The art of looking rich: 8 subtle upgrades that cost less than $50

Here's something nobody talks about: looking wealthy has almost nothing to do with actual wealth.

I've spent years observing people here in LA, where the pressure to look successful can feel crushing.

What I've noticed? The people who genuinely appear put-together rarely wear logos or flash expensive watches. They've mastered something more subtle.

The secret lies in small, strategic upgrades that signal attention to detail rather than a fat bank account. Today I'm sharing eight upgrades that have made the biggest difference in how polished someone appears, each costing less than your weekly grocery run.

Let's jump in.

1. A quality leather belt that actually fits

Ever notice how a cheap belt announces itself? The fake leather cracks. The buckle tarnishes. The holes stretch out.

A decent genuine leather belt (around $40 at discount retailers like TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack) changes your entire silhouette.

The key? Get it in classic black or brown, with minimal hardware. No oversized buckles, no logos.

Here's what most people miss: the belt should end just past the first loop. Too long and it looks sloppy. Too short and it looks like you borrowed it from someone else.

I learned this lesson the hard way when reviewing photos from a friend's wedding. My outfit was decent, but that worn-out belt with the peeling "leather" coating? It cheapened everything.

2. Replace your phone case

You pull out your phone dozens of times a day. That cracked, yellowing case you've been meaning to replace? Everyone sees it.

A clean, minimalist case (under $30) instantly upgrades your appearance. Skip the glittery ones or anything with cartoon characters. Go for solid colors in black, navy, or tan. Leather-textured options look particularly sharp.

Think about it: your phone is probably the accessory people see most often. When someone hands you their phone to input your number and the case is pristine, you notice. When it's falling apart, you notice that too.

3. Invest in decent sunglasses

Those $5 gas station sunglasses? They're doing you no favors.

You don't need designer frames, but spending $30-45 on a classic shape (think aviators or wayfarers) from brands like Knockaround or even Amazon's in-house lines makes a massive difference. The lenses won't have that cheap rainbow tint, and the frames won't snap after a month.

Living near Venice Beach, I see the difference quality sunglasses make every day. The person in well-fitted, scratch-free shades always looks more composed than someone squinting through scratched lenses held together with tape.

4. Upgrade your wallet

Remember George Costanza's exploding wallet from Seinfeld? Don't be that person.

A slim, quality wallet (around $35-45) speaks volumes when you reach for your card. Leather or quality canvas, minimal bulk, organized compartments. The velcro Spider-Man wallet from 2003 needs to go.

I've mentioned this before but the psychological impact of pulling out a decent wallet versus a tattered one is real. You feel more confident, and that confidence shows.

5. Get a watch (yes, even a simple one)

Before you say "but I have my phone for the time," hear me out.

A clean, simple watch (Casio makes great ones for under $40) adds polish to any outfit. Not a smart watch, not something covered in rhinestones. Just a basic timepiece with a leather or metal band.

Watches signal that you value punctuality and tradition. They show you're not constantly reaching for your phone.

In meetings, on dates, at events, that subtle glance at your wrist looks infinitely more sophisticated than fumbling for your phone.

6. Quality white socks and underwear

Nobody sees them until they do. And when they do, threadbare underwear and gray-white socks with holes tell a story you don't want to tell.

Spending $30-40 on fresh basics (grab multipacks at Target or Costco) seems boring, but it's foundational. Crisp white socks, black socks for dress shoes, underwear without stretched elastic. These details matter more than you think.

A friend once told me that hotels judge guests by their socks when they remove shoes at security or the pool. Whether that's true or not, the principle stands: basics in good condition signal that you have your life together.

7. A signature scent

You don't need expensive cologne or perfume. A quality body wash or deodorant with a consistent, pleasant scent (under $15) makes you memorable in the best way.

The key word here is subtle. Nobody should smell you from across the room. But when someone gets close, that hint of sandalwood or fresh citrus registers as sophisticated.

Skip anything marketed to teenagers or anything that smells like a candy store. Brands like Native, Method, or Dr. Bronner's offer sophisticated scents without the cologne price tag.

8. Maintain your shoes

This one costs almost nothing but makes the biggest impact.

A $10 shoe cleaning kit (brush, cloth, basic cleaner) keeps any pair looking fresh. White sneakers stay white. Leather shoes keep their shape. Even canvas shoes look intentional rather than neglected.

During my photography walks around Venice, I notice footwear constantly. The person in clean, maintained five-year-old Vans looks more put-together than someone in brand new but already-scuffed designer sneakers.

Set a monthly reminder to clean your shoes. Fifteen minutes of maintenance makes even budget footwear look expensive.

Wrapping up

Looking wealthy isn't about fooling anyone or being fake. These upgrades simply show that you pay attention to details and take care of what you own.

Notice what these suggestions have in common?

They're all about maintenance, fit, and choosing quality basics over flashy statements. The person who looks genuinely successful isn't wearing head-to-toe designer labels. They're wearing well-maintained, thoughtfully chosen pieces that fit properly.

Start with one or two upgrades that resonate with you. Maybe it's finally replacing that wallet, or perhaps it's investing in a simple watch. Small changes compound over time.

The goal isn't to impress others with fake wealth. The goal is to present yourself as someone who values quality, maintains their belongings, and pays attention to details. Those qualities transcend income brackets.

And honestly? When you look more put-together, you feel more put-together. That confidence boost alone is worth more than fifty bucks.