Spring Trends That Scream Class

How to look expensive without spending money.

POSTED BY GRETCHEN DEUTSCH

My goal this spring is to scream class. Yes, I troll designer collections, but, if I’m being completely realistic, in what world could I afford a closet full of couture? 

Thankfully, the chicest outfits are those without labels, and looking expensive doesn’t have to cost us a fortune. 

So, I’m here to offer a guide to looking elevated this spring. And, no, I’m not giving you a list of investment pieces you can wear on repeat. Instead, I’m focusing on the pieces we all already have in our closets. 

From crisp, ironed linens to high-quality palettes, we can all stand to rework our wardrobes into “expensive” outfits. 

First, look into your closet for an old long-sleeved, button-up sweater. Even if you wouldn’t wear it as a top, you can always tie it around your bottom. Adding that extra layer is the perfect transition from winter to spring, keeping you cool while maintaining class and effort. Over pants, a long-sleeve around the waist instantly makes your classic jeans-and-tee combo feel more put-together. And for a chicer look, scarves are a great option to tie around both pants and dresses. 

Another low-cost “expensive” staple: knee-length skirts. To be honest, being an awkward-length midi, I used to be thoroughly against these. But, thankfully, I came around because they are officially the skirt of the spring. And, they are so effortlessly versatile. Worn with long sleeves and boots or tees and flip-flops or heels, knee-length skirts effortlessly give rich energy.

That being said, my last piece of advice: focus on your shoes. The right pair will elevate your look. I don’t mean buying expensive shoes because people are looking at your feet; rather, the vibe of your look is always determined by what shoes you're wearing. It rarely matters what you’re actually wearing. You could be in sweatpants, but paired with a flat or loafer, your outfit will scream money. You don’t have to buy a million outfits if you just have the perfect pair of shoes to tie your existing clothes together.

Consider this your sign to dig through your wardrobe, rethink what you already own, and give it that quiet luxury twist—because the right styling always hits harder than a price tag. And if you need a little extra inspiration, my FizzyPicks have you covered with pieces that make “expensive” look effortless.

Eli Oversized Shirt, zoom image 0

REFORMATION
Eli Oversized Shirt
$128

 

Striped crew-neck button-up jacket set with a white long skirt and black sandals.

ZARA
Striped Cardigan
$49.90

 

view 4 of 4 Vacanza Shirt in Cool Chocolate Plaid

LIONESS
Vacanza Shirt
$90

 

Jackie cardigan in premium ultra-fine cotton

J.CREW
Jackie Cardigan
$128

 

Calvin Klein Women's Cotton Poplin Boxy Button-Down Shirt in Cradle Pink Stripe | Size: S 100% Cotton

CALVIN KLEIN
Cotton Poplin Boxy Button-Down Shirt
$99

 

Spots print scarf - Article without model

MANGO
Spots Print Scarf
$35.99

 

Satin square scarf - General plane

MANGO
Satin Square Scarf
$29.99

 

Printed pleated scarf - Details of the article 1

MANGO
Printed Pleated Scarf
$22.99

 

Ruffle-trim slip skirt in crepe de chine

J.CREW
Ruffle-Trim Slip Skirt
$128

 

Pleated skirt in cotton poplin

J.CREW
Pleated Skirt
$178

 

AISLE SKIRT | Aritzia

ARITZIA
Aisle Skirt
$110

 

view 2 of 6 Paloma Skirt in Black

GUIZIO
Paloma Skirt
$108

 

ROUJE
Fabie Skirt
$225

 

Vida Linen Low Rise Pant, zoom image 0

REFORMATION
Vida Linen Low Rise Pant
$198

 

Image number 1 showing, Vegan Leather Gathered Loafer

BANANA REPUBLIC
Vegan Leather Gathered Loafers
$75

 

By Anthropologie Square-Toe Thongs

ANTHROPOLOGIE
Square-Toe Thongs
$68

 

Ritla Black Leather Ballet Flats | Dolce Vita

DOLCE VITA
Ritla Leather Ballet Flats
$135

 

RAFE Black Leather Slip-On Mule Women's Flat | Steve Madden

STEVE MADDEN
Rafe Black Leather
$109.95

 

Side view of a beige shoe with a low heel and a bow detail on the top.

ZARA
Leather Slingback Ballet Flats With Bow
$79.90

 

Inez Heeled Mule, zoom image 1

REFORMATION
Inez Heeled Mule
$298

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