happy sunday, ladies. we are marching fast and furiously through 20121. before you know it, the patriotic holidays will be knocking on our door. Memorial Day will be here in the blink of an eye. yes, the holiday gong is about to clang! i don’t know about you, but i am always astonished at how quickly the calendar page is turning. for now, let’s stay in the moment and enjoy those May flowers and a few style hacks. today, i’m sharing 10 style tips to look expensive.
it’s time to go back to the style drawing board because we all want to learn different ways to look chic, classy, and stylish. this blog is dedicated to aging with grace, strength, and beauty because i know the over fifty woman wants to stay modern, fresh, and relevant. thankfully, style has no expiration date. clothes are meant to help us look and feel our best. American fashion photographer bill cunningham said it best, “fashion is the armor to survive everyday life.” and it’s true. which is why i love to share style tips and hacks with you. are you ready to learn more about 10 style tips to look expensive and elevate your outfit? let’s dig in.
10 style tips to look expensive
style tip #1 roll with it
sometimes button-ups can look stuffy. but if you roll the sleeves, they immediately look relaxed and effortless. don’t forget to roll the sleeves to your blazers or jackets. it adds visual interest, and you can show off your jewelry.
style tip #2 put a hat on it
many women think a hat doesn’t look good on them. if you’re not in the habit of wearing a hat, it looks foreign when you pop one on your head. way back when women wore hats every day. and every single woman wearing a hat looked fantastic. the key factor was that they were accustomed to wearing hats and accustomed to seeing themselves in a hat. so let’s give hats another try. hats not only look stylish and elevate any outfit, but they’re practical. they keep you warm in winter and block the sun in summer.
style tip #3 tuck it
if you have followed the blog for any length of time, you know i love to tuck in my tops. why? a tucked top adds a polished and put-together vibe. tucking a top adds shape and definition to your frame. the best part of a tuck is i can show off my favorite fashion accessory – belts. afraid you’ll draw attention to your mid-section? start with a monochromatic color scheme that creates a lean line.
style tip #4 drape the third layer
what’s old is new again. for a sophisticated look, throw on an extra layer over your shoulders. it takes your outfit to the next level.
style tip #5 make a statement
trade your statement necklace for statement earrings. they’re easier to work with than necklaces. why? with a statement necklace, you have to consider the neckline and length of the necklace. not so with earrings.
style tip #6 add a scarf
this is a classic wardrobe staple you can wear year-round. from blanket scarves to silk scarves, the sky is the limit. when the weather is cool, tie one around your neck or drape over your shoulders. during the warmer months, tie one on your handbag or use one as a belt.
style tip #7 add a third layer
the shoulder seasons, spring or fall, are the perfect time to add a third layer. different layers of fabrics, textures, and colors take your outfit to the next level. but don’t discount layers come summer. simply swap long sleeves and heavy materials for short sleeves and lightweight fabrics.
style tip #8 go monochromatic
nothing beats a long, lean line for an elegant look. that’s just what a monochromatic outfit will do for you. pick a color any color. they all work.
style tip #9 grab your sunglasses
add a cool and chic vibe with a pair of sunnies. plus, they protect your eyes from the sun. black, tortoise, or gold frames are classic choices. but don’t be afraid to experiment. it’s an easy way to add trends into your wardrobe.
style tip #10 on point
elongate your outfit with a pair of pointy-toe shoes. flats or heels will take your look to the next level. and keep your outfit classic and clean.
About The Author
Thank you for these excellent tips. You are the proof in the pudding. I can’t imagine why Vogue has never featured you on their cover. I’d buy any magazine that had you on it or in it. You truly are a style icon.
what a lovely compliment, kathleen. thank you!
Totally agree!
thanks so much, beth!
Thanks for the tips! I love every outfit you wear. You look absolutely stunning. I live your new hair cut. I have mid length hair and I am to chicken to cut it.
the good thing about hair is that it grows back!
Your tips are wonderful and curious if you are the model, a stunning lady! I am going to look at some of your suggestions as well as improve the use of my clothes and accessories
no, i was never a model. while I’m close to 5’8″ i was never tall enough or thin enough (i love to eat)!
I had a friend, who has since passed, who always looked very fashionable. She was about 10 years older than me and I thought of her as a mentor. She always carried a high end purse but I was surprised to learn that she bought most of her clothes at T J Max. So I think your Ralph Lauren bag will make something from Walmart look expensive and will always fit with weight fluctuations. I agree that a scarf will also elevate an outfit and they don’t have to fit either. I’m reluctant to invest in expensive clothes right now because I’m having some success with losing weight
you are spot on with your style assessment. typically, i invest in accessories that last a lifetime and elevate any outfit.
Beth, this was one of your best articles ever! I loved all the fashions and the tips were right on. I do have a difficult time finding pointy toed shoes that are comfortable though. You always look amazing! Thanks!
thanks so much for stopping by today! glad the post was helpful!
Wowwee! This is a great post! All the outfits are easy to put together. Thank you,Beth for sharing your style tips!
i so appreciate you being here, phyllis!
Loved all the tips on numerous outfits. Thanks. Would love how to tie a scarf-hint, hunt🤣
i’ll see if i can get a scarf tutorial put together! thanks for the suggestion.
Beautiful, polished looks! Thanks for the great tips! I love, love, love accessories. Accessories make any outfit.
Suzanne
thanks so much for stopping by, suzanne!
What a great post. I love every outfit you’ve showcased. As a,ways, you look terrific and inspire me to up my game.
One suggestion….could you possibly do a post for those of us battling the covid bulge? I’ve always been a tall, “sturdy” woman, but the last year has done me in.
Combine the Covid 10( or 15) with age, and you get a barrel tummy. How do I dress around that?
Yes, diet changes and exercise are in the works, but until I lose those pounds…want to do?
Beth, you’re so good with helping us look good. Any ideas or suggestions?
thanks for the suggestion, cheryl! i’ll see if i can put together a post that addresses this. off the top of my head i would
start wearing monochromatic outfits. it’s very easy on the eye.
Hi Beth,
Really love the look of yellow scarf with gray jacket. How did you tie the scarf?
i’ll see if i can put together a scarf tutorial!
Love it all thank you Beth:) I follow you every day and always you put a smile on my face. Lovely picture of you and your son, what a cutie! xo
now that’s what i love to hear – a smile is on your face!
I just love, love your style tips. They really do elevate the outfit. Looks so chic as you always do.
thanks, sherry! always love to hear from you.
I’m saving this. What a treasure to have. These will help me a lot. It already has. Thank you.
i’m so happy to hear one or two tips were helpful!
Your blog is one of just 4 I ever read, and yours is always enjoyable, helpful, inspirational, approachable. This particular one is especially appreciated. All the best.
i so appreciate you being here, gayle!
wow!! very classic, but modern chic, looks.
I love all of them
I have copy a few, you inspire me a lot.
even thou I am 5′ 2″
Beth you should have a magazine!!!
H a wonderful day
what a lovely compliment, gloria!
You look totally amazing! Thank you for these great tips. I’m trying to break out of the covid clothing blahs. This was so timely and inspiring. Just what I needed!
so happy to hear this! you can shake those blahs. just shop your closet and incorporate a tip or two.
Great tips!
Loved all of the outfits too!
so glad you liked them!
I love all your different back drop scenes! You dress beautifully.
thanks so much for your sweet words!
Well, Beth, you hit it out of the park on this one. My favorite tip is “tuck it in”. I have a friend that always wears a loose flowly type top thinking it disguises her weight thinking it makes her look slimmer. I say really good fitting undergarments and a appropriately sized top tucked in would make her look slimmer, stylish and more youthful.
thanks for stopping by, lyn! and thanks for sharing.
Hi Beth, love your posts! I was wondering if you know if the RL jumpsuit is still available anywhere? I think you mentioned that you purchased it from Macy’s, but when I checked, I could never find it?!? I am also wonderful about the long white top that you are wearing in the first pic under the ‘’add a scarf’’ section. I would appreciate any info, and lastly, the unfinished crop jeans that you are wearing in the last photo. Thanks in advance!
Eres muy hermosa con lo que te pongas. La elegancia con la que desfilas es genial, eres la mejor modelo. Los looks son preciosos. Gracias por mostrarnos como mejorar nuestro día a día
gracias, patricia!
What a great post! All good ideas illustrated beautifully by some terrific outfits. I must say, I am a bit obsessed with those grey square toe pumps. What brand are they!?