How to Dress Like You're Rich (Even if You're Broke!)

You know that effortlessly chic look some women have? The kind where even a basic outfit somehow looks luxurious? That can totally be you!

You really don’t need to spend a ton of money to dress like you’re rich! Promise! You just need to know how to style your wardrobe, shop intentionally, and TBH fake it ‘til you make it.

how to look rich
 

Here's how to do it.

 

Start With the Basics (But Make Them Elevated)

You want to lean into your classic staples! Like a white button down, black trousers, fitted blazers, and structured coats. But make sure they have a little twist! Like quality fabric or a cool detail like a unique button or pretty stitching. These are the pieces that pull your look together and give you that rich girl it factor.

 
rich woman walking out of a building
 

Stick to a Neutral Palette

Cream, black, tan, white, and gray just feel expensive. Loud prints and neon colors can be fun, but they don’t scream rich. When in doubt, go monochrome in beige or all black. Easy and elegant.

 

Choose Chic But Classic Silhouettes

Tailored pants, midi skirts, clean lines, and long coats all give that rich-girl vibe. Skip the overly trendy pieces and stick to things that are classic with a modern edge.

 

Add Structured Layers

Throw a blazer over jeans. Add a longline vest. A tailored coat changes everything. It instantly makes you look put-together even if you’re just wearing a tee underneath.

 
rich woman posing against wall
 

Keep Accessories Low Key

You don’t need a lot of accessories. Just a few classic staples like simple gold earrings, a leather-look handbag, and oversized sunglasses. These small upgrades pull everything together and make your outfit feel intentional.

 

Want rich-girl vibes without doing any work? I rounded up old money outfit ideas you can literally copy piece-for-piece!

 

Where to Shop Like You’re Rich (on a Budget)

Dressing like you have money doesn’t mean you need to spend it. You just need to know where to shop and what to look for.

 
rich woman walking down the sidewalk
 

Shop the Sale Sections of High-End Stores

Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks always have designer deals if you know when to check. Look during end-of-season sales or sign up for email alerts. The key is to shop with intention, not impulse.

 

Explore Secondhand and Vintage

Poshmark, The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and even local thrift stores are goldmines. You can score designer items for way less. I found a vintage Burberry trench for $80 once. It’s all about consistency and checking often.

 

Look for Designer Dupes

Some Amazon and Zara finds look almost identical to designer pieces. Just keep it simple and pick quality over flash. Read reviews, zoom in on photos, and choose neutrals for a more luxe vibe.

 
rich woman crossing the street
 

Try Outlet Stores and Sample Sales

Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off 5th, and even TJ Maxx runway section sometimes carry designer labels. And if you live in a big city, check for sample sales. You can snag pieces for 70% off if you’re lucky.

 

Best Stores for Luxe-Looking Basics

  • H&M Premium for wool coats and elevated basics

  • Zara for on-trend but still chic pieces

  • Mango for timeless coats and trousers

  • Everlane for high-quality, minimalist staples

  • Uniqlo for tailoring and clean lines

 
rich woman street style
 

Beauty Tips for Looking Rich

Okay so beyond dressing rich, adding in some key beauty tips will help pull your whole rich girl look together! But don’t worry! I am sharing easily attainable ways you can do this without going over budget.

  • Style Your Hair and Makeup Simply. A low bun. Light makeup. Glossy lips. Think “clean girl” energy. Looking rich is about looking like you’re not trying too hard. Keep it low-key but polished. Easy!

  • Keep your nails simple. Cheapest way? Buy yourself a bottle of Kur Nail Concealer and apply as needed! I’ve done this many times and it gives you automatic clean girl/ rich girl nails without having to get them done. If you get them done, opt for Bubble Bath by OPI or a similar neutral pink or go for a French manicure. (more rich girl nail inspo here)

  • Fake a blowout. Rich girls obviously can afford blowouts on the reg. Us broke girls use the Revlon Hot Air Brush for quick, cheap instant blow out goals at home! No Dyson airwrap needed. If you really want bouncier curls teach yourself how to use a curling iron and rollers. It’s way cheaper!

 
neutral manicure
 

You don’t need a big budget to dress like you’re rich. With the right silhouettes, smart shopping habits, and a few intentional style choices, you can look luxe every day. It’s about confidence, care, and knowing what works for you.

Loved these rich girl on a budget tips? Make sure you save one of the images below to Pinterest so you can always come back and reference them!

 
FashionKatie HennesseyComment