7 Easy Ways To Look More Elegant on Any Budget
The quickest way to look more elegant is usually already in your closet. Pants hemmed to the right length, a sweater with the pills shaved off, or the right pair of earrings can do more for an outfit than anything new.
I first wrote this post in 2021. Back then, elegance meant classic clothes, a structured bag, and as few accessories as I could get away with. I still love a simple outfit, but Iāve loosened up. A woman in wide-leg linen pants and an unusual necklace can look wonderfully elegant. So can a woman in jeans and a soft sweater.
Most of us live pretty casual lives. We need clothes we can sit in, walk in, and wear to whateverās actually on the calendar. Here are seven ways to look more elegant on any budget, starting with what we already own.
1. Start With Clothes That Fit Your Body Now
Fit does more for elegance than price or brand. A $30 pair of pants that fits will look better than a $300 pair that pulls.
Our bodies change shape as we get older, often without changing size. Waists thicken, shoulders round forward, the bust sits lower, and weight settles in the middle. The size we wore at 50 may still zip at 65 and look completely different. So I ignore the number on the label and look at what the clothes are doing.
Hereās what I check.
Tops and jackets. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder unless itās a dropped-shoulder design. Buttons shouldnāt pull or gape across the bust. Sleeves should end at the wrist bone or at a cropped length thatās clearly on purpose. Anything in between looks like a mistake.
Pants. Look at the back, in a mirror or a photo. Horizontal wrinkles across the seat mean theyāre too tight. Fabric sagging under the seat means theyāre too big. Then sit down, because thatās when pants pull across the hips, gape at the back of the waist, or dig into the stomach. Plenty of pants pass the mirror test and fail the chair test. Check the hem with the shoes youāll actually wear them with.
Roomy clothes. Oversized works when the shoulders, collar, and length still fit. A big shirt with a crisp collar looks deliberate. A shirt thatās big everywhere looks borrowed.
What a tailor can fix. Hems, sleeve lengths, and taking in a waist are inexpensive and worth doing. Shoulders and a rise thatās too short are expensive to fix or canāt be fixed at all. A tailor can take things in, but thereās rarely enough fabric to let them out. If it needs rebuilding, return it.
Then thereās the hard part. Many of us have clothes waiting for a previous body to come back. Most of them wonāt be worn again, and they can make us feel a little worse every time we open the closet. Iād rather pass them on and have a closet full of things that fit the body I have now.
2. Pay Attention To How The Fabric Falls
Good fabric is a big part of why some clothes look elegant and others just look fine. It skims the body and has enough weight to hold the shape of the garment. Thin fabric clings, shows everything underneath, and looks tired by lunch.
I do three quick checks before buying:
- Hold it up to the light. If you can see your hand through it, everyone will see your underwear through it. This matters most with light-colored pants, where the pocket lining shows through too.
- Scrunch it. Squeeze a handful for a few seconds. If it stays creased, itāll look rumpled after an hour of sitting. Linen is the exception. It wrinkles, and I like it anyway.
- Watch it on the body. A knit should fall away from the body, not cling to every seam and bra line. A soft neckline should settle on its own instead of needing rearranging every time we move.
Donāt trust the label. Thin cashmere pills within weeks, and a blend with a little stretch often hangs and holds its shape better than the pure version.
An expensive price tag has never prevented a disappointing pair of pants.
3. Look at the Proportions of the Whole Outfit
Sometimes we like every piece weāre wearing and the outfit still looks off. Before replacing anything, I look at where the lengths land, because an elegant outfit looks balanced.
- Donāt stop at the widest point. A top that ends right at the hips or at the fullest part of a skirt draws a line straight across it. Go shorter, go longer, or tuck it in.
- Think in thirds. An outfit split roughly one-third to two-thirds usually looks better than one cut in half. A tucked or half-tucked top over long pants does this. So does a cropped jacket over a longer dress. Here’s more on the rule of thirds.
- Pair volume with something narrow. Wide-leg pants look sharper with a fitted or tucked top. A long cardigan works over a slim column because the outline still shows underneath.
- Watch the skirt hem. A midi looks best ending at the narrowest part of the calf, not the widest.
These are tools. I use them when they help and ignore them when I like something better. I love a long jacket over wide-leg pants. On my 5’4″ frame, it doesnāt do my legs any favors, and I wear it anyway because I like the movement.
4. Choose Accessories That Bring the Outfit Together
Sculptural silver earrings or a gorgeous pair of gold hoops can make a plain sweater look elegant. The pieces donāt have to be expensive or minimal. They have to look like they belong with the outfit. I like pieces with some heft. Some of you love one delicate chain you never take off, and others wear a ring on nearly every finger. Any of these can look elegant.
- Give the eye one place to land. Elegant outfits have a focal point. A statement necklace with a ruffled collar gives us two, and they compete. If the bracelet stack is the point, keep the earrings quiet.
- Keep the scale in proportion. Chunky knits can carry bigger jewelry. Delicate pieces look best with fine knits and silk, where they donāt get lost.
- Let the neckline guide the necklace. A necklace sitting right on top of a crew neck looks cluttered. Wear it well below the neckline, or skip it and wear earrings. A pendant that follows a V looks finished.
- Keep everything in good shape. Plating thatās worn through, tarnish, and scuffed bag corners look careless. Inexpensive jewelry in good condition looks more elegant than a costly bag thatās falling apart.
Iāve changed my mind about structured handbags. A beautiful soft leather bag can be just as elegant, and several of you set me straight on that in the comments. Size, condition and where the bag sits against the clothes matter more than structure.
We donāt all need the same bag and a single discreet bracelet.
5. Take Care of What You Already Own
Taking care of what we own is the least expensive way to look more elegant. Pilling, loose threads, missing buttons and scuffed shoes are easy to stop noticing when we wear something often. Everyone else notices.
- Check clothes before they go back in the closet. A missing button or a stain is easier to deal with then than five minutes before Iām out the door.
- De-pill your knits. A fabric shaver costs less than lunch and makes a tired sweater look new again.
- Fold sweaters instead of hanging them. Hangers stretch the shoulders into little points.
- Steam rather than iron. Itās faster, itās gentler on fabric, and it helps clothes hang the way theyāre meant to. Linen I let wrinkle. Thatās part of why I like it.
- Look at the backs of your shoes. Everyone else sees them more than we do. A cobbler can replace worn heel tips for very little, and a quick polish covers scuffs.
The same goes for grooming. Clean glasses, cared-for nails and hair that works for us do more for an elegant look than most new purchases. Clean, unpolished nails are perfectly lovely.
6. Consider How Comfort Affects the Way We Carry Ourselves
Elegant women look at ease. Thatās hard to manage while weāre tugging at a hem or walking carefully in shoes that pinch.
Posture got a lot of comments when I first wrote this post, and readers were right. I slouch more than Iād like to admit, and when I straighten up, my clothes hang better and I look more pulled together. Not every body straightens on command, but most of us notice the difference when we can. A glance at our reflection in a shop window is a quick reality check.
Comfort has a lot to do with how we carry ourselves:
- Walk in shoes at home before you commit. Stay on carpet so they can still go back. Shoes that hurt change the way we walk.
- Test the bag. If it slips off your shoulder, youāll spend the day hitching it back up. A heavy bag pulls one shoulder down.
- Move in the fitting room. Reach forward and raise your arms. If a skirt rides up or a top comes untucked, youāll be fixing it all day.
I want to put on my clothes and get on with my day. If Iām constantly pulling, adjusting or worrying about something staying in place, Iāll wear something else next time.
7. Good Manners Matter
Several readers suggested adding manners and kindness to the original post. Iām glad they did, because elegance shows in how we treat people as much as in what we wear.
We notice how someone makes us feel. Does she listen? Does she thank the person helping her? Can we finish a sentence without her checking her phone? A beautifully dressed woman whoās rude to the server loses me fast.
The women whose company I enjoy most have opinions, make me laugh, and are interested in what other people have to say. That has far more to do with my impression of them than whether their shoes match their bag.
I still love beautiful fabric and a well-proportioned outfit, but Iām much less inclined to rule out something distinctive. An unusual jacket or a beloved bracelet stack is often my favorite part of what someone is wearing.
Has your idea of elegance changed as youāve gotten older? What makes someone seem elegant to you?
As a retired physical therapist, your comments on posture are spot on! An upright posture does make you feel better, improves your looks, is healthy for your neck and spine, and it presents yourself to others as confident, strong, open and interactive. It also makes you safer as you see and perceive more, and you are less of a ‘target’ for any would be nefarious intent!
Love all the classic looks. Here in the Southwest and now the Mid-West too where summer temps will start hitting 100-110 degrees would love to see looks with out jeans, blazers & sneakers. How to still look professional? Yes we still are outside, into cars, buildings, shopping etc. Linen, bermuda shorts, capris, sandals, etc!
Excellent advice Jennifer!!
Posture, yes! Great reminder.
You post had so many great points for looking eloquent.
The one I need to work on is:
Stand up straight and tall.
My Mon said that all the time.
She was only 4ā11ā but held her self very tall.
Thanks for the wonderful advice š¤
I even feel better when I stand up tall!
All good tips! Nice jacket btw.
Super tips, Jennifer! Hopefully not to sound like I’m knit-picking but under ‘grooming’ particularly for the summer season: a) With many of us wearing sandals, I feel one should take note re the care of their feet as well. Toe nails included. b) Consider shaving your armpits as not to distract from that pretty sleeveless top. c) For those of us who have a short hair style they might want to do regular tidy-ups with a shaver, to clean up unwanted hairs at the nape of the neck that often grow that otherwise a turtle neck would cover up … āŗ. -Brenda-
I agree, Brenda! Those are great reminders.
Can’t agree more!!! Nothing ruins a look than unattended, dry, dirty heels in a pair of sandals!! It’s easy to forget about the bottom and heels of your feet but keeping a pumice paddle in the shower for a quick buff on heels is a game-changer!!
Some very well dressed women will walk into a place and just plop down in a chair. It ruins their whole look.
Iām not into elegant dressing but a lot of things cross over. I like casual, loose and comfortable outfits. I live a lifestyle where suits and heels and expensive silk just doesnāt work but I love to see other women dressed up. Iām into fishing, crabbing, golf, outdoor festivals, concerts on the green, and picnics. I act elegant though.š
Eve,
I agree with you. We live in a beach community and everything is very casual. Due to warmer weather loose and casual works. However, when we get together we enjoy looking our best.
I think we can be elegant in casual clothes. As you say, our carriage and body movements make a big difference.
Great post. All of these suggestions echo my motherās take on how we should appear in public and at home for our selves.
I think our generation appreciates elegance more than younger ones.
The tip of what shoes to wear with leggings was perfect for me! I have avoided wearing leggings to the greatest extent because of not knowing what to do about shoes! Thank you!
Iām glad it resonated for you
A smile is a very good accessory, as well. š
One of the best š
I agree with your advice except “structured handbag”. I’ll pass on that idea. Give me a buttery black leather hobo bag any day.
Ooh, I too love a really nice leather hobo bag. I have a collection of them!
The worldās most elegant woman, Coco Chanel, was said to have advised the following when dressing with accessories:
āBefore you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.ā
This has worked for me!
Me too!
Thanks for all these great reminders. I’m very aware of my slumping and trying to get a handle on it. I admire those with good posture.
Where should the cross body bag rest – at the waist, above or below? I have a large bust and love the ease of the bag but don’t want to draw too much attention to that area.
Hi Jennifer
Loved your post this morning …..I have a zoom yoga class this week and the instructor mentioned it was on posture and how we slump as we age.
I agree to add manners to your list but my hint is kindness. A little goes a long way and always take time for yourself. Your daily blog is my treat each morning with my first and only cup of coffee!
Thanks Jennifer ā¤ļø
Oh yes, kindness!! It goes hand in hand with grace and elegance. I love the idea of a zoom yoga class.
This is great. Elegance means taking care of all the little details and then exuding confidence when you step out of the house. I like to add pearl jewelry for a touch of elegance, but that doesn’t mean a tradition strand. I have several edgy silver-and-freshwater-pearl necklaces that are stylish yet elegant.
I agree! I love my pearls and they do feel elegant no matter how theyāre styled. Thanks for reminding me. Iāll put some on today.
This was a great post! Lots of reminders that I needed to hear, especially as we emerge out of quarantine. Love your blog!
Good ideas. Good undergarments help and keep those straps hidden along with deep cleavage. Posture can be improved by yoga poses: back to wall and fold over head to knees and roll up the wall keeping shoulders squared.
So true, yoga is fabulous for us. Ballet does marvelous things for our posture too.
Thanks for reminding me to do those shoulder exercises. Iāve been slacking off lately. I also like to do snow angels on the floor and then against the wall to get my shoulders back. -Judy
Yes I totally agree with your ideas on being/feeling elegant. Fit and classic clothes top my own list but all of your ideas are great!
And yes, manners! Someone writing in mentioned that and itās often overlooked – but so so true.
I hope youāre well, Paulette. Xx
Doing so much better! Thank you! My hand that was broken is my only hold-up. Time. Takes time they tell me….
I’m glad to hear it’s improving. xx
Sometimes, the word āelegantā conjures up a picture of evening gowns, diamonds and glorious events. But, each of these details you addressed this morning can be the groundwork to creating a personal, graceful style that we can each call our own unique elegance.
You had a blog a while back that addressed the power of accessories. There was a system of rating each of these and how they would impact our total look.
Itās a package deal. For me, it all begins with an open mind, grateful heart and a focus on those around me who I value in my life. Then, you slowly add on the next layers to create that person who gives you confidence to keep moving forward!
I always appreciate your thoughtful comments, Jan. Thank you. So well said!
These are all good ideas, but one more to add is manners. How you speak to others and simple manners towards others, this is always remembered in a positive way. When looking back in history even in the past hundred years, there are many types of women considered elegant and some of those are not in classic style, so I can hope to be a wee bit elegant with an edge. Presentable and still fun.
Absolutely!! Thank you for mentioning that. I was speaking more of physical appearance here, but behaviors go hand in hand. Manners are critical but sadly a lost art for some these days.
Great tips today.
Thx
I really enjoyed your post. Thank you for the reminder of things we can do on a daily basis to help us look our best.
Thank you for the reminder to stand up straight. I always look better in the mirror when I do.
My core and back muscles arenāt as strong as Iād like so I have to remind myself all the time. I do wonder about those trainers.
There is a lot of good information, ideas and suggestions here.
But there is one comment that quite frankly confuses me. āProper posture makes you look slimmer, more confident, and yes, more elegant.ā, it makes sense to me that proper posture will impact how i look and how come across to others, and will translate into more elegance, but not sure why looking slimmer will matter to how elegant i look,.
I donāt believe she intended the connection of slimmer to elegance, but to āproper postureā, which does make you look slimmer as well as more confident and elegant.
Good posture has so many benefits!:)
My point is that proper posture does marvelous things to your silhouette and confidence which makes you look more elegant.