How To Get A Million Dollar Look For Less

            To look like a million dollars, you don’t have to be a millionaire or billionaire. You can get a million dollar look for much less, by investing in a few good, high quality, classic – staple pieces. Those are the pieces that never go out of style, and they can always appear trendy with your look. Another great way to get a million dollar look, is by vintage shopping and going thrifting. There are so many amazing pieces, which are inexpensive, being sold in vintage shops and thrift stores. Even the most wealthy, stylish, individuals go vintage and thrift shopping. If you can afford a couple of antique and vintage pieces that are expensive, that is another great way to look like a million bucks. (The key is to keep reusing those pieces in different ways.) Develop an eclectic closet, full of pieces that can be used for a variety of occasions. The best way to look like a million dollars, is to feel like one inside. Have confidence, figure out what your personal style is, and collect pieces that match your individual aesthetic.

The way to look like a million dollars for less is all about: Accessories, Staple Pieces, Solid Neutral Colors, Mixing & Matching, Skin Care, Shoes, Vintage Shopping, Conditioning & Shampooing, Sunglasses and Makeup.

            Looking like a billion bucks is all about accessories and shoes! Handbags are a staple piece for any look. It’s smart to invest in a few quality vegan or leather handbags, which are solid colors. You can match neutral colors with anything. If you want some fun handbags, to add a nice pop of color, get a nice bright one from an affordable designer. It would be a splurge, but if you take care of them and keep them clean, you will have it forever. (Tip: Use the dust bags that come with any nice handbag purchase!) If you want a bright, bold, handbag or cross-body bag: Kate Spade is a fantastic option. If you want a nice, classic, neutral handbag that will last: Michael Kors collection handbags are the way to go. Marc Jacobs can get very expensive, so opt for investing in a nice cross-body bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs. When investing in handbags and clothing, choose solid neutral colors. You can wear those with anything and match. Also, neutrals are always in style. Solid colored neutrals look very upscale and classy.

            Shoes, shoes, shoes! Wherever you are, eyes are always drawn to shoes. A great way to switch up outfits is with different shoes. There are a few staple shoes that everyone should have in their closet: boots, pumps, stilettos, sneakers, flats, wedges, and sandals. If you can add even more that is great: over the knee boots, Oxford pumps, loafers, moccasins, platform heels, etc. Get some solid colors and some fun colors, when you are shoe shopping. This way you can switch it up, and always match with your wardrobe. A great tip to have shoes that match with multiple outfits: color blocking! Color blocking is always trendy, and when you have color blocking shoes it guarantees you will match your outfit because there are so many colors. (So what you’re wearing is bound to be found in the color blocking shoes.) You can go with neutral colors for color blocking, or fun and wild color blocking heels to make it pop. Invest in some shoe cleaners and shoe protectors to keep your pretty pairs clean, like brand new. Then they will last much longer.

            Mix & Match! The key to looking elegant, is by mixing and matching all of your pieces. You don’t have to keep buying expensive clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Utilize what you already have and raid your closet! The thing about trends, is that they always come back around full circle. Hold onto some pieces you like, for when they come back in style. Also, retro styles are always fun. This is what is called, “retro chic.” A great era to look for fashion is the 70’s. The freedomland of the seventies was a fun time and a great movement. Opt for those patterns, color schemes, flower child looks. The oversized hats and sunglasses. Fashion icons to look to for inspiration: Brigitte Bardot, Carly Simon, Bianca Jagger, Jackie O, Farrah Fawcett, Jane Birkin, Cher, Nancy Sinatra, and many more fabulous women.

            A nice pair of sunglasses is a great investment. Go for Chanel, Gucci, Tom Ford, Ray-Ban, Prada, or another luxury designer you like for sunglasses. Sunglasses are cheaper than handbags and clothing from designer brands, so opt for a pair of sunglasses as an investment if you want. Sunglasses get a lot of use, and a lot of wear. It’s not something you’ll only wear to a party once. Another great staple accessory to invest in and treat yourself to: a nice luxurious wallet. Some great choices for luxury wallets are Prada and Louis Vuitton. These also get a lot of use, never go out of style, and last a long time if you take care of it. Accessories are the best way to spice up an outfit. Get some nice jewelry that is small. A beautiful pair of small diamond stud earrings, or little gold/silver hoop earrings. These will last forever and they match with anything. You will look like a million dollars with this dainty, elegant pieces.

            Accessories make the whole entire outfit! It’s the way you express who you are as a person, without having to say a word. An outfit, and the accessories, are a form of communication in itself. You don’t have to spend tons of money on jewelry and accessories. Find cheaper versions of jewelry you like online. Get some fun staple pieces that complete an outfit, and can be worn with multiple types of clothing. Marina Collections is a great brand for statement necklaces. Another great way to get nice jewelry accessories, is by buying gold plated. The outside is real, inside is cheaper, but nobody will know. It still looks nice and is more affordable. Don’t break your bank on pieces that are too expensive. Make splurges on fashion watches, sunglasses and staple earrings.

            Your skin, hair and face – all is a part of looking like a million dollars! Invest in a quality line of skin care products and use them. You can find some great natural face cleansers and other skin care products that are affordable and last a long time. Meow Meow Tweet, is vegan, organic and all natural, and they have tons of healthy skin care products. Find the brands that work for you. At any department store around the United States, they will have luxury beauty counters. Splurge on those if you can! Your skin care is important. Find a skin care beauty regimen that works for you. Your skin will look amazing! This also means buying quality makeup and cosmetics. (That won’t clog your pores and make you have blemishes.) Not everyone can afford makeup artists and expensive makeup products – so find alternatives that suit your skin tones and colors. Pay attention to reviews people give of the products online. A fun way to switch up your makeup looks, is by getting a variety of color palettes when you’re buying eyeshadow and lipstick. Have fun with it! Hair experts have also said that a great way to achieve healthy hair is by conditioning first, before shampooing. It helps get rid of residue and keeps your hair full of moisture. Make sure you have a good hair care regimen, to protect your hair from getting dry. You want it to shine! Get a nice dry shampoo or hair mask that you can use from time to time. When using hot hair tools, your hair can take a beating – so invest in a heat protectant spray for your hair. A nice finishing spray also does the trick to make your locks shimmer!

            Everyone deserves to look like a million dollars! As Marilyn Monroe once said, “We are all stars. We all deserve to twinkle.” 

Katie Gray is a Marymount Manhattan College alum with degrees in Communication & Media Arts and Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She is a New York City based freelance writer, journalist and reporter. She has had jobs and internships with: Marie Claire, Fox News, 5W Public Relations, NY1 News, Bloomingdale’s flagship, Cumulus Media with radio stations NASH FM & PLJ, Tribeca Film Festival and New York Fashion Week with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her work has been featured in print and online publications: Brooklyn Reporter, Cupid’s Pulse, The Daily Meal, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Center for Communication, Bensonhurst Bean, and more. You can find more articles from Katie on her website: www.xoxokatiegray.com.