Here’s a little secret for you: you don’t have to have to be a millionaire to look like a million bucks!  Today I’m sharing my tips for how to look expensive, even if you are on a budget!  With a little bit of strategic shopping and making the most of the items already in your closet you can upgrade your wardrobe from cheap to chic.  Here are 3 tips for creating a wardrobe that looks expensive.

How to look expensive – even when you aren’t rich!

1. Try rentals

An easy way to wear expensive clothing when you are on a budget is to shop for items with a clothing rental service.  With the exception of my shoes, everything I’m wearing in today’s post is actually from the new Canadian clothing rental company Beyond the Runway.  With a $99 a month subscription, you can swap out designer dresses and luxury purses on a monthly basis to keep your closet filled with gorgeous pieces that would typically be outside of your budget.  Clothing rental companies are also a great option for trying out a designer piece you are thinking of splurging on to see if it actually works with your wardrobe and lifestyle.

2. Tailor your clothing

The easiest way to make the clothing you already own look more expensive is to tailor it.  Rarely will an off-the-rack item fit perfectly and taking the time to have your favourite pieces tailored to your body makes a huge difference with how a garment looks. Some common fixes include hemming pants to the right length and taking in waistbands to better show off your curves. It isn’t that expensive to have a tailor alter clothing to fit you perfectly, but if you are really on a budget you can always head to youtube to learn how to alter clothing yourself.

3. Add a designer bag

Wearing a designer handbag is an easy way to lift your entire outfit.  I personally love mixing high and low pieces in my wardrobe.  Paring an expensive bag with a more affordable outfit is one of my favourite tricks to looking chic. While a designer bag is an investment, if you choose a classic style in a neutral colour it’s something you can wear throughout your entire life.  Also, a designer bag may cost less than you think!  In this post I share tons of amazing designer bag options that cost under $1000.  So with a little bit of saving you could be rocking a YSL or Gucci bag on the daily and making your entire outfit look like it cost way more than you actually spent.

Outfit Details: Burberry trench coat // Chloe Drew bag // Self-Portrait ruffled dress // Kate Spade necklace