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I'm a former personal stylist... here's how you can make a $40 outfit command more respect than a $4,000 one
A former personal stylist has revealed how you can make a $40 outfit command more respect than a $4,000 one.
Kelly Lundberg, 44, based in Dubai, spent years styling top CEOs, celebrities, and even royalty through her business StyleMeDivine, before she sold it in 2019 to become a personal branding expert.
Along the way, she has mastered dressing for success, and according to the expert, looking expensive has very little to do with what you actually spend.
In fact, she told the Daily Mail during an exclusive chat that some of the most impactful outfits she's ever seen were actually pretty cheap.
'I once worked with a client who walked into our first meeting wearing a $3,400 designer blazer. It looked exquisite on the hanger, but completely wrong on her,' she explained.
'Six weeks later, she closed her biggest deal wearing a $200 high street outfit. The difference wasn't the price tag. It was understanding the psychology of what makes people take you seriously.'
Thankfully, Lundberg broke down how you can look like a million bucks without actually breaking the bank with the Daily Mail.
Here are her tips to elevating an outfit without buying expensive clothing or accessories.
A power blazer that has a strong shoulder can elevate any look
Lundberg explained to the Daily Mail that she believes there's one clothing item that's the key to looking like you're in charge: the power blazer
Lundberg explained to the Daily Mail that she believes there's one clothing item that's the key to looking like you're in charge: the power blazer.
She branded it 'your wardrobe's most valuable player,' explaining that it can take any outfit to the next level.
But how do you pick out the perfect blazer? Well, she said, 'It needs a strong shoulder fit (non-negotiable).
'[It also should have] classic lapels that won't date quickly, a versatile color - navy, clack or sophisticated neutrals - and fabric that holds its shape.'
She added, 'Price isn't the priority - fit and cut are.'
Shirts should be crisp but not stiff, and fit perfectly around your shoulders and bust
Looking for a shirt to wear with that power blazer? Well, Lundberg said it's vital to pick something that works with both the jacket on and off.
She recommended the colors cream or soft blue, explaining that they look the most 'sophisticated.'
The perfect top should also have: 'Crisp fabric that isn't stiff (look for opaque cotton or silk blends) and a perfect fit through shoulders and bust - no pulling.'
'This can be tricky to perfect, but when you find [the perfect shirt], it transforms everything,' dished the former stylist.
Find a pair of bottoms that work across different settings
When it comes to your bottoms, Lundberg said you should pick something that really 'anchors the outfit' and 'doesn't demand fuss.'
'It should work seamlessly with your blazer and coordinate with your top half,' she explained.
'[It should have an] impeccable fit through waist and hips, flatter that your natural shape, and be comfortable enough for extended wear.'
Lastly, she recommended picking bottoms that can 'work across different settings.'
Personally, she said she loves slip skirts since they 'add elegance, movement, and polish to minimal outfits.'
Don't forget footwear because people notice shoes more than any other accessory
She also stressed the importance of picking the perfect footwear, since people notice your shoes 'more than any other accessory.'
'Stick to timeless shapes and premium materials,' she recommended. 'Opt for neutral tones that coordinate with your blazer.
'Prioritize comfort for those 12-hour days, and buy end-of-season from premium brands to stretch your budget.'
One of her go-to favorites is flat ankle boots, which she said go great with dresses or tailored trousers.
A simple scarf or statement jewelry can make your outfit look expensive
Looking for other ways to spice up your outfit? Lundberg suggested accessorizing with a scarf or some 'statement jewelry.'
'One silk scarf can make a $30 sweater look like a $300 outfit,' she shared.
As for what jewelry you should wear, she added, '[Maybe a] signature watch, a strong earring, or a vintage brooch with personality.'
She also recommended 'structured bags and defining belts,' explaining, 'A smart leather tote or quality belt creates instant polish.'
Stay true to yourself and never dress for a lifestyle you don't actually lead
She said it's vital to stay true to yourself, as she said you should never dress for a lifestyle you don't actually lead because if you're uncomfortable, it will show. Jenna Ortega is seen
Lundberg told the Daily Mail that when you get dressed you should ask yourself a series of questions, including, 'Are your clothes well-fitted and intentionally chosen? Do you understand the context and dress appropriately? Do you present yourself as someone worth taking seriously? And do you look like someone who can deliver on their promises?'
But it's also vital to stay true to yourself, as she said you should never dress for a lifestyle you don't actually lead because if you're uncomfortable, it will show.
Instead, you want to feel good in your outfit so that you exude that confidence.
Other things to be mindful of, according to the expert, is not letting your clothes 'wear you' or be 'louder than your personality.'
In addition, she advised against prioritizing labels over fit and copying someone else's exact look - since clothes fit differently on everyone.
'[If you] dress how you think success looks, not how it feels for you, that's a no-no,' Lungberg said.
'Too often, I see people dressing for who they think they should be - mimicking others, forcing trends or overcomplicating their wardrobe. It rarely works.
'You end up looking uncomfortable, and worse, inauthentic. The most powerful outfit isn't the most expensive one - it's the one that reflects you, at your best.
'Authentic style doesn't mean casual or safe. It means intentional. It's about wearing clothes that suit your body, your role, your lifestyle - and still feel like you, just more polished. When you get that right, you don't just look the part, you embody it.
'The truth is, respect isn't bought, it's earned through details. A well-fitting Zara blazer that aligns with your personal brand will always beat a designer piece that wears you.
'When you dress with clarity, confidence and credibility, you elevate not just your look, but how people respond to you. And that's what style, at its best, is really about.'
