Wealthy or Frugal?
Sure, an eight-piece designer suit can make a statement, but you don't have to spend a fortune to look wealthy. Instead, adding a few timeless pieces to your outfit, maintaining good posture, or even a great smile can make all the difference. If you're wondering how to appear affluent—and conversely, how to avoid looking frugal—here are 10 things to keep in mind for each.
1. Subtle, Signature Scent
Notes like amber and jasmine exude wealth more so than overpowering floral or vanilla tones. You don't need to douse yourself in fragrance, either; just a few spritzs on your neck and wrists will do.
2. Minimal Accessories
You don't need to spend a fortune on a necklace or a watch if it's not within your budget, but accessories made with high-quality materials will not only last longer, they'll also seem more luxurious. Keep to a few minimal pieces and pair them with outfits that match your style.
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3. Tailored Clothes
If you want to look wealthy, wearing wrinkled, worn, or baggy clothing won't make you look the part. Even if they aren't designer, it's more important that clothes are fitted to your measurements and flatter your body type. Unless a piece is intentionally oversized, avoid it.
4. High-Quality Shoes
Now that you have the outfit put together, what about shoes? If you're dressing for a formal occasion, choose a pair that's polished and made with premium materials, like leather or suede. For casual fits, pick clean, good-quality sneakers that aren't flashy, especially in branding.
5. Good Etiquette
People who are polite and respectful are generally regarded as higher-class than those who snap at everything. Just like how you might turn your nose at someone rude and unpleasant, use your manners and be courteous.
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6. Flattering Colors
Nothing makes an outfit fall apart more than choosing the wrong colors. This doesn't only refer to finding which shades match better together but also knowing what suits you personally. While darker, neutral tones like black and navy are seen as more elegant, there's no problem in exploring what palette works for you—as long as the colors aren't garish.
7. Being Cultured
Intelligence is attractive. Being knowledgeable about the world and understanding different cultures, practices, and traditions shows that you're educated and keen to learn, and you're able to engage in various discussions. It also suggests that you likely have the means to travel and explore, which showcases wealth.
8. Good Hygiene & Grooming Habits
An unkempt appearance will make you look anything but rich. Good personal maintenance goes a long way and lets others know that you put care and effort into how you present yourself. It also helps to bring your outfits together.
9. Approachable Personality
Along with being well-mannered, having an approachable personality will make people respect you more. Smile often; strike up conversations with strangers; greet others warmly and treat them with kindness. These traits make you seem more self-assured and, in turn, more admirable.
10. Good Posture
This is probably one of the best—and maybe even one of the easiest—tips to follow: stand up straight. No hunched shoulders or slouched back, which can make you look smaller and timid. Good posture exudes confidence and composure, which can signify wealth.
Now that we've touched on what makes you appear rich, let's dive into 10 things that make you seem cheap.
1. Poor Quality Clothing
Sure, holes and rips are a fashion trend, but not old, frayed shirts that are well past their age. Wearing clothes made from low-quality fabrics and materials, like acrylic or nylon, not only feels cheap but will also make you look cheap.
2. Flashy Jewelry
Jewelry can be statement pieces, or it can come off like you went on an eBay shopping spree. Excessively shiny accessories, like a diamond-studded necklace or thick gold bangles, might seem expensive at first glance but can actually bring too much attention and end up looking tacky. Wearing too many accessories is also not a good look.
3. Bad Grooming Habits
An overdue haircut or shave will make you seem like you don't care enough about your appearance. That's not to say that you can't pull it off, but there's a science to it. Generally, though, good grooming habits are favored more than the shaggy look.
4. Bad Attitude
If you have a short temper, not only will people not want to talk to you, they won't respect you. Having a warm personality is key to making good first impressions, and someone who snaps at everything is not worth anyone's time.
5. Quantity Over Quality
Bargain sales are great, but if you're always stocking up on inexpensive items that don't last the season rather than investing in quality pieces, that also makes you seem cheap. You might think it's not worth paying more when you can get almost the same thing at half the price, but over time, you're actually wasting your money.
6. Wearing Gaudy Colors
It's fun to dress in neon or unconventional colors now and then; we're not saying you shouldn't show off your playful side. But if you're always wearing shades that don't go well together or patterns that don't match, you end up looking the opposite of elegant.
7. Dressing Out-of-Trend
While some throwback fashion trends like denim skirts are back in, there are other outdated ones that you should probably leave behind. Otherwise, you'll not only look cheap but also a little odd.
8. Never Treating Others
If your friends and family are always treating you to meals or buying you gifts but you never reciprocate, that's a clear sign that you're stingy with money. No one wants a person who's selfish and only spends money on themselves.
9. Hoarding Samples
Do you have a million samples lying at home? Though samples are a great way to see if you like something before you buy it, if you're always hoarding the same ones instead of just buying the actual item, you also come off frugal.
10. Always Talking About Money
It might seem contradicting, but always talking about money can make you seem cheap. Unless you have good advice about how to invest or hit financial goals, you should probably refrain from rambling to others about how much you've spent or saved this month.
