How to Look Wealthy When You're Not

Looking like a million bucks doesn't have to break your bank. There are ways to carry of that classically rich appearance with a little hard work and a lot of time researching what's out there.

Be careful in your efforts to project wealth that you don't lose yourself along the way and forget who and what you truly are. There's nothing wrong with aspiring to have better things but it becomes a problem when you've changed who you really are for the sake of appearances.

How to Dress Like You Can Afford More, for Less

Buy Fashion Classics - Classic garments don't have to be expensive to look good. They look good because they are classic. The exception to this rule is that there are some pieces that are worth the investment. Cashmere is insanely expensive; however it is a higher quality material that will stand the test of time. When a normally expensive wool sweater fades and becomes tattered those cashmere pieces will still be holding up well.

The same thing goes for jewelry. Purchasing one or two real pieces to go along with your costume jewelry can take your look a long way. When it comes to accessories, less and real can be more if they are the right ones.

Learn About Department Stores - Don't pay designer prices for clothing. There are plenty of Vogue like garments at places like Target, Banana Republic and JcPenney. Keep your eyes on their racks because after about eight weeks any garments that aren't sold are usually moved to discount racks. You can get great looking skinny jeans for under $15 at Target and even less when they go on clearance.

Check Out Consignment Stores - Don't just go to the Salvation Army, look for trendy locally owned vintage consignment shops. These places tend to carry throw away garments worn by women and men who actually do have loads of money. You can usually find these stores in larger cities although there are some small towns that have them.

Being Miss (or Mr.) Manners
ome of us aren't taught manners as we grow up, or we are taught only the basics in manners and etiquette. Instead of trying to change the way you are raised, learn the right way to hold your composure and behave in upscale, elite social settings. If you don't know which fork is intended for salad and which one is for dinner take an etiquette class. Chew with your mouth closed and always drape your napkin in your lap. If you look like you know what you are doing and act as if you are just another wealthy body in the bunch people are apt to believe it.

Groom Yourself
Pay attention to the way you look, your hair, nails, shoes, accessories, face, make-up and teeth. Keep them clean and in good shape.

Keep your breath and body smelling fresh and clean. Carry a small container of deodorant, body spray, perfume and breath spray (or tic-tacs) in your purse or car. Don't let bad hygiene make people think you are trailer trash.

Ladies, for christ's sake when you wear a skirt, shave your legs and don't just stop at the knee. You never know when your skirt might rise up and the last thing you want people to see is stubbly hair poking out from beneath.

Men, take special care of your facial hair. Trim your mustache, beard and/or goatee so that it doesn't resemble a wild patch of tumbleweeds growing from your face.

Iron your clothing. There's nothing worse than showing up to a classy get together with your pants wrinkled like they just came out of the bottom of the hamper. Keeping your pants and shirts freshly pressed gives the air of someone that has dry clean only garments.

Learn to Hobnob in Society
Look for charitable events in your community. You can often find them listed in newspapers or online. Radio stations also broadcast these types of events. While you're at such an event, mingle with the others instead of rushing out the door as soon as it's over. Get to know the host and hostess and make yourself available to help out with future events.

Buy tickets to big name performances. You don't have to have a reserved seat in the front row to brag about the latest show you saw. No one needs to know you found the tickets online for twenty bucks.

Many towns and cities have Black and White balls. Auburn California's Chamber of Commerce holds one every year and its jam packed full of people, including some of the city's leading men and ladies. Tickets are only $70 per person. Attend as many formal events as you can find and socialize with those attending.

Take Those Free Samples
Most department stores and beauty counters offer free samples. Ask to have some. You can also find free samples for perfume, pantyhose, food, home products and drinks.

Sign up to be testers for kitchen equipment. This is an easy way to stock your kitchen with top of the line appliances and culinary tools without spending $300 on a non-stick frying pan.