Are you envious of women who have an unlimited clothing budget? Don’t be. You can dress like the wealthy even if you don’t have their bank account. Here’s how.

You may not have a ten-million dollar bank account or the clothing budget of a princess, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress like you do. People often form a first impression of a person based on their sense of style and how they dress. So what if you have the bank account of a pauper? With a little wardrobe planning and ingenuity, you can dress like the wealthy even if you have a poor girl’s budget. Here’s how to look rich – and still stay within your clothing allowance.

Be Understated

Have you ever noticed how wealthy people who can afford any clothing they want, dress in an elegant, understated manner? When it comes to fashion, think quality not quantity. Instead of filling your closet with “impulse” clothing you’ll never wear, invest in a few, high-quality pieces. Choose clothing in dark and neutral shades with simple lines – and stay away from “frou-frou” and fussy or loud pieces.

You can’t go wrong with simple, high-quality pieces in solid colors you can mix and match – and they never go out of style. Add interest with a few well-chosen accessories. Stay away from bright colors except as an accessory. Black, navy blue, dark brown and charcoal gray always look elegant and refined, no matter the occasion – and they’re the best investment on a limited budget.

How to Look Rich: Invest in Designer Shoes and Handbag

Even if you can’t afford high-end designer clothing, if at all possible, splurge on a pair of designer shoes and a designer purse. When you wear expensive-looking shoes and carry a designer purse, people assume the rest of your outfit is designer too. You don’t have to tell them otherwise.

When you buy less clothing, you can channel some of the money you save into designer footwear and a big-name handbag. To look rich, another piece to spend a little more on is an elegant coat in a dark color. When you’re out and about in cold weather, it’s the first and only piece many people will see.

Be a Smart Shopper

You can get incredible bargains on high-end designer clothing on sites such as Ebay. Stick to buying accessories, shoes, tops and coats since it’s difficult to judge how pants, skirts and dresses will fit without trying them on.

Haunt local consignment clothing stores in your area, especially those close to wealthy neighborhoods, for designer bargains – and don’t forget about thrift stores. Some thrift stores get high-end clothing donations that are still in great shape. Check the newspaper for yard sale notices that list designer clothing as one of their offerings. You could hit pay dirt, and get designer pieces for almost nothing.

Be the Accessory Queen

Have a small wardrobe of simple, elegant pieces, but dress them up with knock-out accessories. To save money, learn how to make your own earrings and necklaces. Visit a bead store and discover how easy it is to put together a necklace and a simple pair of dangle earrings. Using semiprecious stone or faceted glass beads, you can create a necklace for $10.00 that would cost ten-times more in a high-end boutique. Build an impressive jewelry wardrobe that even the wealthy will be envious of. Plus, it’ll be uniquely yours.

La Belle dame sans l'argent | Belle! On a Budget.

How to Look Rich and Dress Wealthy: The Bottom Line?

Think simple and elegant when it comes to clothing, shop smart – and quality over quantity. You may not have the bank account of the ultra-rich, but those women who have everything will have nothing on you when it comes to style and elegance.

 Dr. Kristie