The Pieces That Make A Basic Outfit Look Expensive

I love a basic outfit when it’s done well. In my opinion, some of the best outfits are the simplest ones, but I’ve realized through trial and error that there’s a very fine line between simple and unfinished. You can wear jeans and a white t-shirt and look really polished, or wear the exact same thing and feel like something’s missing. That’s usually where the finishing pieces come in. Trust me, I’ve made these mistakes myself so I’m not claiming to be a fashion expert…just a ‘real life’ expert.

I don’t think an outfit needs to be covered in logos, trends, or anything loud to look expensive. In fact, I find it’s usually the opposite. The outfits that look the most elevated are the ones where everything feels intentional. The fit is right, the shoes work, the bag pulls it together, and the accessories make it look like you actually styled it, rather than any one piece being OTT and feeling like it’s screaming out for attention.

It’s not about buying the most expensive version of everything. It’s about knowing which pieces make the biggest difference. For example, I genuinely can’t justify spending a crazy amount of money on a white tank top when I can get the same thing from Zara. I’ve made those mistakes. Been there, done that. Fallen into the trap of thinking I needed a Loewe tank top and in all honesty, I’ve worn my Zara ones with no logo 100x more…and by the way the Zara quality was much better! Don’t get me wrong…I love Loewe when it comes to shoes, bags and the odd piece of clothing due to the style and design of it. But I can no longer justify spending money on basic wear from designer brands.

So think of this as your guide from a friend who’s made all the mistakes you’ve probably made, and realized that it’s not about where you buy your clothes from, but more so about how you wear them.

A Good Belt

A belt can completely change a basic outfit. It gives structure to pants, dresses, shirts and even oversized blazers. It makes the outfit feel more styled rather than like you just put clothes on and left.

I don’t think it needs a huge logo or statement buckle either. This is another thing I’ve moved away from. I remember thinking I needed a Celine belt and I definitely haven’t worn it as much as I thought I would. Ironically, I’ve put in on a few times when trying outfits and always taken it off because I felt the Celine logo on the belt was a bit much. A simple black, tan, brown, or burgundy belt can do so much more if the shape and finish look clean.

Better Shoes

Shoes are one of the quickest ways to make a basic outfit look more expensive. Jeans and a t-shirt can look completely different with the right shoes. Although, in all honesty it’s taken me a while to get my shoe style right. It’s not just about how they look….how comfortable they are is so much more important to me as I’ve gotten older. But it’s finding the right balance that takes time.

You’ll rarely catch me in heels anymore. Only because I find that how comfortable I feel really makes a difference to my mood and face! Ballet flats, loafers, sling backs, clean flip flops, or kitten heels can all make an outfit look much more polished. I genuinely think the shape matters. If the shoe looks worn out, too bulky, it can bring the whole outfit down. When I’m in doubt, I generally go for clean, minimal, leather flip flops.

A Good Bag

A good bag instantly makes an outfit feel more pulled together. Even if everything else is pretty simple, the right bag adds shape and polish to a look.

It doesn’t have to be designer, but I’ve found that thinking about the shape helps. A flimsy bag can make an outfit look more casual, whereas a structured one makes the whole look feel more elevated.

Sunglasses That Suit Your Face

Sunglasses can make a simple outfit look styled straight away, but the key is finding a shape that actually suits your face shape.

The right pair can change the whole mood of an outfit. Think about the size for your face shape and your hair. I like sunglasses that feel classic but not overly big. Big sunglasses drown out my face, so over time I’ve found that slim, rectangular sunglasses suit me better….especially with a pixie cut.

Simple Jewellery

Jewellery is one of the easiest ways to make basics look more elevated. A pair of earrings, bracelet, watch, necklace, or a few rings can make a plain outfit feel finished.

The point isn’t to wear everything at once. For example, I rarely wear a bracelet. But you’ll always find me in thick hoops and with my rings on. It’s to add just enough so the outfit looks intentional. Even a white t-shirt and jeans looks better with good earrings and a watch.

A Good Blazer

A blazer can instantly make a basic outfit look more expensive. You can throw it over jeans and a vest, tailored trousers and a t-shirt, or a simple dress and everything looks more polished. I find this is the one piece that can totally change the feel of an outfit.

I think the fit is what matters. It needs to sit well on the shoulders (if you’re not going for oversized) and give structure without looking stiff. Once you find a good blazer, it becomes one of those pieces that makes so many outfits easier.

A Good White T-Shirt

A white t-shirt sounds basic because it is, but the right one makes such a difference. I’ve been through so many white t-shirts! Some have been too transparent, some too stiff, or they don’t fit on the shoulders. If it’s too thin, stretched out, or see-through, the whole outfit looks odd.

A good white t-shirt should hold its shape but not be so stiff that it looks uncomfortable. It works with jeans, trousers, skirts, blazers, shorts, everything. But it has to look clean and intentional.

Tailored Pants

Tailored pants make even the simplest outfit look more elevated. You can wear them with a plain tank, a t-shirt or a shirt, and they still make everything feel more put together.

The fit matters more than anything. They should sit properly at the waist, fall nicely, and not pull in weird places. When they fit well, they do a lot of the work for you.

A Crisp Shirt

A good shirt always makes an outfit look more refined. You can wear it tucked in, open over a tank, with jeans, with trousers, sleeves rolled up, or even over swimwear on holiday. I like to keep a cotton and a linen white shirts. The linen always makes it more casual and is perfect over swimwear.

Good Denim

Good denim makes such a difference. A basic outfit with the right jeans can look amazing, but if the jeans don’t fit properly, the whole outfit feels off.

The right pair should make you feel good as soon as you put them on. They shouldn’t be digging in, pulling, or needing constant adjusting. Once you find the denim shapes that work for you, getting dressed becomes so much easier.

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