A Handy Style Guide To Looking Expensive On A Budget

With the demands of life and family, splurging on the latest designer threads might be the last thing on our shopping list. Especially with new designs and iterations pumped out each season, it can be an unsustainable lifestyle to follow.

The catch: You don't always need to pay top dollars to look stylish and expensive. In fact, fast fashion labels such as Zara, Mango and H&M are great places to score the latest seasonal trends.

Another tip we can give you is to avoid spending too much on basics and wardrobe staples. These versatile classics won't be the focus of the ensemble and others would probably not be able to tell between a $400 Margiela and a $15 Uniqlo white T-shirt.

Focus on quality when you're going high street and ensure that the seams and hems are well sewn. Moreover, check that lightweight fabrics such as cotton aren't too see-through and that the pieces don't crease or pucker in an ugly manner.

Finally, do experiment with layering. It's an efficient and effective way to add personality and jazz up any outfit.

Here, we show you five under-$300 looks that are suitable for any event on your calendar. Read on for some serious style inspiration.