Jul 11, 2014 12:57
by Jessica-Anne Lyons

You don’t have to spend big to look expensive. We’ve looked to the high-street to find some expensive-looking styles for an absolute steal, and the best part? Each item featured is $50 or under!

Go Wide

This season’s wide-legged trouser works well in a range of fabrics, both thin and heavy. While thinner fabrics on tight pants can cling and catch, emphasising areas you may prefer to hide, wide-legged trousers in thin fabrics look high-end – even if you snagged them from your local chain store.

Minimalist Moment

When in doubt, opt for minimalist separates in monochromatic colours. These always look expensive, especially when paired with some simple, acne-inspired boots.

Colour Block

When shopping moderately priced wardrobe pieces, don’t go overly bright. Wear a royal hue such as magenta or cobalt and pair with a neutral colour such as tan or grey.

Muted Metals

Swap your costume-y gemstones for muted metallic jewellery. While glistening gold and silver tarnishes easily, copper and brass look fashion forward.

Coat Cape

Take your style cues from many a street-papped fashionista and drape your outerwear over your shoulders, as though you’re wearing it as a cape. Cotton On and Missguided have amazing minimalist blazers in a range of hues that’ll come in under budget.

Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise

Add statement pieces to an otherwise simple – and inexpensive – ensemble. Think a wide-brimmed hat, streamlined heels and a structured bag (which always looks pricier than slouchy ones).

Unexpected Details

Always look for pieces with functional and subtle details such as cloth ties, exposed zippers, and strategic not-too-sexy cut outs (try shoes if a cut out dress is too much). Anything that makes the piece feel more bespoke or special.

Quicklinks here:

1. Cotton On Grace wide leg pant, $29.95

2. ASOS Linen trousers in Wide Leg, $43.15

3. ASOS Fitted shirt, $49

4. Backstage Cremallera Skirt, $124

5. Rain or Shine Draped Jacket, $64

6. ASOS Clean Sleek Front cross body bag, $49

7. Sportsgirl Mira pendant necklace, $24.95

8. Kim Dulaney Green Brass Necklace, $52

9. Cotton On Simba blazer, $49.95

10. Missguided Amoli Long Line Textured blazer, $50

11. Sportsgirl Hippy Chick Floppy hat, $39.95

12. Nasty Gal Light Divide bag, $44

13. Glassons Floral Tie Neck blouse, $50

14. New Look Evelyn Cut Out heeled boots, $49