12 Instant Wardrobe Upgrades for a Stylish, Elegant Look

It can be tough to know where to start when it comes to refreshing your look. Maybe you feel like you’ve been wearing the same thing for too long, or maybe you just don’t know how to take your style up a notch.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 instant wardrobe upgrades that will have you looking your best in no time. And the best part? Many of them don’t need you to break the bank.

Invest in a Silk Shirt 

No doubt silk is a luxurious fabric. It instantly adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. It is also known for its comfort and breathability, making it a great choice for a shirt. And the best part? You can wear it all through the year.  

Styling a silk shirt is pretty easy. You can pair it with pants or a skirt for a more formal look or with high-waist jeans or chinos for a more casual outfit. You can also experiment with layering the shirt under a sweater or jacket or accessorizing it with jewelry or a belt to add some personal flair to your outfit. 

Overall, the key to looking stylish in a silk shirt is finding a fit that flatters your body and wearing it confidently.

Use a Statement Piece to Make an Impact

One of the quickest and easiest ways to upgrade your look is to add a statement piece. This could be a bold necklace, a colorful scarf or a striking pair of shoes.

See how stylish the silk scarf looks in this tutorial. Watch the tutorial to learn the different ways you can wear a silk scarf.

woman in scarf

See also how the bold necklace transforms the simple outfit.

woman in gold necklace

Adding a statement piece immediately makes your outfit more interesting and elegant. It draws the eye to the piece and makes you the focus of attention. So if you’re looking to make an impact, go for something eye-catching and memorable.

Refresh your Look with a Dark Denim

A great pair of dark jeans is a must-have in any wardrobe. And why not? Jeans can easily be dressed up or down to suit every occasion. To add some style and elegance to your wardrobe, try swapping out your light-wash denim for a darker pair instead. 

Dark denim jeans are easy to style. For instance, you can pair them with a button-down white shirt, tailored blazer, or a simple sweater to dress it up.

woman in dark denim jeans

You can also add some personal flair to your dark jeans outfit by layering it with accessories such as a belt, scarf, or statement jewelry.

Watch Dominique Sachse show how to style a pair of dark denim jeans in this tutorial.

The trick to elevating a wardrobe with dark jeans is to find a cut and style that suits your body.

Related: How to Style Blue Jeans

Layer with a Long Black Coat

Adding a long black coat to your wardrobe instantly elevates any outfit. A classic fit and timeless style like the tench, pea, or maxi coats make great choices for layering with dresses, shirts and blouses alike.

woman in a long black coat

The beauty of a long black coat is that you can wear it day or night, to a formal event, to a night out with the girls, or when running out to do errands. It’s simply versatile.

To add an extra touch of elegance and style, you can opt for one that has oversized lapel or belt detailing.

This versatile piece is sure to become your go-to staple in no time! With the right accessories and some confidence, you’ll for sure turn heads in this timeless piece.

Invest in Head-Turning Accessories

Head-turning accessories are key to a stylish wardrobe. No matter what fabric and color you choose, accessorizing with vintage jewelry pieces and unique statement bags will instantly make you look more stylish and elegant. 

Try to invest in key pieces that can work with almost any outfit, like a bejeweled belt or a pearl-encrusted clutch bag, statement necklaces, bold earrings, or statement rings. These are all great ways to add a bit of sparkle and glamor to your simple outfit.

woman in a statement jewelry

We highly recommend investing in a few vintage pieces. You can find vintage jewelry from antique stores, markets, or secondhand shops. Because they’re usually one-of-a-kind pieces, you can be sure that your look will stand out! Hudson Vintage has a very detailed tutorial on how to shop for vintage jewelry on eBay.

Also, we recommend investing in timeless designer pieces like a Hermes Birkin bag, Rolex Oyster watch, or Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. In addition to elevating your outfit, these pieces become more valuable over time. So don’t be afraid to splurge on these timeless classics – they’ll last you forever!

Upgrade Your Basics

Who said basics have to be simple pieces like tanks, tees, and blouses and not versatile and interesting pieces with buttons or shoulder cut-outs?  Or even pieces made from fabrics such as lace and velvet. 

These unique and interesting pieces can easily transform your look. Plus, they make it easy to convert summer clothes to work for winter by layering. For example, instead of the usual simple black dress, you can opt for an eyelet dress that can be paired with tights and a blazer for cooler days.

You can also switch up your bottoms with pleated skirts, ankle pants, and culottes in trending colors like peach, olive green, and baby blue. These pieces will instantly elevate any look while staying within the same color family so that they are easily mixed and matched.

Add Textures and Prints

Another great way to upgrade your wardrobe is to add textures and prints. These two are great opportunities to also mix things up and add personality to your look. You can try mixing different textures like satin, velvet, silk, and chiffon in the same look or pair two classic pieces like a patterned blouse and plain trousers.

woman in an animal print top

If you are the daring type, we suggest going for bold prints like florals, abstracts, and plaids—the possibilities are endless.

You can even create visual interest and depth by mixing two different prints, as long as they share one common color. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out some daring color combinations too, like mustard and lime green or purple and fuschia.

Textures and prints are an easy way to instantly upgrade your wardrobe without having to buy a ton of new clothes that you probably won’t even wear. Plus, they make for statement pieces that will give your outfit extra oomph!

Choose Well-fitting Undergarments

You don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to look put together. A simple way to look more fashionable is to upgrade your undergarments. Of course, you don’t always have to buy fancy lingerie pieces, but investing in some basic items that fit well will help your entire outfit  look better. For instance, you can invest in well-fitting seamless bras and control panties that won’t show under your bodycon dresses or fitting pants. These two will make all the difference to your overall look as they will give you a smooth silhouette. Plus, a well-fitting bra gives proper support to your upper body. 

woman in undergarments

You can also invest in shapewear pieces like camisoles and waist cinchers if you need extra support or coverage. And don’t forget the obvious rule: black and nude are usually the best when choosing undergarments as they don’t usually show through your clothing.

Invest in a Colored Evening Dress

We always preach about having a black dress because of how versatile it is. And we are not changing that, but adding a colored evening dress to your wardrobe is a great way to stand out and create a more elegant look. Colored dresses are soft, feminine, and, most importantly, stylish.

woman in a yellow evening dress

There are plenty of ways you can dress up your colored evening dress. You could pair it with elegant accessories like a nice belt or jewelry or a great pair of black or nude heels. To dress it down,  you could pair it with understated pieces of jewelry or even sandals for a more casual look.

The best part about having a colored evening dress in your wardrobe is that it gives you a chance to express yourself and switch up the way you look without changing too much. 

Buy an Authentic Purse

While faux bags are a dime a dozen, and they look just as fine, nothing really says elegant and stylish like a real leather handbag. Plus, the quality craftsmanship that goes into these bags ensures that they really last—no more worrying about straps that break or handles that tear after just a few uses.

Whether you’re looking for something small and simple or something bigger and bolder, with an authentic purse, you can get it all! Look for classic designs made from leathers like calfskin, saffiano, and pebbled leather. 

woman in black leather bag

And if you’re worried about affordability – don’t fret! A lot of designer labels now offer their bags in mini sizes, too, giving you the versatility to own the exact same style bag but at a slightly more affordable cost. Also, you can find an authentic bag in a thrift store for a fraction of the price!

Invest in a classic Wristwatch

Nothing says stylish and elegant than a classic wristwatch. In addition to being stylish, it is also a practical accessory. Fortunately, there are many different styles of watches, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that fits your personal style and meets your needs. 

A few things to consider when selecting a stylish wristwatch is a watch that fits your wrist well. A watch that is too large or too small will make you look awkward and taint your overall appearance.

woman in a wristwatch

Also, consider the material of the watch and its features. Do you need a watch with a stopwatch function or a timer? Do you want a watch with a traditional analog display or a digital display?

Lastly, choose a color and design that complements your overall style and wardrobe. Our all-time classic is the Rolex Oyster watch. It’s a classic and iconic timepiece that is known for its durability and precision. It features a simple yet timeless design that has made it a popular choice for decades.

Finish Off with Good Makeup

Makeup can make or break an outfit. It’s no wonder the makeup industry is a multi-dollar niche. With the right makeup, you can create a  stylish and elegant look. It’s the finishing touch you need for a killer outfit. And not just any makeup but good quality makeup that complements your skin tone. 

We recommend using minimal makeup to enhance your look and create an air of sophistication to your face without appearing over the top.

You can put together a subtly striking ensemble with just the right natural shades. For instance, you could use a light neutral color like taupe or champagne with black eyeliner and mascara. Then add a subtle blush and lip color to complete the look. Be sure to use minimal foundation or concealer if needed.

woman in makeup

So, if you’re looking to give your look an instant upgrade, read on for our favorite tips. With just a few simple changes and purchases, you’ll have a wardrobe that’s both stylish and elegant.