While certain fashion trends come and go (low-waisted jeans, anyone?), others will always remain on the pages of fashion magazines.
For example, sophisticated, classy clothing is always going to be en-vogue due to the fact that it has a certain timeless quality you simply cannot ignore. However, many people feel that dressing or styling themselves in this way is out of the question, believing that ‘looking expensive’ has to cost a lot of money.
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While it's easy to understand this train of thought, it's simply not the case. In fact, there are plenty of ways in which you can look classy and sophisticated on a budget.
Wear Neutral Colors.
One of the easiest ways to pull off a classy look is to keep your outfits simple in terms of colors and patterns. This is because, when paired together carefully, neutral colors and tones will always look sophisticated.
As such, you should buy as many neutral-toned items of clothing as possible, as opposed to adhering to microtrends. After all, while trend colors “feel fresh and new at the moment, they can quickly date an item to within a five-year period,” whereas neutral items (such as a little black dress) will always remain wardrobe staples.
Don’t forget your accessories.
When trying to look sophisticated, it's essential to keep things simple, yet luxurious. One way in which you can do this is by wearing trendy jewelry that can easily elevate any outfit. For example, you can use your jewelry to introduce a pop of color or glamor to your outfit while still maintaining the ‘understated’ style you are aiming for. Furthermore, buying from smaller retailers is a great way to save money.
Shop secondhand.
One of the easiest ways to stay stylish while working within a tight budget is to shop second-hand. After all, this could mean that you’re able to buy designer items for a fraction of their original price. Of course, in order to buy quality clothes, you may have to do a lot of digging around local thrift stores to see what they have in stock. However, you can also use apps such as Depop and Vinted. If you’re looking to get together some more money to splash on retail therapy, you could also sell your old clothes on these apps!
Carry yourself with confidence.
On some occasions, it's not about the clothes you wear; it's how you wear them. That means if you carry yourself with confidence, those around you will automatically begin to perceive you as being more confident and sophisticated.
As such, now is the perfect time to work on building your confidence, whether that be through practicing self-care or learning to address your anxieties so you can get to the root of them. You can also become more confident by simply ‘faking’ confidence until the conscious habit of carrying yourself in that way becomes an unconscious one. For example, you could achieve this goal by working on your posture so that you always hold your head high.
