How to look expensive but buy few things: advice from a fashion stylist

Yes, it sounds like a paradox, but it’s true: You don’t need to spend three figures on shopping to build a versatile wardrobe and look stylish in any situation. Of course, often expensive brands really offer things that fit better thanks to quality fabrics and well-designed designs, but this is not an axiom. You can absolutely safely shop in affordable mass-market and mid-range stores and pick up simply luxury capsules there – but with one condition.

What? You need to be able to “scan” clothes and distinguish between something that will last you at most one season, and clothes that will decorate your wardrobe for years to come and will definitely not disappoint you. We’ve uncovered these fashion secrets from personal stylist Denise Kira, who’s known for ‘budget’ makeovers.

First, the expert advises never to go shopping without a plan. We know, we know how easy it is to get distracted by bow sandals and other jeans! Therefore, before running around the store, it is important to clearly understand what you need: an office jacket, an evening dress, a jumpsuit for every day?

Check out the brands you wear the most to know where to start. And don’t forget to save at least a few photos of fashion bloggers in the clothes you’re looking for: you can decide on shades and details you didn’t even think about.

A very common mistake! If you are going to buy, say, white boots for spring, think: what will you wear them for? If your trench coat and top have a warm undertone, shoes in a cool off-white shade may not work. Although it would seem white – what could be easier!

If you think more globally, then you should look at all the clothes for the season in advance. The stylist says: if the colors already predominate, think about which shades are definitely not needed and which, on the contrary, perfectly “make friends” with the existing palette. Red and fuchsia, pink and brown, lavender and turquoise – paired colors help to look bright and harmonious!

How easy is it to distinguish mass market from luxury? Take a closer look at the details: buttons with cheap lacquer that crumble after the first appearance, hooks that spoil the inner lining of the coat… However, accessories do not have to affect the quality of the thing itself, and the cut of the new thing may suit you well.

What to do? Take a critical look at these nuances: if the jacket suits you in all respects, but the buttons are obviously holding with all their might, take the jacket home and sew new accessories there. Likewise, you can change a belt on a dress, take off a brooch attached to a sweater – you know what we mean? Denis insists that a small intervention can make a big difference – just don’t be too lazy to be part of the transformation!

Photo: free stock