Published: December 5, 2015 Last Updated 2 weeks ago by FPN SEO
With the images we share here on Fashion Police Nigeria, sometimes you might think we assume you can spend your entire one month income on bags or buy a new shoe with 20k price tag every month, but the reality is, we don’t. Let’s face it: The average African woman cannot spend a cool $500 (N100,000) on a Celine bag (that’s if you ever see it), no matter how much the fashion magazines echo about their latest covets.
There’s no reason to blow your entire paycheck on high-end items just because you lust over what most celebrity clad in. It’s actually incredibly easy to get that elevated vibe without draining your savings account if you can think or shop smartly. What the think means is, how you can actually make the ones you have already look polished, elevated and put together.
However, even though wearing an expensive-looking outfit is always on your sartorial wishlist, its your budget that dictates how much you can spend on clothes each season. To give you a sense of how to look upscale this season (and possibly carryover), we rounded up 13 easy ways regardless of how much your earn. Just flip through the gallery to explore:
#1. Get it Tailored:
We often share envy-worthy outfit inspirations that can be easily copied – which means getting the exact same copy done by your best tailor is another way to make your clothes look like a million bucks. In our analysis, most clothes we often see on runways or red carpet can be recreated by a good tailor 60% cheaper.
#2. Go Monochrome:
One surefire way to look cheap is to pile on a ton of different colors and patterns. While a splash of color is significant, wearing a monochromatic tone from head to toe creates an idea of quality. You don’t have to wear head-to-toe black, but combos like shades of grey, all-white, head-to-toe burgundy, and peach always feels chic and fresh, and can easily trick others into thinking you spent a fortune on pieces that can be found at a huge discount.
#3. Add Pricey Accessories:
As a fashion conscious woman, we don’t mean your closet should be filled entirely with cheap pieces. Once in a while you have to bypass your budget and splurge on pricey items like accessories – whether a bag or jewelry or both that can elevate your entire look.
4. Add a Belt and Tuck In:
We can’t overemphasize how polished it is to tuck in any shirttails as well as adding a belt to your outfit. As a matter of fact, it sounds like something your mother would say, but in reality the belt can give your outfit an instant lift with a simple cinch around the waist.
#5. Wear Exaggerated Silhouettes:
Tighter items will show ripples more easily, where exaggerated silhouettes will feel cool and high-fashion.
#6. Add a Little Texture:
A little (faux) texture can go a long way in elevating an outfit to expensive status. Try something in snakeskin – whether shoe or bag as it always looks expensive.
#7 Learn to Layer
As a woman, if you don’t have a sharp and well tailored jacket, just add it to your wishlist now. Because this is how most stylish women out there get their 5 stars on fashion magazine. A sharp jacket is another secret weapon to an elevated outfit. You can use it to dress up denim, polish your dresses or just drape it over your shoulder.
#8. Match your shoes and your bag:
When in doubt, keeping your accessories in the same color palette will ensure your look comes off as intentional, not haphazard.
#9 Try Outfits With Interesting Details:
Items with unique details that feel unexpected look high-concept and therefore come across as more expensive.
#10. Consider a polished makeup and hair to upgrade your look:
A flawless blowout, red lip, flawless skin – these are the ultimate finishing touches.
#11. Dress Up Your Denim:
To be honest most women just love wearing denim almost everyday, but what can make you look elevated is your styling. Just make sure you always add heels and if the temperature permits, layer it.
#12. Incorporate Your Outfit With Scarf and Turban:
Scarf and turban is another easy accessory with high value. Try a scarf or turban to give your vibe a fancier feel.
#13. Add a Hat
Adding a chic hat to your outfit is always a good idea.














Fantastic article!
Love it. 🙂
Sarah
HULA