that alone adds chic to your look, it's the white shirt. Well ironed, crease-free and immaculate, the white shirt is a key piece of women's wardrobe to choose from a quality material, cotton poplin, silk or linen.
White shirt with short sleeves and gold buttons Aurélia -
Also think about the cut: choose a timeless cut to ride seasonal trends. Opt for a classic white shirt, slightly fitted at the waist, with a piece of fabric covering the buttons.
In terms of maintenance, wash it exclusively with white linen to keep it immaculate and iron it with steam before storing it on a hanger, if possible in a protective cover.
Also read:
4. The handbag, a luxury asset to your outfit
The handbag is the essential fashion accessory to enhance a chic and even casual outfit. It immediately gives a neat look to the outfit. As long as you choose it carefully.
Avoid counterfeits, tote bags and models already seen 1000 times. Choose an original and unique piece, in a durable material in a neutral color that goes with most of your outfits. The details must be sober, discreet and resistant.
Cognac handbag and matching Milan clutch -
For a sophisticated touch, forget about fringes, big bling clasps, pleats and embroidery because these details are often synonymous with a low-end bag.
5.Impeccable clothes
Wouldn't want an unkempt look to ruin your clean, crisp and sophisticated look? This is what risks happening if you wear pieces that were once chic but are now faded, dull and bland.
For an impeccable look, try to revive their color with a recoloring product (laundry section). If nothing helps, it's time to say goodbye to it by recycling it.
Manon fluid red jumpsuit -
Finally, iron your clothes. Adjust the temperature so as not to burn or deform them and store them flat on a hanger to avoid creases forming.
Little tip: bring a change of clothes at the office so you don't keep clothes stained with coffee, tomato sauce or wine all day.
6. Always the right size
Pay attention to the size: apart from the desire to wear a loose or completely oversized piece, your clothes must correspond to your body shape. This will probably not have escaped you: sizes vary depending on fashion brands. Alterations are necessary to adjust the clothes to your measurements, in particular the length of the pants or the sleeves. Once again, the quality of the material is essential to prevent it from becoming loose, deforming and no longer corresponding to your size.
Lola white bralette 2-piece swimsuit -
7. A subtle fragrance
Perfume is the finishing touch to your outfit. Its subtle scent makes you unique. It highlights you, reveals your taste and your personality. Better still: it can even leave an impression on the minds of those who appreciate it.
Be careful, however, not to overuse heady fragrances, especially if you are traveling by public transport, working in a closed office or in a confined space. Indeed, a refined woman always respects the private space of others.
8. Trendy prints
Prints are the ideal option to energize your look. But not just anyhow. Chic patterns are timeless classic prints like stripes, polka dots, flowers or even animal patterns like leopard. But some more original prints also stand out very well, in addition to bringing originality.
Malia yellow floral slit long dress -
Little tip: avoid large patterns if your curves are generous (morphology A, 8 and O).
Also read: How to dress well according to your body type?
9. Bend your clothes
Want to look polished but also casual like you didn't spend hours getting ready? Straight pieces can be very chic if you are very thin (assumed bias). Otherwise, a non-fitted cover dress, a straight t-shirt or an H shirt tends to age you.
For a chic and sophisticated look, slim your outfit. It's biological: the human eye needs to visualize the environment of the body to see harmony there. It's up to you to choose where the "middle of your body" is: high, normal or low waist, it's up to you to choose to highlight yourself.
Léa ruffled playsuit -
In all cases, tuck your t-shirt and shirt into your pants, shorts or skirt. Cinch your dresses with a belt (and even your
10. The importance of underwear
Are you proud of your carefully chosen outfit? Be careful not to ruin its chic style with the line of your panties visible through the material which cuts your buttock in two.
Lilian invisible backless bodysuit (available in white, beige, black) -
Unflattering, underwear lines are often found in women's outfits. and kill all the style! To avoid this fiasco, opt for invisible, seamless, shaping underwear and even thongs.
11. Change the buttons
Nothing to do, plastic buttons betray your cheap clothes even if they are made of quality linen or cotton. These low cost buttons are the pinnacle of cheap details. So, get your threads and needles to change your plastic buttons and replace them with wooden, metal, glass, etc. buttons.
Elena navy blue jumpsuit with its very chic flat gold buttons -
12. Enhance your silhouette with a pretty blazer
The blazer is a strong piece that is enough to radically change your wardrobe. It structures, refines, brings elegance and credibility (even in a casual look). A classic cut blazer in a neutral color will give you a more casual look while a bright blazer will add more sparkle and personality. You choose !
Elliot long ecru blazer jacket -
Léonie pink blazer jacket -
13.Sunglasses forever
Accessories add chic touches. But among them, sunglasses are the queens because they bring shine to your face (metal frame, reflections), add mystery with opaque or smoked lenses and play the glamor card
Sunglasses produce a classy and sophisticated effect on all your outfits. Choose aviator, cat-eye and oversized black models for a movie star effect.
And presto, an extra chic touch!
14. Pair of classic pointed shoes
Another essential fashion accessory: shoes. Among the 1001 possibilities, there is an unmissable must-have: classic pointed pumps. This pair of shoes has the gift of emphasizing the professional side, of bringing a touch of elegance without authority or rigidity. Choose leather for greater durability and ensure regular maintenance for an impeccable look and optimal comfort.
14. The details that make all the difference
Your outfit should be sublime for cheap if you followed the first 14 tips in this article. However, small details can ruin everything. So, don't relax your vigilance.
Creamy white satin pajamas with Théa lace camisole -
Harmonize the color of the metal details of your outfit: silver, gold, brass or rose gold, all zips, necklace chains, belt buckles, bag chains, clasps, etc. must be the same color so as not to clash with your look.
Even better: avoid visible zippers. The height of chic: clothes where the zips and buttons are covered in fabric or are the same color as the garment so as not to disrupt its fit, its cut and its classy effect.
Inexpensive chic style: did you like this article?
Let's summarize. An inexpensive chic style meets 15 criteria of good taste:
- An affordable luxurious material
- The harmony of colors
- The chic must-have: the white shirt
- The handbag: a luxury asset to your outfit
- Impeccable clothes
- Always the right size
- A subtle fragrance
- Handpicked prints
- Bend your clothes
- The importance of underwear
- Change the buttons
- Enhance your outfit with a pretty blazer
- Sunglasses forever
- Pair of classic pointed toe shoes
- The little details that make all the difference
Don't forget to take this item with you on your next shopping trip!
