A Casual Outfit That Looks Expensive – But Isn’t
Even if your bank account says that you need to watch what you spend on clothing, that doesn’t mean you can’t still look fabulous. I’ve always found retailers and brands that carried clothing that was affordable and stylish. Today I’m styling a casual outfit that looks expensive but isn’t.
A Casual Outfit That Looks Expensive
Casually is how I dress most of the time. That doesn’t mean that I’m always wearing a T-shirt and leggings, but it does mean that I’m comfortable in my clothing. Here are a couple of tips that I think will help you the next time you go to your closet to create an outfit.
Tips on Creating A Casual Outfit That Looks Expensive
- Make sure the outfit fits you well. You would be surprised how the fit can make an item look more expensive.
- Dress in a classic style. That doesn’t mean that you can’t wear trends, but it does mean keeping the look clean and crisp.
- Add accessories. Adding jewelry makes every outfit look more expensive, even if the jewelry isn’t. It shows that you took the time to elevate your look. I also think that the addition of lipstick makes a huge difference, even if you don’t wear any other makeup.
- Make sure that your outfit doesn’t have stains, rips or tears (unless that is a detail to the item), and unless you’re wearing linen, try to be wrinkle-free.

This first look is an example of dressing in a casual manner that looks classic. A black blazer with a white tee is a classic look. The frayed hem jeans are a trendy item, but when paired with other items, the look is polished and chic.

You will notice that the black blazer, belt, and tote all keep the outfit cohesive. These anchors the outfit and helps it to look put-together. Looking put together simply means that you’ve put thought and effort into your look. It shows that you care about your appearance.

All outfits have bones. Unless you are wearing a dress or jumpsuit, you will start with a top and a bottom. When I’m creating a casual outfit that looks expensive, I keep everything simple. A basic white V-Neck tee is something that I purchase every year. They are not expensive, and I like them to look crisp and white. Stains and repeated washings can leave them looking dingy. This one is part of a 2-pack. I chose the black and white version, but there are other options. I’m wearing a medium, and it fits great. The price can’t be beaten, and the tee is a nice weight and isn’t see-through.

A black blazer is a wardrobe basic that is a workhorse. You can wear it all year round and with anything. I even love wearing a blazer with a pair of chino shorts to go out to lunch or to a meeting. I wasn’t sure if I would like the scrunch sleeve, but since I push my sleeves up anyway, it was perfect for me. I didn’t have to worry about them falling or being uneven. The blazer runs true to size; I’m wearing a medium. *Update – The blazer is flying out the door, so I’ll link to some similar ones.

I LOVE these light-washed frayed hem jeans. Dark-wash jeans are dressier, but I love wearing lighter jeans in spring and summer. The frayed hem is trendy and keeps you looking modern looking. For those who hate distressed jeans with holes, this is a great alternative. I’m wearing my usual size 8, and they fit great.

The pebbled faux leather tote is a great medium size bag. I love crossbody bags, but a larger tote is what I carry most of the time. A larger bag has plenty of room for your essentials and non-essentials which always seem to come in handy.

Shoes can be a huge chunk of the expense of an outfit. To create a casual outfit that looks expensive, you want a pair of shoes that look the part but are affordable. These sandals are so nice looking, and I love the knot detail. The great thing about the knot detail is that it is flat underneath, so it doesn’t hurt the top of your foot. I didn’t get a photo, but the shoes have a chunky heel that helps them feel more stable. The shoes are available in a couple of other colors, and they run true to size.

Clothing To Create A Casual Outfit That Looks Expensive
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Love the look! Curious why an all cotton T-shirt instead of a mixed blend. I feel like all cotton doesn’t hold its shape nor provide enough coverage, especially in white.
Love all your post and all the detail. Easy to find pieces and follow along.
Hey, Tania. I have three daughters graduating from college and high school on the same day! Do you have any suggestions for a comfortable but stylish outfit that would transition from one event to the other that’s not a dress?
Angie, the first thing I would do is see if the two schools have a color in common. Then, pick a top or bottom with that color so that the outfit looks good with either school.
You look very sharp. I have the same white t-shirt from Walmart. I have similar jeans too. My black blazer is a bit shorter but it will do. I like the tan blazer you’re linking here. Thanks for all the styling ideas.
Great look in your outfit, and this has helped me a lot, also thank you for the scripture.
I love a blazer with jeans. It immediately makes it look so much more polished.
I love this simple , classy outfit you’ve styled! I already have all those pieces. Thanks for sharing your micro- needling experience. I’m considering it and it’s helpful to read your thoughts on it.
Love the casual outfit. Is the micro needling like botox? I have heard it is good for wrinkles and smooths out the skin. Is it expensive?
It isn’t like Botox. Botox is an injectable for a specific area, and it contains a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This doesn’t have a drug; it has lots and lots of little needles that penetrate the skin to a specific depth to stimulate collagen.
Excellent suggestions!
Thank you! Sometimes we just need a reminder to keep it simple. All of these items are already in my closet, I always feel put together in black and white.
This outfit looks very balanced and lovely in you! Great choice and selection for you!
What a great, easy outfit. You do make trendy items look classic the way you put it all together.
I love the look and purchased the T-shirts. the Blazer was not available in my size but I can surely find one. Thank you for what you do for us each and everyday!
You look very sharp!
love today’s post…thank you
Tania – What a great outfit! Those are the best looking wide leg jeans that I have seen! And the shoes are adorable. I admit that i have blazers back from my work-in-office days, and I just don’t wear them anymore. Thanks for the inspiration to pull them out to put together more outfits. As always, you have such great taste. How do you manage to find the cutest items from the huge selection at Walmart online?
One of my favorite casual outfits is the jeans, t-shirt, and blazer. You look great in the classic outfit.