How I Make Simple Outfits Look More Expensive After 40
There is a common misconception that looking polished means spending more money.
I have actually found the opposite to be true.
The outfits that receive the most compliments are often the simplest ones. A pair of linen trousers, a silk camisole or a white T-shirt can look incredibly elegant when styled in the right way.
As I have got older, I have become much more interested in looking polished rather than fashionable.
These are the styling details that make the biggest difference.
1. Choose Better Fabrics
Fabric is often the first thing people notice, even if they cannot explain why.
Natural fabrics and soft textures instantly make outfits feel more elevated.
I reach for:
• Silk shirts and silk camisoles
• Linen shirts and trousers
• Soft cotton T-shirts
• Quality denim
• Leather accessories
One of my favourite combinations:
Navy shorts + cream silk camisole + woven bag + gold sandals.
It is a very simple outfit, but the textures make it feel much more luxurious.
2. Pay Attention to Fit
Nothing makes an outfit look more expensive than clothes that fit properly.
That does not necessarily mean fitted.
Often, a slightly relaxed silhouette looks far more elegant.
I particularly love:
• Relaxed linen trousers
• Wide-leg trousers
• Shirts worn with only a small front tuck
• Longer, softer silhouettes
One of the biggest styling changes I have made over 40 is wearing clothes slightly less "done". The challenge here is finding the right shops and the right sizes. Have you noticed a 12 in one shop is NOT a 12 in another. More recently even a 14 in one store was different to a 14 in the same store. Embrace a wardrobe of different sizes - even go for the L, XL and plus sizes to get that fit right. Trust me, it makes all the difference. I even have different sizes for the same shirt as I like it to fit differently depending on what I’m styling it with.
Body proportions has a massive part to play here and I will talk about it in another article.
3. Use a Limited Colour Palette
Too many competing colours can make an outfit feel busy.
I usually stick to:
Two neutrals and one accent colour.
Examples:
• Pink trousers + white vest + raffia bag
• Green trousers + cream silk shirt
• White jeans + navy silk shirt
Simple colour combinations almost always look more expensive.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of colour - as I get older I am embracing colour - clashes and unusual combinations but for a classic, chic and expensive look, 2 neutrals and 1 colour is a fool-proof formula.
4. Add One Structured Accessory
Accessories completely change an outfit.
I often find a simple outfit only needs one beautiful accessory.
Examples:
• Red Coach bag
• Yellow clutch
• Blue clutch
• Silk scarf tied onto a bag
One interesting accessory usually works better than several.
5. Shoes Matter More Than We Think
Shoes can completely change the feeling of an outfit.
The same outfit can feel:
• casual with trainers
• polished with woven flats
• elegant with cream slingbacks
Some of my favourite polished shoes are:
• Brown woven flats
• Gold sandals
• Cream slingbacks
• Cognac loafers
Clean, intentional shoes make everything look more considered.
6. Use Jewellery Deliberately
I rarely wear lots of jewellery anymore.
Instead I choose:
• Gold necklace
• Simple bracelets
• One pair of earrings
Gold jewellery immediately warms up outfits and gives simple clothes a more finished feel.
One of my favourite combinations:
Oatmeal linen trousers + white vest + gold jewellery.
It is incredibly simple but never feels boring. Play around with sizes, lengths, mixed metals and finishes. These small changes can made an incredible difference. It doesn’t have to be trendy, it doesn’t have to be big. Think about your personality and subtle can be chic and make such a difference to an otherwise plain outfit.
7. Steam Everything
This might be the least glamorous tip, but it probably makes the biggest difference.
Creased linen can feel relaxed.
Creased cotton and silk often just look untidy.
A quick steam can make an outfit feel instantly more expensive.
8. Avoid Too Many Competing Details
When every piece is trying to be the star, nothing stands out.
I now prefer outfits that have:
• one statement colour
• one interesting texture
• one special accessory
Examples:
Graphic T-shirt + green trousers + navy blazer.
Leather skirt + simple knit.
Pink trousers + white vest.
Simple always wins.
9. Try Tonal Dressing
Wearing similar shades together always feels sophisticated.
Examples:
• Cream silk camisole + oatmeal linen trousers
• Camel blazer + cream top + white jeans
• Navy silk shirt + navy shorts
Tonal outfits have a very effortless luxury feel.
10. Know When To Stop
This has become my biggest styling lesson.
An outfit often looks best just before you add one more thing.
Sometimes removing:
• the extra necklace
• the belt
• another bag charm
actually makes everything look more elegant.
I now ask myself:
Does this outfit need anything else?
Most of the time, the answer is no.
Beautiful fabric
+
Simple colour palette
+
Gold jewellery
+
One interesting accessory
=
An outfit that feels polished and timeless
Final Thoughts
Looking expensive has very little to do with designer labels.
It is usually about:
• good fabrics
• thoughtful styling
• beautiful accessories
• simplicity
As I have got older, I have become much less interested in trends and much more interested in clothes that make me feel elegant, comfortable and put together.
And often, the simplest outfits are the ones that do that best.
