I've Worked It Out—This Is How Celebrities Always Look Classy and Expensive

Let's start with the obvious—most celebrity outfits look expensive because, well, they are. After all, the worlds of celebrity and fashion are so closely intertwined that our favourite A-listers are acting as models for designers on a daily basis, whether they're on the red carpet on Instagramming their at-home looks.

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

That being said, there's a been a swing of the fashion pendulum over the past year or so away from ostentatious labels and flash-in-the-pan trends and towards a clean, sleek minimalism that is rooted in classic pieces. That's great news for those of us who aren't doing our regular shopping in the designer section, as high street favourites like Mango and COS are pros at emulating this refined, paired-back look at a fraction of the cost. But it also means that if you are prepared to invest in something high end, you can rest assured that your money is truly best spent on timeless pieces that will instantly elevate so many looks—now, and for years to come. That's some seriously good cost-per-wear Girl Math.

Whatever your budget, I've honed in on what I believe is the fashion formulas that you can use to create A-list worthy, expensive-looking outfits. From elevated tailoring to floor-sweeping coats, these are the pieces you need to create an impressively refined wardrobe. 

1. HEAD-TO-TOE NEUTRALS

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

Style Notes: Nothing is more elevated than an all-neutrals look. It exudes a specific kind of confidence that says, "I'm so pulled together, I know I won't get a single stain on this." Follow Rosie's lead and opt for refined cream knits paired with suede beige shoes to get the look. 

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2. ELEVATED, RELAXED TAILORING

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Style Notes: Adwoa Aboah proves that classic tailoring in gorgeous fabrics is all you need to create an impressive look, for day or night.

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3. CLASSIC FOOTWEAR

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Style Notes: Loafers, ballet pumps, tall boots—the A-list agree that when it comes to shoes, the classics are key to creating an effortlessly elevated look. 

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5. UNDERSTATED JEWELLERY

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(Image credit: @simoneashley)

Style Notes: Yes, there is a time and place for bold, statement jewellery, but it seems that when celebs are after that uber-polished look, they opt for simple, understated pieces.

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5. MAXI COATS

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

Style Notes: There's something about long coats that just makes every A-list outfit look that bit more refined. These versatile coats can work for every occasion, adding a polished finish to a simple jeans and jumper combo or perfectly complementing an evening outfit. 

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Next up: The Outfit-Elevating Basics That Are Well Worth Investing In This Winter

Freelance Fashion Editor

Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.