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

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.


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.


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?


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.


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.