Looking polished has nothing to do with money — it’s all about the details. Small mistakes can drag down an otherwise good outfit, while tiny upgrades make you look elevated instantly. If you’ve ever wondered why your fits feel “okay” but not expensive, this guide breaks down the common culprits and shows you what to wear instead.
If you love improving your style game, you’ll also enjoy our guide on How to Look Stylish at Work.
1. Overly Shiny, Plastic-Looking Bags
Cheap-looking faux leather screams low quality.
Wear instead: matte faux leather, structured totes, or woven textures.
(We can add your Amazon bag picks here.)
2. Clothing That’s Wrinkled or Crushed
Nothing ruins a look faster.
Wear instead: wrinkle-resistant fabrics and a quick steam before leaving.
3. See-Through Leggings or Thin Pants
If the fabric stretches into transparency — it looks cheap.
Wear instead: thick, opaque leggings like the ones we use in our Leggings Outfit Guide.
4. Overly Loud Logos Everywhere
Head-to-toe logos rarely look expensive.
Wear instead: clean silhouettes, quiet basics, and minimal branding.
5. Chipped Nail Polish
Even the best outfit looks undone.
Wear instead: neutral nails, short nude nails, or a bare clean manicure.
6. Jewelry That Tarnishes or Discolors Skin
Green fingers = instant cheap energy.
Wear instead: stainless steel, gold-plated pieces, or minimal hoops.
7. Overstuffed Handbags
When your bag can’t zip… it looks messy.
Wear instead: structured crossbodies or roomy totes.
8. Clothing That Doesn’t Fit Properly
Too tight, too loose, or gaping buttons cheapen the whole look.
Wear instead: pieces that skim the body, tailored shapes, and correct sizing.
9. Peeling Faux Leather Jackets
Faux leather peels over time and instantly looks low-quality.
Wear instead: vegan leather with a soft matte finish or structured trench coats.
10. Wearing Faded Blacks That Don’t Match
A washed-out black top + true-black jeans look sloppy.
Wear instead: intentional contrasts or tone-on-tone outfits.
For inspo, see What to Wear with Black Jeans.
11. Cheap Belts with Light, Flimsy Buckles
They bend, scratch, and instantly reveal poor quality.
Wear instead: medium-thick belts with solid metal hardware.
12. Overly Trendy Pieces Worn All at Once
Trendy from head to toe = trying too hard.
Wear instead: mix one trend with timeless basics.
13. Loud, Over-Contrasting Stitching
Think bright yellow stitching on fake leather.
Wear instead: clean seams that look refined.
14. Shoes That Are Worn Out or Dirty
Your shoes make or break an outfit.
Wear instead: classic white sneakers, minimal flats, or clean ankle boots.
15. Over-Accessorizing with Cheap Pieces
Too much metal, too much shine = instant cheap.
Wear instead: one signature piece (small hoops, dainty chain, watch).
16. See-Through Blouses Without Proper Undergarments
Visible bra lines can ruin an elegant outfit.
Wear instead: seamless nude bras or smoothing tanks.
17. Clothing with Lint, Pet Hair, or Pills
Even expensive clothes look cheap when unmaintained.
Wear instead: a lint roller and a fabric shaver — always.
18. Wearing Poor-Quality Fast-Fashion Fabrics
Shiny polyester and rough fabrics cheapen your outfit.
Wear instead: cotton blends, linen, knits, and smooth satin.
