How To Look Expensive On A Budget – The Indian Version

I was watching a You tube video by a westerner, which had really nice tips on how to look expensive on a budget. But the video did not cater to Indian audience as a whole as we have a specific taste, environment and hotter season than the west. So I decided to sit down and tweak down the styling tips little bit so that they apply to us, the Indians 🙂

Before jumping into the writing wagon, I would like to tell you how much I adore Maharani Gayatri Devi, Princess Diana & Kate Middleton for the style and sheer grace they have. They are born with it. Now there are some riches who apparently look classy because they can afford really high end fashion brands. I don’t have that kind of money, but it does not mean that you or I can not look expensive or classy.

There are some sure shot way to instantly level up your look and appearance. Follow me on these tips & hacks:

10 Styling Tips & Hacks TO Look Expensive On A Budget – The Indian Way

1. Pastels Over Loud Colors

Everybody loves colors, the brighter the better, specially we, the Indians, we just love them, and that’s why Holi is our favorite festival too. But hey, just tone down that color a bit and welcome to the classy club. The video suggested to go for Neutrals & Basic colors such as blacks, browns and beige but we can’t wear those shades as we live in a very hot and humid country.

Stick to pastels instead. Pastels any way rock the summer and spring season. Pastels really UP YOUR GAME. They come in every shape, size and style. White/Pastel/Neutral co-ord sets are the hottest trends in 2019.

2. Solid Over Patterns

Avoid big, asymmetrical patterns at any cost unless you are fan of our ‘Gully Boy’ .  Solid Colors, really create a strong personality. If you do not like to wear solid colors, go for stripes. If you are unsure of the stripes, go check online fashion stores like Stalk Buy Love, Shein or anything like that. You can get an idea what you exactly want. (not promoting the websites, but I personally like the styles they offer)

• Wear clothes that flatter your shape and are of your size.
• Prefer structured clothes over flow-y and asymmetrical cuts.
• Use belts to tame down the flow-y-ness of your dress, if any.

3. Diamond Studs

If you can not afford real diamonds, get a fake pair of diamond studs. No one would even notice, if you pick a nice quality fake pair of studs. But it will add a lot of beauty to your personality specially when you wear your hair up.

4. Manicured Nails

I myself am guilty of not keeping up with my nails (pun intended), but your nails really matter a lot. Specially if you want to look all poised and classy.

• Don’t wear too short or too long nails. Trim them, file them, by yourself nicely.
• Choose either a nice red ()if you are really sure about the shade) or go for the pastel/neutral shades.
• Bonus Tip: Massage your nails with castor oil twice a week at night and you will be amazed how strong they grow.

5. Wear Pointy Footwear

Even if you cannot wear heels (Indian roads, huh), you can anyway opt for pointy toe shoes (bellies) in flats. They really look amazing and classy over the normally rounded toe shoes. Trust me.

6. Keep It Simple

Be it your makeup, your hair or your clothes, try to keep it minimal. Don’t overdo like you are going to a big fat Indian wedding.  That looks really attractive.

7. Statement Jewelry

You might not be a jewelry person, but sometimes, a very exotic looking jewelry piece can really make you look very attractive and classy at the same time. Not talking about those funky jewelry pieces but a sophisticated yet simple pendent, or a minimal design watch.

8. Match Your Accessories

Mainly your bag, belt and your shoes must match in terms of the tone, texture, style & fabric or at least look alike and not contrasting.

• Do not carry extra large bags or purse.
• Your sunglasses should be basic and of adequate size that suit your face shape.

9. Mindful Contrasting

Don’t just mix and match every thing. What you can contrast is your layering like a scarf.  Wear monochrome looks but adding a contrasting element can actually work amazingly.

10. Watch What You Speak

Not exactly a style hack, but trust me it matters the most. No matter what you wear or how you look, the way you speak or treat people around you, defines your character within seconds. Be polite. Don’t shout or curse (the latest fashion among girls).

Bonus Tip: Whenever you buy stuff, make sure to buy that really looks costly or at least of high quality. It’s not  always have to be branded. But make sure it does not look cheap even by seeing at it. Have a closer look at the fabric. The fabric must look good.

Hope I could make sense here in the post. I personally follow these and really could relate to the video (going to link it down here in case you are interested.)

 

You have got something to add to the list? Leave your comments below.

Nisha Malik ❤

Facebook | Instagram