How to Always Look Chic (Even on a Broke Girl Budget)

1. It’s All About Structure

This took me YEARS to learn. It’s not about where you bought the clothes or even what they are – it’s about structure. As long as ONE part of your outfit has structure, you’ll feel more expensive and put together immediately. A bag, a tailored shirt, great trousers, really good shoes.

Take jeans and a t-shirt – a go-to outfit that can feel sloppy fast. My favourite tee lacks structure around the collar and sleeves, drapes loosely, and is a bit sheer. Perfect for laid-back days, but not for looking chic. Swap it for a heavyweight tee with a collar that’s kept its shape, structured sleeves, and a clean bottom hem? INSTANTLY more expensive.

You can find this structure at COS (~$45) or Uniqlo (under $20). At thrift stores, look for bound collars that won’t warp and fabric with some weight to it. A tailored wool coat with defined shoulders, a structured bag that holds its shape – even ONE of these elements changes the visual tone from casual to refined.

2. Choose Natural Fibres

When shopping, choose pieces made of majority natural fibres. Cotton, wool, silk, cashmere – these will always feel and look more expensive than synthetics or blends. Synthetics don’t age well and won’t hold their structure over time. This is crucial for how to always look chic without spending designer prices.

3. Make Friends With Your Tailor

Even the most structured natural-fibre pieces won’t feel expensive if they don’t FIT you. Here’s what I got wrong for years: I’m a huge fan of the oversized, relaxed vibe, so I used to buy clothes 2-3 sizes too big. Then I’d scratch my head wondering why every outfit looked off.

Two rules: Buy your correct size (ignore the label – small, large, whatever fits YOU). Then get pieces tailored if needed. Off-the-rack clothes aren’t designed to fit you perfectly. Most of my pants are too long, so they go to the tailor. Maybe yours fit great in the thighs but need the waist taken in.

You can have ease and movement while still having clothes that fit properly. That’s what takes an outfit from sloppy to “these were custom made for me.”

4. Take Care of Your Clothes

This costs NOTHING but makes the biggest difference. No matter where your clothes are from or what they cost, if they’re wrinkled, peeling, or covered in lint? Not going to look good.

Steaming: Make sure cotton, silk, and wool pieces are wrinkle-free. (Some fabrics like linen wrinkle naturally and that’s fine – don’t kill yourself steaming those.) Pro tip: steam clothes as you put them BACK in the closet, not when you’re getting dressed. No extra step stopping you from just grabbing and going.

Depilling: Get a fabric shaver (under $10). This is the cheapest wardrobe upgrade you’ll ever make, especially for knitwear and coats. Wool and cashmere pill naturally – give them a little spa day shave and they look brand new.

Lint rolling: Especially if you wear dark colours or have pets. A simple swipe before leaving the house makes the biggest difference.

5. Dress Tonally

My number one tip when I don’t know what to wear but want to feel chic: dress in all one colour. Doesn’t have to be black – choose a colour you love that suits you and rock it head to toe.

For classic quiet luxury vibes, stick to neutral earthy tones (browns, beiges, caramels, navies). But olive greens and burgundies work beautifully too. Don’t get hung up on matching perfectly – it actually looks MORE expensive when you create a colour story with different hues and saturations. More intentional, less matchy-matchy.

The KEY: mix up your textures. An all-one-colour outfit can feel flat and boring. Add silk trousers for shine, swap in knit textures, throw on leather – instantly more dimensional and elevated.

6. Invest in Elevated Basics

Not all basics are created equal. Everyone needs jeans they feel great in and a t-shirt that goes with everything. But if your basics leave you wanting more, add a few elevated versions.

I’m a blazer girl through and through. I have my essential black blazer for office or dinner. But when I want extra polish, I reach for my sculptural blazer with curved fit and asymmetrical details. Still a blazer, but instantly special. Same with t-shirts – sometimes you want the relaxation of a tee but not the casualness. That’s when a slightly elevated top in the same silhouette transforms jeans and a kitten heel into something chic.

7. Grooming Matters

This almost goes without saying: hair done, makeup done, anything that makes you feel put together translates immediately. This doesn’t mean perfect blowouts or full glam daily. It’s about taking time for rituals that make YOU feel good – clean nails, a little lipstick, your signature fragrance. If it makes you feel good, you’re going to look good.

8. Finishing Touches Are Everything

Jewellery, belts, bags, brooches, scarves, shoes – these small details completely transform how put together you look, even if every piece came from the thrift store. A structured, well-maintained outfit that fits well looks expensive. Add accessories and everything feels more cohesive and DONE.

Looking Chic on a Tight Budget Comes Down to Consistency, Not Price

Chic style does not come from expensive items. It comes from outfits that feel consistent in shape, color, and effort level. If one piece looks formal and the rest looks casual, your outfit feels accidental. When everything matches the same vibe, you look polished.

What makes you look chic fast:

• Simple silhouettes with clean lines. Think straight jeans, tailored trousers, fitted knits, crisp shirts.

• A tight color palette. Two to three colors max keeps your outfit looking expensive.

• Better fit, not more trends. Even a basic tee looks elevated when the shoulder seam sits right and the length works with your waistline.

Common budget traps:

• Buying lots of trendy pieces that only match one thing.

• Choosing thin fabrics that lose shape quickly and cling in weird spots.

• Ignoring tailoring tricks. A tuck, a belt, or a cuff often fixes the whole look.

Quick decision rule: if you cannot style an item three ways with what you already own, skip it.