8 wardrobe tricks that make you look upper class even if you shop at Target

Here's something I learned after leaving my six-figure finance job: looking polished has almost nothing to do with how much you spend.

When I was making excellent money as a financial analyst, I bought expensive clothes without thinking twice. But you know what? I didn't look any more put-together than I do now, shopping at budget-friendly stores.

The truth is, style isn't about the price tag. It's about understanding a few key principles that wealthy people have mastered, often without even realizing it.

And the good news? You can apply these same principles whether you're shopping at high-end boutiques or Target.

After transitioning to a writer's income and learning to budget carefully, I had to figure out how to maintain a polished appearance without the luxury spending. What I discovered surprised me: the tricks that make someone look expensive have very little to do with actual expense.

Let me share what I've learned.

1) Fit is everything

Walk into any upscale restaurant or country club and you'll notice something immediately. The people who look wealthy aren't necessarily wearing designer labels. They're wearing clothes that fit perfectly.

A $30 shirt that's been tailored to your body will always look better than a $300 shirt hanging off you like a sack. Always.

I learned this the hard way when I downsized my wardrobe after my career change. I took several basic pieces to a local tailor and spent about $15 per item on alterations. The difference was stunning. Suddenly, my Target finds looked intentional and expensive.

The key areas to focus on are sleeve length, shoulder seams, and hem length. When these hit at the right spots, everything else falls into place. And here's the thing: most people never bother with alterations, which is exactly why this trick works so well.

2) Stick to a neutral color palette

Wealthy people tend to dress in a surprisingly limited color range. Think black, white, navy, gray, camel, and cream.

Why does this work? Because neutral colors are inherently versatile and sophisticated. They mix and match effortlessly, creating a cohesive wardrobe where everything works together. Plus, they don't date themselves the way trendy colors do.

When I rebuilt my wardrobe on a budget, I committed to neutrals with maybe one or two accent colors. This meant I could buy fewer pieces overall because everything coordinated. A black blazer goes with everything. So do gray trousers and white shirts.

Does this mean you can never wear color? Of course not. But use it strategically as an accent rather than the foundation of your wardrobe. A pop of color in a scarf or shoes adds personality without sacrificing that polished, cohesive look.

3) Invest in quality basics, skimp on trendy pieces

This might seem counterintuitive when you're on a budget, but hear me out.

You're better off spending a bit more on a classic white button-down or well-made black trousers than on a trendy item you'll wear twice. The basics are the workhorses of your wardrobe. They'll get worn constantly, so quality actually matters here.

Meanwhile, that trendy leopard-print top or colorful statement piece? Go ahead and grab the budget version. By the time it wears out, the trend will probably be over anyway.

I spend more on items like a good pair of jeans, a classic blazer, and simple leather shoes. Everything else, including my more fashion-forward pieces, comes from budget stores. Nobody can tell the difference because the foundation is solid.

4) Keep your clothes in pristine condition

Want to know what instantly makes someone look wealthy? Clothes that look brand new, even when they're not.

This means no wrinkles, no pills, no loose threads, no stains. It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many people skip these details.

I keep a lint roller by my door, use a fabric shaver regularly to remove pills, and actually iron or steam my clothes. Yes, it takes a few extra minutes, but the impact is huge.

During my years volunteering at farmers' markets every Saturday, I noticed that the vendors who looked most professional weren't necessarily wearing expensive clothes. They were wearing clean, well-maintained clothes. That's what people remember.

Also, follow care instructions. That cheap shirt will last much longer if you're not throwing it in the dryer on high heat. Hand washing or using gentle cycles can extend the life of budget pieces significantly.

5) Simplify your accessories

Here's where a lot of people go wrong. They think more accessories equal more style. The opposite is usually true.

Wealthy people tend to wear minimal, classic accessories. A simple watch, small earrings, one delicate necklace. Not all at once, necessarily, but certainly not layered to excess.

When I was starting out as a writer and watching every dollar, I sold most of my statement jewelry and kept only a few classic pieces. A pair of gold hoops, a simple pendant necklace, a leather watch. These go with everything and never look dated or overwhelming.

The rule I follow now: pick two accessories maximum. Earrings and a watch. A necklace and a bracelet. Keep it simple, keep it classic, and let the clothes do the talking.

6) Pay attention to details like grooming and posture

This one doesn't cost anything, but it might be the most important trick on this list.

You can wear a perfectly tailored outfit, but if your hair looks unkempt, your nails are chipped, or you're slouching, the whole effect falls apart. Upper-class style isn't just about clothes. It's about presenting yourself as someone who pays attention to details.

Keep your hair neat, your nails clean, your shoes polished. Stand up straight. Make eye contact. These things signal that you care about how you present yourself, which is really what "looking expensive" is all about.

I remember my demanding boss in finance once told me, "How you do anything is how you do everything." She was talking about work, but it applies to personal presentation too. The small details matter because they show intentionality.

7) Choose quality fabrics over flashy details

Even at budget stores, you can find pieces made from decent fabrics if you know what to look for. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool blends will always look better than cheap polyester.

Check the fabric content before you buy. A simple cotton t-shirt will look infinitely better than a synthetic one with a bunch of embellishments. The fabric drapes better, breathes better, and just looks more expensive.

Avoid anything too shiny, too stiff, or too thin. Run your hands over it. Does it feel substantial? Does it have some weight to it? These are signs of better quality, even at lower price points.

Since going vegan, I've also become more conscious about fabric choices from an ethical standpoint. Cotton, linen, and certain synthetic blends can be both budget-friendly and aligned with my values, which feels like a win all around.

8) Build a capsule wardrobe mindset

The secret wealthy people know is you don't need a closet bursting with clothes. You need a carefully curated selection of pieces that work together seamlessly.

This is actually easier to achieve on a budget because it forces you to be intentional. Instead of buying everything that catches your eye, you ask: Does this work with what I already own? Will I wear this at least 30 times?

When I transitioned to a writer's income, I had to completely rethink my shopping habits. I started building a capsule wardrobe with about 30-40 pieces total, including shoes and accessories. Everything coordinates, so getting dressed is effortless, and I always look put-together.

The capsule approach also means you're buying less overall, which is better for your wallet and the environment. Quality over quantity isn't just a saying. It's actually a more sustainable and affordable way to dress well.

Final thoughts

After years of learning to live on less, I can tell you honestly that I feel more confident in my style now than I did when I was dropping hundreds of dollars on single items.

Why? Because I understand the principles behind what makes someone look expensive, and those principles cost nothing to implement.

Focus on fit, maintain your clothes, keep things simple and classic. That's really all there is to it.

The irony is that by focusing less on impressing others with brand names and more on presenting yourself with care and intention, you end up looking far more impressive anyway. And you'll have money left over for the things that actually matter to you.

Start with one or two of these tricks and build from there. You might be surprised at how quickly people start asking where you shop.