The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

How to Shop for Budget Fashion That Looks Designer - Party Tops

As I was working on part two of my "going-out looks" series (yes, it's turned into a series), I realized that finding cute party tops amidst a sea of fast-fashion party tops is almost like finding a needle in a haystack. You may or may not agree with me on this, but sometimes it seems like 99.9% of party-tops are just unwearable. Either the fabric isn't right, the colors are off, the cut is waaay off or the print is wacko—and you have to leave it on the rack.

So here are a couple tips that will help you hone-in on budget-fashion party tops that don't look cheap but rather have that designer-feel. Because we like to party in style.

How to Shop for Budget Fashion That Looks Designer



Eclectic Sequin Knit Top, Forever21.com, $24.80

Look for embellishments that appear to have been hand-sewn. Anything with a hand-made look and feel to it is extremely "in" these days. It's funny because when I was a child, I wasn't always enthusiastic about wearing things my mother had sewn for me because I wanted that "store bought" look all the other kids were wearing. Now I wish I had half her talent so I could sew things for myself! But yeah, the homespun look says "designer." Any imperfect beading, embroidery, unfinished seams or interesting patchwork will elevate the look of any garment.




Ruched Chiffon Corset, CharlotteRusse.com, $24.99

Focus on uncommon colors: All colors can be found at all pricepoints, but if you've ever stepped into a designer boutique, think about the colors you saw—generally darker, muted hues, right? Now think about the colors you saw last time you were at Wet Seal—lots of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), correct? I'm not saying "don't wear color," just be aware of those less common shades like the dusty rose corset shown here (which also features some unique ruching that makes it look pricier)—and give them a try.




H81 Fresh Floral Top, Forever21.com, $19.90

Be picky about prints. Certain prints have this indefinable quality about them that makes them look "expensive" while other prints just look cheap. Oftentimes, it's the way a print is used that determines whether or not it passes muster (Marc Jacobs can make any granny print look hot) but generally speaking, you'll want a print that looks pulled from the pages of history or inspired by art, something quirky and un-generic in harmonious colors. Make sense?




Rhinestone Feather Top, CharlotteRusse.com, $21.99

Pay attention to detail. Sometimes all a top needs to be elevated from "cheap" to "chic" is a lovely detail, like the peacock feather pin on this top (left). Other on-trend details include zippers, bows, subtle laser-cutting, or crafty appliques. A word of warning: Generally speaking, a built-in necklace, scarf, belt, etc. is not a good detail and one you should avoid.




Origami Panel Shell Top, Topshop.com, $90.00

Choose tops with a cool construction. High-end designers, as you know, play with the shape, cut, and silhouette of their creations, focusing on such things as draping and tailoring to construct their garments. Not so much in the budget world. This is due, in part, to the fact that fast-fashion manufacturers don't have luxurious fabrics at their fingertips. But every now and then, you'll find something with interesting origami pleating or exaggerated proportions that says "designer"! Waste no time scooping them up, just make sure they work for your figure.

P.S. Expensive tops can sometimes look cheap. Just because a garment carries a hefty pricetag doesn't mean it's not the tackiest thing on earth. Use discretion when shopping at places like bebe which aren't cheap but have plenty of cheap-looking clothes.

Comments
If this were Facebook I would give this post an "I like!" I've been trying to explain to my friends how to buy budget clothes that look expensive, but sometimes until now it's mostly been an undefinable element. I think you could probably add to to the list something about the weight of fabric and whether or not it clings/is static-y.

How would you explain how to shop for budget costume jewelry or (faux) leather goods? Has it got something to do with shine? With brassiness? Thickness? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter.
#1 Lynda on 2009-07-22 15:06 (Reply)
Brilliant advice, BB, ESPECIALLY about the colors. Neons have thrown everything off course, but I agree that, generally, muted tones look more expensive.
#2 Sal (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 15:13 (Reply)
Great advice!!! Some of these tips are the same tips my mom used to tell me when we went to budget stores or when shopping the sales racks. She always looked like a million bucks! It's great to see them written down for others to make good use of! They've always worked for me. :-)
#3 sarahsosa on 2009-07-22 15:46 (Reply)
Hey BB. Thanks for the 2nd posting about going out looks. I feel like I have a ton of ideas to run with. The first and the last blouses are more my style. I tend to lean towards black as a going out color. I definitely need to expand into the color realm. Thanks for the tip about prints inspired by art. I tend to buy a print, wear it once or twice, then toss it to the side wondering why in the world I bought something so ugly in the first place.

You got me all excited about shopping!! Yeah.
#4 JK (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 16:15 (Reply)
This is seriously the greatest post I have read about budget shopping.

Brillz.

Mind if I repost it as a guest blogger. You deserve to get your expertise noticed.

xo
The Possessionista
#5 possessionista (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 16:21 (Reply)
Genuis.
#6 Dina (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 18:09 (Reply)
great tips BB! and i do agree to it all!

http://anhesty.blogspot.com
#7 anh (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 19:03 (Reply)
Awesome tips BB! Especially about the colors, I never noticed that before, but you are totally right!
#8 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 20:58 (Reply)
You hit the nail on the head, Diana. Fab post!

I’d also like to add, as far as possible, try and look for fabrics with a natural component as well.
#9 angie (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 23:25 (Reply)
woopsie, I meant Dianna. Sorry :0(
#10 angie (Homepage) on 2009-07-22 23:26 (Reply)
Nice blog, very informative :-)
#11 Dale (Homepage) on 2009-07-23 08:59 (Reply)
Very good advice and really nice finds. I especially agree that some designer tops look cheap. The key is to find a piece you love. Thanks!

http://www.mock-off.com
#12 Mockoff - Emily (Homepage) on 2009-07-23 10:04 (Reply)
Very cool BB - that Charlotte Russe top looks way more expensive than it is.
#13 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-07-23 11:26 (Reply)
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