10 Items Under $50 that Will Make You Look Rich

Got $50 bucks? In conjunction with Monday’s article, 5 Steps to Looking Rich and Dressing Well: Fabric and Texture, I’ve put together 6 outfit ideas incorporating key pieces priced under $50. Each outfit is ready for this weekend and weeks to come.

Cotton and Linen

More Yves Saint Laurent…

Look 1: Sundresses are a staple piece for me. They’re femme, easy, and fun to accessorize. This dress from The Limited is like a jolt of sunshine and the chevron pattern is right on trend. Accessorize like Punky Brewster and forget about rules. Mix patterns and details but remain in the same color family. The gorgeous turquoise and coral necklace ($18) is by Stephen & Co.

Button Front Tops
Platforms

More Stephen Dweck…

Look 2: I love casual pieces mixed with business wear for the weekend. Did you notice the cute little studs on this denim shirt by Arden B ($49)? Pair the top with this $25 color-block skirt from Liz Claiborne (what a steal!) or alternatively some deep denim jeans with a tailored fit. I suggested jewel tone accessories because deep colors translate into ‘high-quality’ and that’s what this article is all about.

Mixing Seasons

More Rick Owens…

Look 1: Only in Chicago will a dark palette, featuring knits and leathers, take us into spring. Layers keep us comfortable as the weather changes every few minutes and we’re forced to both remove and add pieces while in transit. This dress ($32) may seem excessively warm but it’s made of 100% cotton and is perfect for a week like this. The tights ($13) and boots borrowed from winter are perfect for adding dimension and mixing seasons – which I love to see.

Black Dresses
Boots

More Roberto Cavalli…

Look 2: Another black look because black is always chic (more on that in Step 2 of Looking Rich and Dressing Well!). This versatile dress by BB Dakota is made of 90% cotton and is currently priced at only $29. Keep your hosiery thin if your boots are tall and add a chunky necklace (Anthropologie $50) to complete your outfit.

Texture and Details

Sleeveless Tops
Platforms

More Topshop…

Look 1: Peplum is universally flattering and the trend is here to stay well through 2013. This classic white top from Topshop ($36) looks great over faded jeans and nude pumps. Wear your best bag to pull off a more convincing socialite look…and frown a lot. Frowning looks rich.

More Charlotte Russe…

Look 2: This look is probably one of my favorites and belongs as much on our Texture list as it does on Mixing Seasons. Again, I looked to Topshop for a great cropped color knit ($45) and these leggings from Charlotte Russe ($13) can be worn in a thousand ways.

Here is where I usually recommend a local indie boutique to shop these looks but the truth is that most have already rid their floors of cold weather clothing. Try Nordstrom Rack and department store clearance sections. If you have any other suggestions, let me know!

- Kari

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