High Fashion Look with Accessories on a Budget

A high end designer look doesn't have to be expensive. Start with a basic wardrobe, adding expensive touches and layering with accessories.


The average woman can’t afford to shop exclusively with high end designers, but she can have the look by knowing how to accessorize. With the foundation wardrobe as the perfect backdrop, adding a strand of pearls, an Hermes scarf and a fabulous handbag will give her the elegant look she desires.

Statement Pieces

Choose one or two items that will make the statement the whole outfit. These can be a handbag, scarf, belt or piece of jewelry. Worn over a solid black pair of slacks and lightweight knit sweater, a pair of diamond stud earrings and a bright red Hermès scarf worn loosely around the neck will get attention. The look will be sheer elegance, and only the woman will know she didn’t sink a fortune into her outfit.

Accessorizing the Little Black Dress

A simple sheath of a little black dress can be a woman’s wardrobe staple for years. Changing out the accessories will make it seem like a different outfit every time it’s worn. Wearing a cashmere shawl with a wide belt and ballet flats will give it a look of casual elegance. Adding ruby earrings, a glimmering necklace, and sparkling shoes with a Fendi clutch handbag take the same dress to a whole new level.

Other combinations to wear with the little black dress include:

* Hoop earrings and pearls with a classic Coach bag and low-heel Cole Haan shoes
* Chandelier earrings and a Chi by Falchi handbag with Naturalizer pumps
* Pearl stud earrings, a Marc Jacobs handbag and very shiny stilettos

Dressing up a Business Suit

Starting with the basic black, gray, navy or taupe suit, add a pop of designer color for the statement piece. This can be a satiny silk Eileen Fisher camisole or a soft, cotton Diesel top. Add a vintage floral or cameo pin, some hoop earrings and favorite designer pumps for a high fashion, pulled together look.

High Fashion Look in Jeans

The right pair of jeans that flatter the body can provide the perfect canvas for a high fashion look. Top the jeans with a designer peasant blouse or a fitted T-shirt with an Hermes scarf. Simply elegant diamond or pearl stud earrings and a pair of flattering heels give the woman a look of being comfortable in her own skin.

Accessories to Build a Designer Wardrobe

Adding a few accessories to the basic wardrobe will create many options for outfits.

Start with at least three pairs of earrings:

* Large silver or gold hoops
* Diamond studs
* Pearl studs

Add a couple of necklaces:

* One strand of pearls—more, in varying lengths, if the budget allows
* Jewel-tone pendant necklace

As the budget allows, add scarves and belts:

* One or two designer scarves in a bright, attention getting signature color
* One or two pashminas or shawls in a luxurious fabric, such as cashmere or silk
* Two belts—One brown and one black in the most flattering width for the body type

Have at least two or three fabulous handbags:

* One classic everyday bag in leather or durable fabric
* One designer bag for special occasions
* One sparkling clutch for holidays and elegant events

Shoes can make an outfit:

* One pair of ballet flats—Cole Haan, Coach or Manolo Blahnik
* A pair each of black and brown pumps—Manolo Blahnik, Prada or Naturalizer
* One pair of party heels—Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin or Fendi

The most important thing to remember when building a high fashion look on a budget is to buy one item at a time and select something that works with the rest of the wardrobe. One simple designer piece can make a whole ensemble look expensive. If Louboutin shoes don’t work for the budget, find look-alikes. Most people will never know the price of the shoes if the outfit is worn with confidence.