I would collect all of my pocket money each week and my lunch money (yes, I opted for packed lunch instead) so I could save and buy those key items I had my eyes on (and no, I didn't spend everything I saved on clothes). Even now as a young working adult, with a much bigger budget for clothes, bags and shoes - I've carried over some of the buying habits I developed as a teen. Here are some tips on how to look expensive on a budget:

Master your sale shop method

Why buy a pair of socks on sale or a pointless set of PJ's when you know you can afford to buy this stuff at any time of the year?! Honey... Buy the high quality, expensive pieces you know your bank balance will thank you for later. When sale shopping, look for the high quality items like blazers, coats, shoes and handbags - things you know will stand the test of time and can be paired with many other things. 

Another thing to do when sale shopping is to set yourself limits. For example, telling yourself you're only going to spend £15 max on a blouse - unless you decide that you REALLY can't live without a particular item. This will prevent impulse buying just because an item is on sale. Unless you've had your eye on a real expensive jacket, and you've been waiting for it to go on sale for months - wait until the end of the sale period to do a big shop. Stock continues to get marked down more and more throughout the sale period. 

Buy items that are classic timeless  
Do you understand the power of a simple white blouse, a pair of well fitted skinny jeans, court shoes and a classic leather jacket? I've always been for simple dressing. If you're shopping on a tight budget, buy items you know will stand the test of time. With items that are simple and classic, you'll always look expensive and well groomed, and buying these items mean they can be paired with a number of other things in your wardrobe. So, as much as you love that T-shirt with the unicorn on it that looks like its on LSD, its really not wise if you're trying to stand the test of time.

Iron and lint roll your clothes

I sound like a mum, but I can't express how important ironing your clothes well is. The key to looking more expensive is to make sure your clothes aren't crumpled. If your iron isn't great, invest in some starch spray. Another thing that I can't live without are lint rollers to get rid of all dust and fluff, especially for black clothes. 

Tailor gang 
Dry cleaners and tailoring services are cheap so definitely make use of them. If those badass new trousers you just bought are too long... get them taken up. If your dress would look better taken in a few cm at the waist, arrange to get this done. If your blouse is too low and showing way too much cleavage... Get this fixed! Well fitted clothes can make you look a million bucks without spending a million dollars.

Ultralight beaming whites 

Literally, one of my pet peeves is 'off white' whites. Omg *hyperventilates*. T-shirts, jumpers, tops etc etc are very cheap and can be, no... MUST be replaced after they lose their white glow. As everyone keeps screaming "highlight on fleeeek", keep your whites on 'fleek' too.

Quality control

Investigate the quality of your clothes before buying. Look at the seams, the finish and the feeling of the fabric. The better quality your clothes are, the more likely you'll look like you've just stepped out of a Hermés store *snaps fingers* 

You really don't need to spend a lot of money to look good. The more simple you keep it the better. Think before you buy, be strict and always ask yourself "would I still wear this in 5 years?".  Now lets toast to looking a million bucks. 

Love Malika x