With the fashion industry moving faster than ever, keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Trends come and go faster than you can say ‘catwalk’, and staying fashionable often entails endless hours of scrolling and shopping. For people who value quality, the challenge is even greater – how do you stay current without breaking the bank? Enter high-low styling: pairing timeless pieces with more affordable finds to create a wardrobe that feels modern and sustainable.
Think of it like drinking champagne with chips: simple, yet unexpected. It’s a mix of a luxury clothing item – like one of these organic cotton men’s hoodies – paired with an everyday item you already own, or one that won’t cost a small fortune.
The rise of high-low styling is a budget and eco-friendly way to look your best without compromising on your confidence or the quality of your wardrobe.
How can you get started with high-low styling?
Invest in key pieces
High-low fashion is all about balancing sustainability with style. By investing in a few high-quality pieces, you create a capsule wardrobe that is both timeless and versatile. These staples can be mixed and matched with more affordable items, letting you reinvent your look while keeping overconsumption in check.
Start by investing in a classic signature handbag or a pair of designer shoes. You don’t need to pay the full whack, the pre-loved market is full of quality finds if you know where to look. These investment pieces will pair perfectly with more affordable options.
Play with textures and contrasts
Consider a scenario where someone dresses in a second-hand satin skirt with an oversized chunky knit cardigan from a luxury brand. The delicate shimmer of silk against the cozy weight of the knit creates a visual conversation.
That’s what varying fabrics and textures do, they add visual interest. And if you’re thinking about what to pair with your jeans, reach for a Tencel pullover or an organic cotton flannel. They’re both eco-conscious choices that balance laid-back comfort and luxury.
Accessorise like you mean it
Accessories can really help bridge the gap between an expensive and a more affordable dress. It’s why you want to invest in high-quality accessories that can immediately shift your outfit. Think pairing a thrifted blazer with a sparkling vintage brooch to bring heritage and elegance without hefty price tags. Accessories also let you scale up or down depending on your day:
- Swap sneakers for pointed-toe heels when moving from day to night.
- Ditch the rucksack for a vintage clutch for evening wear.
- Layer a delicate gold necklace to add luxury to any outfit.
Don’t overdo it
Dressing well isn’t about the price tag. It’s about how an outfit balances shape, fabric and proportions so nothing overpowers and everything flatters. Thankfully, proportions can serves as the invisible glue that make an outfit look intentional. If your high piece is a structured designer blazer, your low item might be a loose-fitting jogger from the back of your closet.
Conclusion
Given that outfits can affect your confidence, you want to ensure you’re not missing a beat. But by following a combination of these tips, you’ll be surprised to know that turning your everyday outfits into the extraordinary is not as far-fetched as you think.
