Remember Estee Lauder's quote, "beauty is an attitude" - and so is living an elevated lifestyle!
Creating, maintaining, or expanding a luxurious lifestyle is more than Birkin bags, private chefs, and personal assistants … it's really about quality, confidence, and feelings of fulfillment that vary from person to person. Yet, a big part of feeling luxurious in your lifestyle is dictated by what you put on your body. Therefore elevating your closet can help you LEVEL UP, and quick.
Here are 7 Ways to Upgrade Your Lifestyle (through fashion):
1. Wear Black
I love black! And although it's neutral and goes with everything, it is also the epitome of luxury. Wearing all-black outfits every now and then (or every day, if that's your fancy) is one of the easiest ways to look chic, sophisticated, and stylish. All-black outfits also elongate your body; and even when you're not sporting an all-black look, your wardrobe should include the following no matter what: black heels, black ankle boots, black tailored pants, and a black blazer (or two … or three).
2. Start A Capsule Wardrobe
There's no need to keep up with each passing trend. Instead, focus on starting or enhancing your capsule wardrobe (staples and basics that wear well with multiple items and transition through multiple seasons). Here are the steps:
Step 1: Select navy or black as a base color. Black is my personal preference.
Step 2: Select neutral coordinating essentials (grey, white, beige), like blouses and bags.
Step 3: Choose an accent color (this is optional, but canary, blush, sky blue, and teal are all great choices).
Step 4: Add a few patterned items and layers. My favorite patterns are animal print, gingham, and floral
and layering with blazers, denim jackets, and statement coats is my jam! In my opinion, denim, heavy
textures, and leather pieces are perfect long-term choices.
Step 5: Choose staple pairs of shoes and accessories. I'd select 1-2 neutral handbags, statement necklaces
and/or statement earrings plus 1-2 scarves to round things out.
Additional Note: Every coordinated and chic wardrobe will include staples such as blazers, pointed shoes (flats and heels), good sunglasses, structured bags, and statement jewelry. If you ensure your closet has all of the above, you're golden!
3. Get Your Favorite Shoes Repaired
Instead of buying new pairs of shoes each season, get your favorite shoes repaired so you can wear them longer. This is one of the most budget-friendly ways I've chosen to upgrade my own lifestyle, because I'm HARD on shoes, and having worn heels replaced for $5-$10 per pair is a lot better than simply replacing them. Plus, we all have those shoes or boots that we absolutely love and want to wear over and over each year. Preserving makes the most sense and many times a "vintage" look goes further than always showing up looking like "new new."
4. Buy Second Hand and Shop Sales
This is a big one! Do not be afraid or ashamed to buy second-hand and shop sales. You'll be hard-pressed to catch me buying ANYTHING without looking for a coupon or checking out the sale section first. Of course, there are items I prefer to purchase first hand or when they're not discounted, but no one knows that you bought something second hand and every little bit of savings helps. Also, visit thrift stores and second-hand shops for vintage clothing; they're also likely to have brand new items and designer shoes too.
5. Buy a Dainty Silk Slip
Slips aren't just for grandma. In actuality, slips can make up for the lack of lining in cheaper clothes and help your clothing hang more gracefully on your body. Trust me, adding a beautiful slip underneath your dress will have you feeling like a character from Netflix's Bridgerton.
6. Upgrade Your Face Masks
Covid-19 may not be going anywhere any time soon, so wearing face masks are sure to be a part of all of our lives for a while. While the generic surgical masks are safe and sufficient, consider upgrading all of your face masks and incorporating a bit of fashion.
7. Purchase Good Luggage for Your Travels
I believe traveling is one of the most luxurious activities anyone could participate in. So as you check off destinations on your bucket list, don't forget to invest in a quality set of luggage. Showing up to the airport with matching bags that swivel and can withstand harsh treatment from being thrown in and out of cargo bins is definitely a sign of an elevated lifestyle. You can even find deals, lightly used or discontinued luggage at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and even thrift stores. But remember, when it comes to luggage, designer brands don’t always equal quality. Do your research.
Also, check out my other tips on upgrading your lifestyle on a personal level and upgrading your lifestyle at home.
*This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and choose to purchase an item I have recommended, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
