Ukrainian designer and stylist Andre Tan, in a video for his Instagram channel noticed by the Styler project (RBC-Ukraine), broke down common mistakes that make even a quality wardrobe look budget. According to him, one can visually "elevate" an outfit to look expensive without large expenses—it is enough to consider five nuances when choosing clothing and accessories. Tan emphasized that the key principle of a stylish wardrobe is not the price of the items, but their condition, fit, material quality, and restrained decor.
Hardware: Less Gold Means a More Expensive Impression
The designer named the excess of decorative hardware on bags and accessories as the first mistake. Massive chains, overly noticeable golden elements, and overloaded details, in his assessment, create an impression of bad taste. Tan remarked with humor that if there is "more gold on one bag than in the National Bank of Ukraine," it is already a warning sign. Restrained hardware, on the contrary, makes an accessory look visually more expensive.
Material and Shine: When Polyester Pretends to Be Silk
The second important factor is the fabric. A material that is too shiny can ruin the impression even of a beautiful blouse. Tan compared this effect to polyester "trying to pass itself off as silk." Therefore, when buying, he advises evaluating not only the style and color but also how the fabric behaves in light and motion, and how natural its surface looks.
Condition of Items: Pilling and Stretched Collars
The third sign that cheapens a wardrobe is an unkempt appearance of clothing: pilling on sweaters, stretched collars, and other signs of wear. The designer specifically warned against confusing this with vintage style: if an item has lost its shape, is covered in pilling, and looks sloppy, it is not "character" or a trend, but a reason to consider a replacement.
Fit: A Three-Thousand-Dollar Jacket Can Look Cheap
The fourth mistake is improper fit. Even the most expensive clothing will not look good if it does not fit the figure; this especially applies to blazers and jackets, where a clear silhouette and correct proportions are important. Tan noted that a jacket worth three thousand dollars can look cheap if it does not fit correctly, so when buying, it is important to evaluate not only the brand and price tag but also how the item conforms to body proportions.
Overload with Decor: "Do Not Turn Yourself into a Christmas Tree"
The fifth and final mistake is a large number of decorative elements in one look: rhinestones, bows, logos, massive chains, and other ornaments overload the appearance. Tan joked that when going on a date, one should not turn into a Christmas tree, and recommended choosing restrained details that complement the look rather than drawing all the attention to themselves.
Summing up, the designer reminded that looking expensive does not mean spending a lot of money on clothes and accessories. It is much more important to keep track of the condition of items, select them correctly according to the figure, pay attention to material quality, and not overload the look with decor. Previously, Andre Tan also named the key items for a winter wardrobe.
