Don’t wear logos
High end brands and designers don’t have logos all over their clothes. What’s more, wealthy people do not feel the need to prove their worth through obvious big brand names. Wearing clothes with clean lines and no logos will make you look higher-class and thus richer as well.
Dark wash only
As well as looking casual, light-wash jeans tend to look cheaper and lower quality. In contrast, dark denim looks a lot sleeker and a little more formal. Choosing dark wash jeans subsequently gives you a more elegant and expensive look.
No spray-on deodorants
Spray-on deodorant is useful in a pinch, but if you want to appear wealthy, you should avoid it at all costs. It often has a pretty distinctive smell, and people can often tell when you’ve used it. If you want to appear wealthy, you should smell clean or like your fragrance of choice, not of your deodorant. Ditch the spray on for a stick, cream, or roll-on instead.
Carry an umbrella in bad weather
Nothing ruins a look worse than being rained on. Wet hair is not a good look, and it definitely doesn’t make you look rich. Instead, bring an umbrella along in case of rain. Carrying it makes you look prepared, and if it does rain, it’ll keep your hair all perfectly done through the poor weather.
Wear big sunglasses
For such a small item, sunglasses can get very expensive. This makes the fact that they can be seen as a status symbol make more sense. The larger the sunglasses, the wealthier the person wearing them, or so it seems. Celebrities and the rich folks of the world have been wearing huge sunglasses for years now. To fit in with that crowd, pick up a pair of oversized sunnies for yourself.
Keep the bag small
A tiny handbag is a status symbol. Why? Because it shows that you either do not need to carry your own things, or that you can afford to accommodate situations where you would have otherwise come prepared with a bag full of anything you might need. A tiny bag might only be big enough for a credit card and maybe either a phone or your lipstick, but if you’re rich, then that’s all you need. At least, that’s what other people will think.
Steer clear of trends
Whatever is trending right now is sure to change, so there’s no point revamping your whole wardrobe to keep up with what’s in. Caring about what’s in style is also not a chic look, so sticking to classic styles will help you achieve an old-money or rich aesthetic a lot easier.
Know your fabrics
It’s not exactly classy to go around dressed in plastic fibres. Pay close attention to the fabric of the garments you buy. Synthetic fabrics like polyester lose their shape and will make you sweat, which in turn makes you look cheap. Instead opt for natural fabrics like linen, wool, cotton, or silk. You might think people can’t tell what fabric your clothes are, but it can really show, especially if you’re trying to invest in a piece that you want to last years.
Take care of what you wear
Make sure you are using appropriate detergents when washing your clothes. Hang the clothes that need it and fold ones that don’t. Iron your garments and fold carefully. Lint roll anything with extra fluff or pet hair. Invest in some shoe polish so you can keep your shoes shining. Knowing how to take care of the clothes you own and following through will keep them looking much nicer and more expensive that if you take none of these steps.
Opt for overdressing
You might not want to show up to a meeting in a ballgown, but if you’re not sure of the dress code, always opt to overdress rather than underdress. Underdressing makes it look like you either do not care to dress appropriately, or that you cannot afford to. If you are slightly overdressed, people will notice how good you look, and how this attire must come so naturally to you. This helps you convey an air of affluence.
Keep weather in mind
Be aware of what the weather forecast, paying particular attention to the temperature. You don’t want to dress light when the weather is going to be in the negatives. Looking comfortable will make you look richer already, since you’ll look like you belong wherever you go, and dressing for the weather helps with this. Layer up in the winter which a lot of wealthy old-money types are known for, and wear light, flowing fabrics like linen in the summer.
Take care of yourself
Your body is one of the things you have the most control over, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t look its best. Keep clean and groomed at all times. Take care of your skin, nails, hair, and brows so that you look your best. Good grooming is often seen as a sign of having money since you have time to take care of yourself or can pay someone else to do your nails and hair. Being well groomed means looking refined.
Be well-spoken
Speak clearly and confidently. Pronounce words correctly. If you want to sound like you come from a wealthy background, it is crucial that you also avoid slang and offensive language. By being well-spoken, you sound like you were raised by a rich family and that you surround yourself with people who have the best in life.
Invest in shoes
Shoes can make or break an outfit. While people might not always notice if your other garments did not actually cost as much as you might say, people will always know when it comes to shoes. The way they fit, the finish of the leather, the soles and all the edges will always reveal their true price. A great pair of shoes will also mean you won’t have to replace them for years. A cheap pair, in contrast, will need replaced after no more than a few months because the wear will start to show pretty instantly.
Wear monochromatic outfits
Whether it be all black, cream, or neutrals, a monochromatic outfit gives off a refined look that a mish-mash of colours simply won’t. Wearing all the same colour gives you an air of confidence as well as making you look maturity. It is this maturity that makes you look rich as well. It allows you to stand out without looking like you’re trying.
Have good posture
Having good posture makes you look confident in yourself, and it is a habit that is generally acquired at a young age. This might not seem too obvious, but both sitting and standing up straight can convey the impression that you have wealth.
Wear a fancy watch
Watches are known to be expensive, especially when opting for a well-known brand. Wearing a fancy watch brand signals wealth to all those around you, but only if you do not make a show of flashing it to everyone. A great watch stands on its own.
Don’t flex your wallet
If you want people to think you are rich, showing them how much money you have or how expensive the things you own are is actually the worst way to go about it. Anyone who has to go out of their way to show their wealth clearly sees it as a novelty, meaning that wealth does not come as naturally to them. Instead, act modestly about the wealth you might or might not have.
Balance your jewellery
Too much jewellery is going to make it look like you’re trying too hard and can come across as tacky. In contrast, not wearing any jewellery at all will not compliment your outfit well or might look like you can’t afford any. If you’re struggling, some dainty gold pieces are a great option, since gold plating is cheaper than the solid alternative. Fake pearls are also hard to identify, so a simple string of them will always look classy.
Be the first out at events
Sign up for mailing lists to events, shows, and launches. If you can be at the opening night for something, go! If you can get to a networking event or fundraiser with other wealthy people, make sure you’re there. Spending time out doing exciting things, especially among rich people, will let people know you have the money to be out and doing the hottest new thing.
Have good etiquette
If you want people to think you are rich, your manners should be perfect. Etiquette and good manners are always associated with elegance. From table manners to your levels of courtesy to managing your temper, be sure to remain calm and elegant. Being well-mannered will get you far and make people think you are richer than you really are.
Be knowledgeable about certain topics
There are certain topics that the wealthy just seem to know about. Have some basic knowledge on high-end brands, art, travel, and history. Most wealthy people have top tier educations so you need to come across as if you do too, even if this isn’t the case. Wealthy people also typically travel a lot and can afford the finer things in life, so being able to discuss these topics casually will make you come across as rich as well.
Take time on skincare
You might be well groomed in every other way, but taking immaculate care of your skin really shows. Use SPF on the daily, never forget to cleanse and moisturise, and stay hydrated. Taking great care of your skin makes you look that much cleaner and more radiant. If you look like you’re well put together with great skin, you will easily look richer than someone dressed just like you with worse skin.
Change your mindset to one of success
The way you think can go a long way. Being confident makes you seem more capable. What’s more, with a positive mindset, you are more likely to take on challenges which makes you more likely to develop greater skills. This will bring you closer to success. Any kind of success can be associated to wealth if you portray it in a gracious but confident way.
Have your hair styled
Getting a regular haircut is a perfect way to upkeep your appearance and make you look polished. Cutting off those dead ends and having healthy hair will always look better. What’s more, hair always grows back. This makes it that much easier to keep up with trends when it comes to hair as opposed to your wardrobe. Your hair can be ever-changing so long as it is sleek and well taken care of. In fact, being able to keep up with hair trends looks the opposite of cheap, the way always changing your wardrobe can look.
Take part in upper-class hobbies
The wealthy have hobbies that tend to only be shared by other wealthy people. This includes sports such as tennis, polo, golf, and skiing. Activities such as dining at fancy restaurants and travelling are also on that list. Even if you have to save up to participate in these activities, it is worth doing so to be seen with other wealthy people and to get to know them. Befriending wealthy people also means you are more likely to gain similar opportunities to them, thus being seen as one of them.
Learn to apply elegant makeup
If you’re someone who wears makeup, it is crucial that you learn to apply it expertly and appropriately in order to look rich. Get on YouTube and learn how to apply natural looking makeup with neutral colours for everyday, and something just slightly darker for evening events. It is crucial that your makeup looks clean and natural to keep you looking expensive.
Keep your socials sparkling
We live in a digital age, and social media matters. Keep your online profile up to date with shiny new pictures of you and your surroundings. Be sure to include prestigious events you attend, beautiful scenery you visit, holiday pictures, or even aesthetically pleasing pictures of you at home. Present an idealised, fairy-tale version of your life, regardless of whether it truly reflects your reality.
Don’t mix patterns
If you do decide to wear patterned garments of any kind, make sure you are not wearing them together. Sleek block colours will always look more elegant, but a statement piece can be a great way to stand out. However, wearing multiple different patterns will make your outfit clash and look tacky, thus cheapening your look.
Go for quality over quantity
Buying a lot of cheap garments that you think look somewhat expensive won’t get you nearly as far as buying a few actually expensive pieces. The cheap ones will show their age quickly and wear away. There is nothing wrong with re-wearing items, and when they’re high quality pieces, you’ll actually want to show them off more. There are so many reasons to buy fewer but better clothing items.
Iron everything
Having all your clothes in crisp, clean lines makes you look more put together. Looking put together indicates to those around you that you can either afford to spend the time to do it yourself, or that you can afford to have all your clothes pressed professionally. Even a steamer will help keep your clothes crease-free without needing to invest a ton of money.
The scent matters
Choosing a perfume can make a big difference to how you come across. When choosing, avoid anything that smells too sweet or food-like, which can make the wearer seem very young and unsophisticated. By contrast, spiced and floral scents are a lot more elegant. Invest in a perfume that at least smells expensive, no matter its actual cost.
Pay attention to the dress code
Looking rich is not about looking gaudier than everyone around you. In fact, fitting the dress code to a tee will make you look respectful, well brought up, and classy. If you are attending an event, do some research into what appropriate attire for that specific event would be and dress accordingly. The other people attending will always appreciate it, and think well of you.
Invest in makeup
Don’t be easily surprised
A calm demeanour is key in appearing wealthier than you really are. If you are talking to rich people and they casually mention a famous or very wealthy person, you must also come across as calm. Do not get over-excited or act like a fan when it comes to people you hold in high esteem. Treat them with respect, but don’t act like their name coming up is shocking, or you may be perceived as lacking class.
Use a hair mask
Wealthy people always look well groomed, and take particularly good care of their hair. One way to accentuate your hair as being healthy is to use a quality hair mask at least once a week. This will leave you hair looking shiny and nourished no matter what you’re doing with your days. Having healthy hair will make you look healthier and well taken care of overall.
Go for the natural look
Dying your hair funky colours can be a fun way to be expressive, but it won’t help you look wealthy. While some top celebrities get away with it due to everyone knowing just how high-status and rich they are does not mean you as someone with far less money can do the same. Stick to more neutral colours for your hair to give that illusion of wealth.
Have good table manners
Eating a takeaway at home is completely different to being seen eating at a fine dining restaurant. Make sure you chew your food carefully, and take your time savouring each bite. Eating should not be a matter of urgency, and making it so will make you look cheap and badly mannered.
Act like your needs aren’t desperate
If you are struggling with things in life, put those needs all on hold, or at least pretend not to want them so badly. The rich want for nothing because they have everything, and anything they don’t possess they can get at the drop of a hat. When talking to others, you should also act like there is nothing you need weighing on your mind, and change your mindset to one of abundance and optimism.
Read more
Rich people are often avid readers, partially due to the fact that nearly all of them have the kind of education that instils a love of books as standard. In order to seem richer, you should also appear well-read, and the best way to do this is through actually reading. Rather than reading genre fiction like fantasy, sci-fi or romance, both nonfiction books about science and history and bestselling literary fiction will help you to expand your mind and horizons. Reading the news is another way to stay informed and appear intelligent and thus, wealthier.
Wear gold
Silver is a lovely metal, but it has its place. If you are going for the look of someone who can afford the best and priciest, leave the silver and rose-gold at home to opt for gold jewellery instead. Gold looks more expensive, so long as you choose well and go for subtle, delicate pieces.
Have your clothes tailored
Clothes you buy direct off the rack are unlikely to provide a perfect fit. After all, very few people are the exact measurements clothes are made to. If you’re not sure whether to get a size that’s a bit too small or a bit too big for you, always opt up and then get your pieces taken in by a tailor. Clothes that are properly fitted look like you spent a lot more money on them, and a trip to the tailor’s is actually a lot cheaper than you might expect.
Be mindful of social media
While posting certain kinds of things on social media can help you curate your appearance of wealth, be careful of how you use it. Do not spend too much time on social media, as wealthy people tend to be somewhat aloof, distant and mysterious. Focus on making yours look great, and post when you have something people will actually want to see, rather than updated your story every time you get a takeaway or watch a movie.
Learn how to style things
Educate yourself a little about fashion, whether it be through reading books, watching YouTube videos, or some other method. You could have the best and most expensive clothing items out there, but if you don’t know how to put them together, you’ll still look tacky and inexperienced. Learn how to choose appropriate accessories for each garment and which fabrics look good together, and you’ll surely look elegant.
Travel whenever you can
The rich are always traversing the globe at the drop of a hat. While you may not have the money to stay in the same luxury hotels or travel with them in business class, you should still take every possible opportunity to travel. If you take the right kinds of pictures, no one will know you did the trip on a budget, and being able to chat about your adventures will make you look worldly and cultured.
Get things dry cleaned
If there are certain garments that you are not confident in your ability to clean correctly at home, make sure you take them to the dry cleaners. This is the ideal way to extend the lives of suits or dresses that would be ruined by simply throwing them in the washing machine. Dry cleaning is not too expensive and can keep your extra-special items in tip-top shape for longer.
Keep your nails immaculate
Whether or not you’re the kind of person to get your nails done, investing in a manicure is a good idea. This will keep your hands looking as expensive as the rest of you. Nails that look clean, carefully shaped and maybe even strengthened with clear polish will make you look well taken care of and wealthier, as it will look like you haven’t had to participate in any gruelling manual labour.
Get your teeth whitened
Having perfectly white teeth is not natural, as any dentist will tell you. Depending on what you eat, some discolouration is bound to happen. However, extremely white teeth are also a symbol of wealth, so if you can get them whitened, you should consider doing so. They don’t call it a million dollar smile for nothing!
Groom that facial hair
If you grow facial hair, it is important to keep it properly groomed if you want to look at all wealthy. Go for a style that isn’t too eclectic or alternative and will look smart, then commit to visiting a barber at least every six weeks, if not every three or four. Make sure your facial hair is consistent and well-styled, or shave daily for an always professional clean face.
Less is more
When it comes to styling yourself as a rich person, just remember that less is more. Timeless styles tend to lean on simple cuts and plain colours, and those classic elements are what will make you look richer than your peers. Think especially carefully when accessorising or choosing an outfit for a formal occasion, and the aura of wealth that you’re after is much more likely to come your way.
Avoid gossiping
Everybody is human at the end of the day, and so it’s fair to assume that even the very rich indulge in the art of gossiping. However, the ultra-wealthy have the good sense to keep their cattiness behind closed doors and off social media. If you want to have the put-together persona of the upper classes, then keep your mean comments to yourself to avoid sabotaging any future connections.
Don’t brag
What do Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet, Carlos Slim and Bill Gates have in common? They’re not blowhards. Whatever else may be said about them, they haven’t ever gone on the record to talk endlessly about their lavish lifestyle. Bragging about your worth or potential is beta behaviour, so it’s better to keep quiet and instead subtly imply the many high-level business moves you’re making.
Become an art lover
The price tags of paintings and sculptures are dizzying to ordinary people, but those same numbers are peanuts to the rich. So if that’s what you wanna be, then it’s necessary to get to know your Monets from your Manets. Embrace all different genres of art and attend as many galleries as you can so, even if you can’t get the tax incentives associated with art ownership, you can at least get the cultural clout.
Have emotional intelligence
If you’re a rich person, you’ve pretty much proved yourself to the world. You’ve demonstrated that you’ve got what it takes to close deals and make waves and that peace of mind would result in high levels of emotional intelligence. If you want to seem financially comfortable, you should always avoid seeming flustered and angry, especially in public.
Wear a neck scarf
There is no rhyme or reason for the effect scarves have on people. They’re not particularly expensive. They’re not historically associated with rich people but, for some reason, society associates scarves with being flush with cash. It’s a modest, classy look that obviously isn’t going to be on your list of priorities if you live in a hot climate, but for those of you who experience bitter winters, a scarf will go a long way.
Memorise names of expensive and exotic dishes
Rich people tend to be well-travelled, and well-travelled people have more adventurous palates. If you want to appear wealthy and cultured, then it’s important to look like you’ve been everywhere and eaten everything. To fake this, do your research on expensive and exotic dishes so you can hold your own with a waiter in a fancy restaurant. You don’t even need to end up buying the expensive dish, just knowing about it is enough!
Tip well
Tipping obscene amounts isn’t something you need to do every single time you dine out, as this can make you look like you’re overcompensating and need overt gestures to prove your wealth and status. However, if you’re ever in a situation where you need to impress a friend or a date, tipping over and above what’s expected of you can certainly make a splash.
Walk slowly
This tip might verge on being silly, but the tiniest details can make the biggest impact. The way you walk holds immense power, as it can cement a stranger’s perceptions of you before you’ve even opened your mouth. If you want to appear confident, purposeful and unruffled, then walk slowly and casually with your shoulders back. The tip is to split the difference between walking so slowly that you look aimless and walking so fast that you look like you’re running for a bus.
Wear cuff links
Accessories might not be the first thing you notice when looking at someone’s outfit, but they are one of the most crucial elements when it comes to signalling wealth and status. In particular, a good pair of cufflinks can elevate any suit, and make it look as though you have the refined taste and attention to detail that comes with being rich.
Drink wine instead of beer
If you’re a staunch beer drinker who nevertheless wants people to think you’re on the up and up, you’re gonna have to get used to the taste of wine. Why? Because wine is the drink of a connoisseur and is synonymous with sophistication and class. Beer is the drink of the everyman, far removed from the nuanced world of wine, and has more of a reputation for being crass and simplistic.
Get in shape
Most people know that they should spend more hours in the gym, but it can be hard to find the time. This isn’t a problem for rich people. Additionally, wealth unlocks access to the best personal trainers and nutritionists, which is why the majority of rich people remain looking good well into their old age. You don’t need these things to get in shape, but looking fit and trim will give the impression that you have the time and resources to devote to personal fitness.
Get your teeth fixed
It’s hard to look like you have a million dollars without a million dollar smile. One of the few things that almost all rich people share is absolutely immaculate dental work, and people who come into money generally head straight to the dentist. Whitening is important, but it’s also vital to make sure all your teeth are straight and free from chips. Depending on what you’re starting with, veneers might be the way to go.
Read the right newspapers
Wealthy people often invest significant amounts of time into keeping abreast of the world’s events, and they often rely on newspapers to do so. Being seen reading a paper can instantly make you seem successful, but it’s important to go for the right one. Opt for newspapers that provide in depth analysis and focus on the business world. Some good examples include The Economist, The Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Learn some new languages
Wealthy people tend to travel a lot, both for business and pleasure. Accordingly, they often pick up the basics in a number of different languages, allowing them to make connections wherever they go. Even if you don’t go abroad all that much, getting to grips with a few languages will instantly make you seem well travelled and worldly.
Learn about finance
If there’s one thing rich people understand, it’s money. A guaranteed way to make people assume you’re wealthy is the ability to confidently discuss the world of finance, business and economics. Whilst this is no easy task – finance is a notoriously complicated subject – it’s one that will pay dividends. And you never know, you might actually get rich as a result.
Lease a nice car
First impressions count, and pulling up in a flashy car is a surefire way to instantly make people think you’re loaded. Assuming you can’t afford a brand new car (and let’s be honest, you wouldn’t be reading this if you could), you should consider leasing one instead. It might be a waste of money in the long run, but at least you’ll turn some heads.
Be stingy
In the quest to convince others you’re sitting on some serious cash, it can be tempting to splash out at every opportunity. In reality, this is usually the last thing people who have a lot of money actually do. Instead, they tend to be very aware of where every penny is going, and they aren’t afraid of appearing stingy. You don’t want to get a reputation as the friend who never pays for anything, but if you’re trying to convey wealth it can help to show you think carefully before making a purchase.
Learn to play the stock market
Most wealthy people at least dabble in the stock market, and you’re going to have a hard time convincing anyone you’re rich without at least a modest portfolio. Stick to safe stocks – large, blue chip companies are probably the way to go – and keep your investment small, but make sure you understand enough to convincingly explain your portfolio if someone asks about it.
Get comfortable admitting when you don’t know something
There are a few traits that most successful people share, and one of them – perhaps surprisingly – is being able to acknowledge their limitations. We might assume that we have to feign being an expert on everything, but admitting when you don’t know something will make you seem self assured and confident. In the long run, this will make people trust you more when you talk about the topics you’re actually informed on.
Learn about classical music
Whether this is fair or not, an interest in classical music is often associated with intelligence – and, accordingly, wealth. Even if you prefer Taylor Swift to Mozart, educating yourself on classical music can go a long way towards appearing cultured and upperclass. You don’t have to start attending the opera, but it’s worth developing your knowledge of all the main composers and getting to the point where you can recognise their music when you hear it.
Wear a lot of silk
Silk is an unusual candidate for a luxury fabric, given that it literally comes out the rear end of worms, but rich people love it. This is easier to exploit if you’re a woman, but if you’re a man you should still make sure you have a few items of silk clothing in your wardrobe (some ties and shirts, perhaps) to break out for special events.
Invest in a trench coat
Most fashion designers agree that a trench coat is one of the easiest ways to instantly bring class and style to almost any outfit. Since it’s going to be one of the most important items in your wardrobe, it’s worth investing in a quality coat, but make sure you go for a classic option. No matter what else you’re wearing, a trench coat will make you look smart, professional and – most importantly – affluent.
Develop your opinions
Rich people tend to be very well-informed and widely read, which allows them to form carefully considered opinions. Having a unique perspective on a topic can make you seem interesting and intelligent, two traits that tend to equate to wealth. However, it’s important to make sure that your opinions are backed up a thorough understanding of the subject at hand, otherwise you’ll just come off as arrogant.
Learn about architecture
Much like fine art, being able to confidently discuss architecture will instantly make you seem cultured, educated and, by extension, wealthy. You don’t need to become an expert on the subject, but you should learn enough to be able to comfortably tell your classical from your gothic. With the amount of free learning resources on the internet, this one shouldn’t be too difficult.
Take skiing lessons
If there’s one leisure activity that’s associated with money, it’s skiing. If you’re planning on ingratiating yourself with the fabulously wealthy, there’s a strong chance you’ll end up rubbing elbows on the pistes. Nothing will give you away faster than a shoddy parallel turn, so invest in some skiing lessons at your nearest indoor slope to make sure you’re prepared.
Develop a subtle sense of humour
Wealth and intelligence are often seen as linked, and one of the best ways to seem brainy is to develop a subtle, clever sense of humour. Contrary to popular belief, being funny isn’t an innate gift – rather, it’s a skill that can be learned. Find a few comedians with a dry, cerebral sense of humour, and then analyse their delivery until you can emulate it yourself.
Get involved in philanthropy
Nothing screams wealth like philanthropy, hence the number of billionaires with foundations named after them. You don’t need to sink all your money into charities, but getting involved with a cause can certainly pay off when it comes to appearing well-off. As an added bonus, you just might also end up doing some good in the world.
Always appear cheerful
Studies from the field of psychology have reliably shown that money doesn’t buy happiness, but most people still assume that it does. As a result, nothing will shatter illusions of wealth faster than acting miserable. Instead, try to cultivate an air of upbeat optimism, and make sure you smile freely, laugh frequently and always treat those around you with kindness.
Stop using filler words
Wealth and success tend to breed confidence, so it’s important to make sure you project self-assuredness in everything you do. Nothing will hurt this more than using lots of filler words (such as “um” and “like”) when you’re speaking. Deliberately practise removing these words from your vocabulary, and become comfortable with pausing when you need to think of the next thing to say.
Invest in quality crockery
When people are trying to portray themselves as better off than they really are, they tend to focus on big, flashy purchases like watches and jewelry. However, the key to seemingly genuinely rich lies in the subtle details. People with money generally don’t flaunt it, as they don’t feel the need to impress other. Instead, they are more concerned with making sure their basics – such as crockery – are of the highest quality possible.
