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    1. Fashion

    10 Ways to Make Cheap Clothes Look Expensive

    Check out these easy tips for making those inexpensive purchases look like a million bucks.

    By The Editors
    Published 13 October 2014 In How To

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

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    Still life photography, Plastic, Circle, Health care, Medicine, Button, Symbol, Pharmaceutical drug,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    1. Switch out buttons. Changing the buttons on coats, blazers, or even a silk shirt, will immediately elevate the piece.

    Product, Brown, Sleeve, Collar, White, Pattern, One-piece garment, Tan, Day dress, Beige,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    2. Head to the dry cleaners! Dry cleaning cheaper clothing immediately makes it look better. Start taking tops, dresses, and pants, as well as sweaters and heavier items such as coats and jackets, into your dry cleaners. They won't wear out nearly as fast, and almost always come back looking better.

    Brown, Product, Photograph, Bag, Style, Fashion accessory, Shoulder bag, Tan, Fashion, Beauty,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    3. Remove unnecessary accessories. Removing excess hardware, such as dangling charms and extra shoulder handles, will instantly make your handbag look streamlined and chic.

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    Product, Bag, Style, Fashion accessory, Luggage and bags, Fashion, Shoulder bag, Black, Grey, Metal,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    4. Look after your things! Taking extra care to look after your shoes, bags, and clothes—even if they aren't expensive—will ensure they last longer and look better. Stuff bags with tissue paper before putting them away, and moisturize leather handbags to remove scratches and scuffs.

    Clothing, Footwear, Leg, Brown, Sleeve, Collar, Joint, Outerwear, Style, Bag,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    5. Buy menswear. Menswear often offers better fabrications, especially for button-up shirts and sweaters, and if you choose the smallest size, will almost always fit. Trust us, you'll be rocking that French-girl-sweater look better than anyone.

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    Style, Basic pump, Fashion, Black, High heels, Court shoe, Dancing shoe, Fashion design, Sandal, Leather,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    6. Visit the shoe repair. Invest in your shoes. Even that pair of heels from Zara will look better after a re-sole and clean from the shoe repair store.

    Product, Brown, Bag, Textile, White, Style, Fashion accessory, Luggage and bags, Fashion, Shoulder bag,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    7. Store things correctly. Storing clothes on wooden or felt hangers and putting things away really do help them to last longer, and remain in good condition.

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    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

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    Clothing, Leg, Human leg, Wrist, Fashion accessory, Denim, Fashion, Teal, Turquoise, Watch,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    8. Visit the tailor. Want to make that blazer from Zara look like it's Calvin Klein? Head to the tailor. Shortening sleeves and hems, nipping things at the waist, and slimming trousers can take a piece from blah to wow.

    Product, Shoulder, Bag, Joint, Style, Street fashion, Luggage and bags, Fashion, Black, Pocket,

    (Image credit: Archive)

    9. Change bag straps. Switching out straps and hardware on your bags might seem time consuming, but it can make a huge difference. Change clip clasps for solid ones (your local shoe repair should be able to do this), or ask them to change the strap completely. For only a fraction of the price, it will look like you have a new bag!

    Textile, Grey, Material property, Rectangle, Silver, Woven fabric, Wool, Thread, Label,

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    10. Remove labels. Sometimes just looking at a garment with a cheaper label can change your opinion of it, so take a pair of nail scissors and snip them out! Now if anyone asks who made your top (and wants to take a look inside to check), you can tell them it's vintage!

    What to read next
    • H&M, Banana Republic models wearing lace skirt and leopard jacket side by side I Found the Sweet Spot Between Designer Taste and Real-Life Prices
    • H&M model wearing a suede blazer 30 Fall and Winter Finds I'd Actually Buy With a $350 Budget
    • models from J.Crew, Cos, Le Specs campaign, wearing a black button down, blue dress, and small sunglasses J.Crew, Alex Mill, Chan Luu, and More Elevated Affordable Finds to Covet Now

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    The Editors

    Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.

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