10 Style Choices That Make You Look Tacky & 10 Affordable Ways To Class Up Your Look
Unlock Your Inner Elegance Without Unlocking A Vault
You don't need a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Similarly, money doesn't give you good taste. Fashion is an open world, and you can decide what to do with it. However, while everyone has their own style, there are at least a few things we can all agree on, namely, giant logos, animal prints, and slogan tees look tacky. Style isn't solely dictated by a hefty price tag. Taking good care of yourself and your clothing, having poise, and choosing neutral colors go a long way towards classing up your look and won't cost you a dime. Here are 10 ways you're making yourself look tacky and 10 ways to class up your look without emptying your wallet.
1. Overly Flashy Logos
Nothing makes you look like you want to give the impression you're wealthy without actually being like a T-shirt with "Versace" printed huge across the front. These kinds of shirts are all over the counterfeit market and they're just not tasteful.
2. Huge Bling
When it comes to jewelry and accessories, less is more. Displaying your massive diamond ring makes you look more show-off than sophisticated, especially if it's not a real diamond.
3. Fake Eyelashes
We are big proponents of minimalist makeup. Fake eyelashes are everything but. Especially when they're poorly adhered, they have a better chance of ruining your whole look than enhancing it.
4. Platform Heels
Platform heels are still surprisingly very popular, but we'd argue that they almost always look cheap and downright silly. For one thing, they're hard to move in and most people walk like tyrannosaurus rexes in them.
5. Pantyhose With Open-Toed Shoes
Especially if you're in a colder environment, you may feel the need to pair your dress with pantyhose. That's totally fair, but please never wear them with open-toed shoes! No one wants to see your toes all bunched up under sheer stockings which will never color match well with your shoes anyway.
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6. Bad Fakes Of Luxury Brands
Aside from the counterfeit market being hugely problematic (child labor, etc.) the "Gucci" handbag you can buy from a street vendor in Chinatown always looks extremely fake. We understand those on-brand items are super expensive, but you'd be far better off getting an unmarked, no-name item than trying to pass off one of those fakes as the real thing.
7. Animal Print
Animal print clothing has come in and out of fashion for centuries and while it's been used in haute couture, prints like leopard and cheetah are more closely associated with pin-up girls, rockabilly styles, and the disco and punk era. It's now again being embraced by Gen Zer's "maximalist" stylings but we wish they'd fade into oblivion already. They're not chic and never will be.
8. Slogan Tees
Slogan tees which are shirts embellished with a witty, bold, or provocative phrase, take the concept of a "statement piece" a little too literally. People have worn them since the 1960s and while some early versions of slogan shirts became fashion icons, like the "CHOOSE LIFE" tee, it's hard not to look tacky in one.
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9. Over-The-Top Nails
Long, elaborate manicures, especially when boldly colored, can often look tacky, even when they're professionally done. They came into mainstream fashion with stars like Lizzo and Cardi B sporting them, and while they have a place at festivals and events, they're usually overloaded and too strong a statement for most environments.
10. Visible Underwear
We all have that one top that refuses to conceal our bra strap. Unless an intentional component of the outfit such as an off-the-shoulder sweater, visible underwear looks tacky. Make sure you're pairing your garment with the correct undergarment.
Now that we've talked about the fashion choices that aren't doing you any favors when it comes to looking tacky, let's go over how to class up your look, even if you don't have gobs of cash.
1. Choose Simple Accessories
Those gaudy gold chains or massive diamond earrings should be replaced with daintier ones for a more classic look. Big jewelry will always have its place, but as a general rule, opt for smaller and simpler.
2. Iron
A well-ironed shirt does wonders for your overall look. It doesn't have to be expensive, but if it's well cared for, you instantly look put-together.
3. Polish Your Shoes
Similarly, if your shoes are dirty or worn out, you immediately look shabby. Unless that's what you're going for, give your shoes a good polish and keep them clean. Repair them or replace them when they break.
4. Invest In Good Quality Basics
There's no need for everything in your closet to be the best brands, but investing in good quality basics does wonders. They won't get worn down as quickly and there are many different ways to style them.
5. Go For Neutral Colors
While it's nice to have a pop of bold color, it's easy to overdo it and risk looking tacky. When in doubt, go for neutral colors. Even opting for a monotone color for your whole outfit can look very sleek.
6. Tailor Your Clothes
Even inexpensive clothes look more polished when they fit you well. Getting the key pieces to your wardrobe tailored can elevate your look dramatically.
7. Wash Your Clothes Properly
Read those tags, folks! Following the washing directions can keep your whites from looking greyish, your colors from fading, and prevent damage.
8. Practice Impeccable Grooming
A simple method to look like a million bucks? Groom yourself well. This means keeping your hair and beard nicely trimmed, your nails clean and clipped, and following a good skincare routine.
9. Remember Your Posture
A lot of "looking classy" actually comes down to poise. You could be wearing a $3,000 outfit, but if you're constantly slouched over, it doesn't matter.
10. Pay Attention To Details
The devil is in the details. Whether it's a button that was poorly sewn on, a small hole in the back, or a stain on the shirt collar, these are the things that keep you from looking elegant.
