The way that you dress can trick people into thinking you’re super wealthy, even if you’re not, and you’ll quite literally be treated differently because of it. Doors open, networking feels easier, conversations shift, and suddenly you’re taken more seriously: at work, at events, in meetings, and even on dates.
So I paid a stylist thousands of dollars to teach me how to look like a “rich girl” without having to be one. And after weeks of testing everything on-camera, in meetings, at dinners, and even at the airport…here are the top stylist-approved tips that created the biggest transformation for me with the least amount of effort.
Save it, share it, live by it:
Put a blazer on things that shouldn’t get a blazer.
Over a hoodie, slip dress, or lace shorts. It instantly says, “I matter, and I’m going somewhere.” Here’s a statement blazer for under $100 that gives designer.
Never wear sneakers if you want to look elevated.
Even a one-inch heel, pointed boot, or pointed flat improves your posture and makes a big difference in how people perceive you. These snake heels on sale look professional and fashionable without feeling basic, and can be worn with any color.
Belts and bold accessories are your cheat code.
You could wear the cheapest outfit, but a great belt becomes the outfit. A statement accessory is the easiest thing to dupe on Amazon for 1/10th of the price. Here’s my favorite statement belt and statement accessory that you could never tell was duped, both under $15.
Go monochromatic when in doubt.
Matching tones (even if fast fashion) reads like a $5,000 outfit from The Row and looks effortlessly intentional. Get my favorite slacks in every color when in doubt.
Steam everything.
Wrinkles kill expensive energy. A $30 steamer will change your life in 60 seconds.
Swap jeans for silk pants.
More comfortable, more elegant, and instantly luxurious, even if they’re Amazon “pajama” pants. Here are mine under $20.
Color block intentionally or commit to one color.
Never do the sandwich method (matching top + shoes with a random middle). It visually cheapens the outfit and makes you look shorter. If you’re color blocking, don’t overthink it. Pick any two solid contrasting shades and just own it. The only rule is confidence. There are no wrong combos — pink and red, navy and green, orange and fuchsia — they all work if you commit. Here’s my favorite casual statement shirt or this one if you want to be more upscale. You can also always throw on a pair of red heels to make it fun!
Always wear a third piece.
A blazer, trench, vest, or cardigan turns clothes into a styled outfit. Layers read “abundance.”
Invisible heat layer > bulky puffer.
Thermals keep you warm and sleek, sleek always reads expensive. When cold, always opt for another internal layer over an external layer.
Mix textures intentionally.
Texture pairings that look premium are: satin + faux fur, cashmere + leather, wool + anything matte. Avoid pairing velvet with shiny polyester or leather with satin. They reflect light in a way that reads cheap, especially in daylight.
Pointed boots only.
They elongate your leg, add polish, and work with every outfit. Chunky boots look practical, not rich! (These are my fave under $60)
Choose structure over trend.
Expensive outfits have shape. Think padded shoulders, sharp collars, dramatic long lines, and structured coats. A strong silhouette can make a $20 outfit look designer-level instantly. These are all my my favorite “statement outfits” my stylist put me in, and ones I even wore to conferences.
Never wear loud logos
Real wealth whispers, it doesn’t need to announce itself.
Go no phone case or ultra-minimal.
Rich people don’t care about dropping their phone. If that freaks you out, just get Apple Care, or this really minimal case that looks like jewelry.