How to Get the ‘It Girl’ Look Without Spending a Fortune

The “It Girl” look exudes effortless elegance and trendy panache. Seek inspiration from influencers, celebrities, or the glitzy runway. Dressing to impress doesn’t have to break the bank. With savvy shopping and stylish tips, you can rock budget-friendly outfits. Achieve that high-end aesthetic without ever overspending!

Want to dress like an influencer without breaking the bank? This guide shares fashion hacks, must-have items, and affordable options for luxury styles. With the right tips, you can look stylish while keeping costs low.

What Defines the ‘It Girl’ Aesthetic?

Fashion influencers can turn simple outfits into looks that seem effortlessly chic. The key elements of the “It Girl” look include:

• Minimalist yet statement pieces – A mix of timeless basics and bold accessories.
• High-low styling – Combining affordable pieces with designer-inspired items.
• Confidence and individuality – It’s not just about the clothes; it’s how you wear them.
• Trendy but wearable fashion – Following trends without looking overdone.
• Attention to detail – Well-thought-out accessories, layering, and impeccable styling.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Dress Like an Influencer

1. Build a Capsule Wardrobe with High-Impact Basics

Invest in high-quality basics instead of trendy items that fade fast. A well-curated wardrobe lets you mix and match easily. This way, you can create various influencer-approved looks.

Wardrobe Staples:

• A well-fitted blazer (oversized for a street-style vibe)
• Neutral bodysuits or fitted tops
• Classic straight-leg jeans or tailored trousers
• White sneakers and sleek ankle boots
• A structured handbag (designer-inspired but affordable)
• Timeless trench coat or wool coat for layering

Budget-Friendly Tip: Shop at Zara, H&M, Mango, or ASOS for high-end-looking pieces at a fraction of the price. Thrift stores and apps like Poshmark and Depop offer great deals. You can find quality basics at fantastic prices.

2. Master High-Low Styling

Fashion influencers mix high-end pieces with affordable finds to create a luxe aesthetic. This technique helps you get an expensive look for less.

How to Achieve It:

• Pair a designer-inspired blazer with thrifted denim.
• Style an affordable dress with a statement belt and quality shoes.
• Invest in one high-quality accessory (like a structured handbag) and style it with budget-friendly, trendy outfits.
• Layering a statement coat over a simple outfit can instantly elevate your look.

3. Know Where to Find Affordable Trendy Pieces

Influencers always seem ahead of the trends, but you don’t need a designer budget.

Where to Shop for Trendy Yet Affordable Fashion:

• Trendy pieces: Zara, PrettyLittleThing, Princess Polly, Missguided.
• Streetwear aesthetic: Uniqlo, H&M, Urban Outfitters.
• Luxury for less: Mango, COS, & Other Stories for chic, structured pieces.
• Sustainable finds: Thrift stores, secondhand apps, and consignment boutiques.
• Online discounts: Websites like The Outnet and SSENSE often carry discounted luxury items.

4. Accessorize Like an Influencer

The right accessories can make an inexpensive outfit look luxe. Attention to detail, like jewellery, bags, and sunglasses, can dramatically elevate your look.

Key Accessories:

• Oversized sunglasses – Channel Hailey Bieber’s effortless cool.
• Chunky gold jewellery – Layer necklaces or statement earrings.
• Structured handbags – Look for designer dupes that mimic high-end styles.
• Baseball caps or beanies – Casual but stylish additions.
• Silk scarves and hair accessories – A subtle way to add sophistication.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Affordable brands like JW Pei, Charles & Keith, and ALDO offer luxury-looking accessories at budget-friendly prices.

5. Invest in a Few Trend-Proof Pieces

While trends come and go, certain items remain stylish year after year. Influencers often rely on these timeless pieces as the foundation of their wardrobe.

Influencer-Approved Classics:

• A tailored blazer
• Leather (or faux leather) trousers
• A well-structured coat (camel, black, or grey)
• White sneakers or classic loafers
• A simple slip dress that can be styled up or down

Mixing these timeless pieces with seasonal trends ensures your wardrobe stays fresh without constant spending.

6. Nail the ‘Effortless’ Hair and Makeup Look

Fashion influencers often wear a “no-makeup” makeup look paired with simple yet chic hairstyles. The key is to enhance natural beauty without appearing overdone.

How to Get the Look:

• Glowy skin: Use a dewy foundation and subtle highlighter.
• Soft, natural brows: Keep them fluffy and brushed up.
• Lived-in waves: Use a curling wand or overnight braids for a natural-looking texture.
• Sleek bun or ponytail: A go-to style for a polished, model-off-duty look.
• Tinted lip balm or nude lipstick: A simple touch that enhances without overpowering.

Affordable beauty brands like The Ordinary, NYX, and ELF offer high-quality products that achieve the influencer aesthetic without breaking the bank.

7. Follow Influencer-Approved Styling Tricks

It’s not just about what you wear—it’s how you style it. The right techniques can make an outfit look designer-level, even if it’s budget-friendly.

Fashion Influencer Styling Hacks:

• Tuck in your tops to create a more structured silhouette.
• Roll up sleeves and pant hems for an effortless touch.
• Layer gold necklaces or rings to add a polished feel to casual outfits.
• Belt oversized pieces to give them shape.
• Mix textures (leather, denim, silk) to make an outfit more dynamic.
• Wear monochrome outfits for an instantly expensive look.

8. Use Smart Shopping Strategies to Save Money

Looking stylish on a budget requires knowing when and where to shop.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Shop during end-of-season sales to score deals on quality pieces.
• Use apps like Honey or Rakuten for discounts and cashback.
• Buy secondhand luxury on The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective.
• Follow influencers who share affordable dupes of designer items.
• Sign up for brand newsletters to get exclusive discount codes.

How to Dress Like an Influencer: Outfit Inspiration

Casual Chic (Model-Off-Duty Look)

• Oversized blazer
• White tank top
• Straight-leg jeans
• Chunky sneakers
• Minimal gold jewellery

Effortlessly Trendy (Street Style Edition)

• Cropped sweater
• Faux leather pants
• Knee-high boots
• Oversized sunglasses
• Shoulder bag

Classic Yet Cool (Minimalist Luxury)

• Neutral-toned coat
• Fitted bodysuit
• Tailored trousers
• Loafers or heeled mules
• Structured handbag

“Effortless Elegance on a Budget: Embrace Your Inner ‘It Girl’”

Dressing like an influencer doesn’t necessitate a bank-busting wardrobe. With savvy shopping and clever styling tricks, you can achieve a luxurious look that won’t break the bank. Mix high-end flair with budget-friendly treasures, sprinkle in strategic accessories, and you’re bound to turn heads. Mastering effortless fashion techniques transforms every outfit into a statement. Ultimately, remember: the secret to influencer-style success is confidence and creativity.

Use these tips to dress like an influencer. You can create a trendy and polished wardrobe that reflects your unique style—without breaking the bank!