7 Fashion Hacks to Avoid Tacky Outfits!!
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to avoid tacky outfits and still look chic.
In fact, even with a closet full of high-end pieces, certain style mistakes can make your outfits look cheap.
The key is knowing how to look expensive by focusing on the details that make your outfit feel elegant and polished.
Here, I’m going to talk you through what to avoid and what to do instead.
1. Shoes
One of the quickest ways an outfit can look dated is through shoes. With just one wrong choice, you can go from stylish to tacky.
Shoes like mules or barely-there sandals strike a great balance between classic and trendy.
Pointed-toe shoes are a great update to your wardrobe, as they’re currently on-trend.
Heel height is a personal choice, but I think low heels or kitten heels can actually look more chic and effortless than high heels.
White shoes are another great option since they work year-round.
2. Underwear
The wrong undergarments can completely ruin your outfit. For example, visible lines can be a major issue. Beyond that, you want to avoid bras that cut into your skin.
Look for bras that have a flexible fit, ones that stretch and mold to your body. Everything should be adjustable to ensure the best fit.
You also want to make sure your bra straps aren’t showing, as that can cheapen the overall look.
3. Bag
Avoid bags with too much embellishment, hardware, or fuss — unless it's a tiny party bag.
As we get older, structured, clean-designed bags are a great choice, as they are versatile and well-made.
If you want a statement bag, opt for something classic and minimalist, like a chain bag. It never goes out of style and adds a preppy vibe without cheapening your look.
4. Belt
Cheap belts can completely ruin an outfit. If a beautiful piece comes with a cheap belt, it's better to replace it with a higher-quality one.
Investing in a good belt will elevate your outfits and last a lifetime.
5. Cardigans
No matter how cute they may seem, cardigans often carry a "grandma" vibe and can look dated.
However, if you love cardigans, there are ways to make them work.
Look for cardigans with buttons that match the color of the sweater — this gives a much more expensive, polished look.
Avoid cardigans with too many buttons, oversized buttons, or mismatched button colors, as these can look off.
Opt for a more fitted style to avoid excess fabric, or replace them with modern, classic pieces like fitted sweaters or a timeless short coat.
6. Hippie-looking jewelry
When I say "hippie-looking jewelry," I’m referring to pieces made from cheap materials like PVC or wood.
Instead, opt for pieces that resemble real jewelry, which will always look more polished and sophisticated.
That doesn’t mean you can’t wear statement jewelry; you just need to choose more elevated designs instead of over-the-top pieces.
7. Embellishments
Embroidery, sequins, beading, and studs can look stunning when crafted by skilled artisans using high-quality materials.
However, they often don’t have the same impact when mass-produced by machines on a $20 t-shirt.
Instead, focus on simple, unadorned garments and use your jewelry and accessories to add style and sparkle.
8. Knits and jerseys
Cotton knits and jerseys in dark, saturated colors like black, navy, rich jewel tones, and bold primaries can look great initially.
However, after a few washes in the machine, the colors tend to fade, and the fabric becomes noticeably fuzzier than when you first bought it.
To avoid this, make sure to spot-treat them and hand wash them at home, or consider taking them to the dry cleaners for extra care.
9. Lace
Once you’ve handled high-quality handmade lace, you’ll see how flimsy, machine-made lace from fast fashion brands pales in comparison.
If your goal is to look more expensive, skip the $40 lace dress. Instead, opt for fine mesh — feminine and slightly see-through, but more durable. #
If you can't live without lace, choose pieces with lace accents rather than all-over designs.
10. Small, complicated prints
The more intricate and detailed a print is, the higher the chance that it could end up looking cheap or messy.
Instead, when shopping on a budget, stick to simple graphic prints like stripes, polka dots, or plaids, especially in high-contrast colors like black and white.
11. Frayed jeans
Frayed jeans can appear cheap if they're not done properly. However, when done right, like by high-end designers, the fraying is usually limited to the bottom edges of the jeans with no other distressing. This creates a more refined, distressed look that still feels polished.
How to avoid tacky outfits
In conclusion, looking chic and sophisticated doesn’t require a hefty budget, but it does require attention to detail.
By avoiding common style pitfalls, you can easily create a wardrobe full of stylish, polished outfits that never come across as tacky.
Do you agree with these tips? Comment down below.
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