How Bloggers Make Cheap Clothes Look Expensive

Kind of sketch, but do you want to get ahead or not? When you start with pieces—here, a coat by Kenzo x H&M—that have been touched by a designer via a collaboration or, uh, creative osmosis, you make less work for yourself because these shapes are already imprinted in our brains. Familiarity breeds the assumption of luxury. Photo: Instagram/gildaambrosio

True story: After seeing this Schmisabel Schmarant-ish skirt so frequently I'd swear Instagram's algo was personally invested in me buying it, I gave in. But they didn't have it in my size, so, dizzy on a few margs, I took the next one up. Big mistake—huge. Let's just say it didn't hang on me as it does on Diletta. Do as I say, etc., etc. Photo: Instagram/dilettabonaiuti

Ever heard of high-low? The bit people don't discuss as often is that the designer trophy pieces lend some of their shine to the low, which gives off the impression that the whole package is high—it's not just a marketing gimmick to get shoppers to think outside the box/tax bracket. Even if you've only got Vuitton and Vetements impostors, those will perform the same function of elevating less-"inspired" high-street togs. Photo: Instagram/camillecharriere

Like the other best things in life, styling is free. A tuck or unbuttoning or totally impractical way of wearing your coat can make the oldest, polyester-iest outfit feel like new. Photo: Instagram/pernilleteisbaek

We live in a hieroglyphic world, but the delivery system is photographs, not papyrus. Therefore, pins and tucks and binder clips and jackets half-slung over our shoulders get the point across in still images. However, IRL, achieving an atmosphere of wealth is even easier: If you take pride in your appearance, choose your clothes carefully, and wear them insouciantly, you needn't ever worry about looking expensive. Photo: Instagram/crisherrmann