7 Easy Ways To Look More Elegant on Any Budget

Looking classy and elegant has nothing to do with your budget and everything to do with the details. Great style is available at all price points and within every woman’s reach. Not every woman’s style recipe includes elegance, but if yours does, read on for 7 ways to level up your look on any budget.

 

7 Easy Ways to Look More Elegant on Any Budget

 

Focus on classic

Garments in classic shapes tend to look more elegant than items with a lot of detail. Tailored clothes in proportion to your body give the classiest look. Neutral colors are a foolproof way to look more elegant. If your soul craves vibrant color, just wear one in a simple shape and pair it with a strong neutral.

 

 

Check your posture

Proper posture makes you look slimmer, more confident, and yes, more elegant. No one wants to walk around with a book on their head, but the older we get, and the longer we spend on our devices, the more we’re likely to slump. A strong core and back muscles make it easier to stand and sit up straight. Many of us seem to lead with our chin these days so a quick fix is to bring your chin back, then elongate your neck by lifting from the top of your head. You’ll feel taller and look better instantly.

I’ve seen a bevy of posture correctors lately but can’t speak to their effectiveness. I do know that awareness is the first step and I find that even a racerback bra reminds me to straighten up.

 

Grooming

Impeccable grooming makes any woman look more elegant. Chipped nail polish, dry and flakey skin, less than clean hair, and smudged makeup can destroy a classy look faster than spinach in your front teeth. Talon-like nails, no matter how creatively they’re polished, don’t look sophisticated. Clean, unvarnished nails can be just as elegant as an expensive manicure from the salon. While we’re at it, be lighthanded with your fragrance because the ones that leave a trail for hours are cloying, not elegant. Be sure your glasses are clean because smudged lenses aren’t classy.

Related – How to Choose the Best Eyeglasses

 

Clean and polished

Clothes with hanging threads, loose buttons, fading, tears, or deodorant staining under the arms don’t help you look classy. Be sure to also check the backs of your shoes and heels for wear and tear. A good cobbler can work miracles as can a quick swipe with a shoe shine sponge. I love these magic erasers for cleaning up the sides of the sole on my sneakers, etc. Wrinkles are expected with linen but otherwise be sure your clothes get ironed or steamed after laundering. Invest in a good lint brush and use it.

 

Proper fit

Make sure your clothes fit you properly. If they pull, pucker or gape, they need to be altered or changed. Jeans that squeeze and pinch in all the wrong places don’t look elegant, they look painful. Buy and wear what fits your body now. Clothes that fit like saran wrap are not elegant so look for clothes that skim rather than cling. The bottom line is if you want to look more elegant, only wear clothes that fit you properly.

 

Add Structure

Things that droop and sag are not elegant, and that goes for your handbag. Carrying a structured handbag adds instant polish to any outfit. Crossbody bags are very popular these days because they keep your hands free. Opt for a small structured crossbody with a long enough strap that it doesn’t crush your top.

 

Keep it Classy and Simple

Less is always more elegant so keep details to a minimum. An embellished blazer calls for a plain bottom and simple jewelry. A subtle look is always more elegant. Opt for one bracelet over a stack and if you wear a statement necklace keep other jewelry to a minimum. Busy patterns and complicated garments may be fun and creative, but they’re not easy to make elegant so opt for simple.

 

Is elegant part of your style recipe?

What other ideas can you suggest?

Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.