25+ Types of Clothes that Look Cheap

clothes that look cheap and what to wear instead
Valentine’s Day Outfits

Buying and wearing clothes that look cheap are one of the biggest fashion mistakes that you can make. We have all been guilty of this at some point or other. It won’t matter how much money you’ve invested your wardrobe if it’s full of pieces that look inexpensive and of poor-quality. On the other hand, if you can learn to spot and avoid cheap-looking clothes, you’ll be on your way to creating an elegant and expensive-looking wardrobe. So here are which clothes look cheap and what to wear instead. 

Clothes that look cheap are lowrise bottoms, crop tops and other unflattering styles. Avoid cheap-looking material and bad tailoring like too sheer fabric and loose buttons. Steer clear of revealing cuts, too short or low-cut, juvenile styles and anything tacky like flashy logos. Poorly maintained clothes can also cheapen your look. 

1. Lowrise Bottoms 

clothes that look cheap and what to wear instead

Low rise pants and skirts are just not elegant. Not only are they not flattering regardless of your body type, but you’re more likely to accidently flash something. 

They make it harder to bend over without showing a plumber’s crack or whale tail, they’ll squeeze your love handles out and make many of the shirts you own look too short. 

Instead: Opt for high rise bottoms which cinch you in at the waist and tuck in everything nice and neatly. 

2. Short / Crop Tops

Although crop tops have been all the rage in the past few years, we can all agree that very few body types can actually pull them off.

Instead of looking cute, you’re most likely to be accentuating or even creating a muffin top (belly) with a crop top – even if you’re wearing high rise bottoms. 

In addition, cropped and too short tops often look rather juvenile and just reveal too much unintentionally. 

Instead: Try to make sure that your tops are long enough to cover everything, even when you bend over. You’ll feel more comfortable and get more wear out of them as they’re suitable for all occasions. Crop tops will inevitably go out of trend but longer tops will always be in style and look sophisticated.

If you still want to wear a crop top, try to go for the longest version you can find (not one that only covers the bra) and make sure it’s part of a matching set so you’ll look more put together. 

3. Chunky & Platform Shoes

Chunky shoes, especially boots and sneakers, are just not streamlined enough to be considered classy. This refers to the overall shoe but also just platform soles as well. 

Anything that is too clunky just throws off the whole elegant look that you’re going for. They’re just too distracting, can look cartoonish and disproportional to the rest of the outfit. 

Even those chunky pool sliders / bathroom slippers are a definite no-go and not classy. 

Instead: Opt for slimmer and streamlined shoes styles. If you have to wear chunky boots in the winter to cope with the snow, try to go for classic boot styles like Timberlands or any other more fitted snowboot.

4. Too Loose Clothing

Although loose clothing can be quite casually chic if worn correctly at times, generally speaking clothing that is too loose is just playing it dangerous and should be avoided as much as possible.

For example, avoid shorts that are too wide around the thighs so that you can’t put your legs up at all and shirt necklines that are so loose that if you bend over, you’ll see everything. 

Instead: Make sure your clothes fit you in the areas that should be fitted like the neckline, shoulders, armpits,pant legs and waist.

If you really want a particular piece of clothing, just get it tailored to fit your body in the right spots. 

5. Low-cut Tops

Low cut tops are a general no-no if you’re trying to make a high-class impression. 

Showing too much cleavage is just too risqué – especially if it is regularly. The combination of this with a loose-fitted neckline, it’s the absolute worst. 

A classy style is meant to accentuate a classy personality rather than distract from it.

Instead: Try to opt for higher necklines that hit at least right at the top or above your cleavage – generally speaking the higher, the more elegant it looks. Indeed, a high V-neck can look espscially chic.

However, there can be some occasions which call for a little bit of a lower neckline when you want to show off one of your best assets. Then, try to make sure that your cleavage is not showing all the way – just part of it – and the rest of your ensemble should be more modest.

Exception: A deep V-neck can be glamorous if done correctly on the right occasion. It has to be tight and the breasts can’t be squished together. Finally, the focus should on that particular area, while the rest is covered up – like a maxi V-neck dress. 

6. Mini Shorts, Skirts & Dresses (Without Tights)

clothes that look cheap and what to wear instead

Being too revealing goes for bottoms as well. You never want your behind hanging out, pantyhose line showing or to accidentally flash anyone. 

So it’s best to avoid wearing short shorts, mini skirts and mini dresses – especially without tights.

Instead: Opt for bermuda shorts (there are also shorter versions!), knee-lengthmidi and maxi skirts and dressesfor a more sophisticated aesthetic and work-appropriate attire. Besides, it’s more flattering and you may feel more comfortable covering up your thighs and the backs of them. 

What if you’re not sure whether it’s too short? The general rule of thumb is to opt for bottoms and dresses that arelonger than your fingertips when you place your arms by your sides. Or even better, they should go to at least your mid-thigh. You should be able to bend down and pick something up comfortably.

Exception: When you want to wear something mini, you can always pair it with opaque tights (perferably black). Indeed, a short black dress or skirt paired with opaque tights and black pumps/boots is a very chic look. 

7. Spaghetti Straps 

Spaghetti straps are a controversial topic since they are loved by many – fashion influencers included. However, these kinds of straps can cheapen the outfit for several reasons.

Firstly, they are a tad bit too revealing and most likely to show your bra straps. Visible underwear is never a cute look. Unless you can hide your bra straps every time you wear them, they’re pretty impractical for everyday wear.  

Secondly, spaghetti straps themselves look a little too much like undergarments and sleepwear – specifically lace camisoles. Those flat, adjustable spaghetti straps can look especially cheap. 

Instead: Opt for camisoles, tops and dresses with slightly thicker straps that cover your bra straps and elevate the look. Try to avoid dresses with spaghetti straps outside of home wear, sleepwear and swimwear (although thicker straps would still look more sophisticated).

Exception: Spaghetti straps can look elegant at times if they are more rounded, worn on a silk/satin slip dresswithout bra straps. It can also be worn as a layering piece under a blazer. 

8. Cheap-looking Material & Tailoring

Cheap-looking fabric, materials and tailoring are a dead giveaway of the cheap price that you paid for something. Or even worse, this can cheapen an expensive item that you bought!

Especially with affordable brands, you have to be careful of clothes that are of extremely poor quality like textiles (often jersey) that attract a lot of lint, fray, pill and wrinkle easily

Beware of plasticky-looking materials like cheap buttons, clear bra straps, bags and clear shoe straps. Avoid inauthentic-looking faux leather, faux fur (that tangles easily) as well as bad embellishments, rhinestones, lace and sequins. 

A lot of times you can also tell by the way it feels on your skin. If it’s uncomfortable, itchy, plasticky or sweaty that is a good hint. It also may cling to your skin in an unflattering way. 

You also need to be aware of bad tailoring like when it’s falling apart, has raw edgesloose buttons, etc. Light stitching on dark material and vice versa can look cheap. 

Instead: Try to hunt for the pieces that look and feel high quality, including but not limited to natural fibers. Avoid materials that are especially prone to looking cheap when shopping affordable clothes. Use your best objective judgement to decide how something looks and feels. 

9. Cutout

Cutouts are another style that are all the rage but rarely look classy. You can find them on every piece of clothing from dresses to shirts (cold-shoulder tops, yikes!) to pants to, even, shoes. Unless you’re part of a very eccentric fashion circle, it’s best to avoid cut out pieces for a few reasons.

Firstly, they just look like part of a piece of clothing is missing. Secondly, it’s inconvenient to wear for everyday without normal underwear styles showing – especially shirts. 

Thirdly, they give off a trendy, juvenile vibe since they show skin in a rather unintentional way. This is the opposite of the refined impression you’re trying to make.Instead: If you want to shows some skin, do it more intentionally with classic styles like off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder and backless tops

10. Too Sheer Fabric

Fabric that is too thin and sheer, whether it’s unintentional or intentional, is just not an elegant look. Even if it’ssheer only under certain lighting.

Sheer tops, dresses, pants and skirts that aren’t thick enough are just too risky. They give the impression that you couldn’t afford thicker material to cover what needs to be covered. Especially sheer sweaters defeat the whole purpose of a sweater!

Please just disregard the trends right now and you’ll thank yourself when you look at your old pictures later on down the road.

Instead: There are ways that a little bit of sheer can still look chic – like elements of garments like mesh sleeves or the lace bottom part of a skirt. Also light, loose-knit sweaters and sheer cover ups are absolutely appropriate for the beach. 

11. Unmaintained Clothing

Unmaintained clothing can give the impression that you don’t care enough about yourself to take care of the appearance of your wardrobe. Whether this is true or not, remains to be debated. Nevertheless, it may still be many peoples’ first impression.

Avoid wearing wrinkled, pilling, stretched, stained, frayed, snaged or torn clothes as well as broken zippers, loose buttons and the like. It doesn’t matter how elegant your shirt looks – if it’s wrinkled, it’ll just distract from the beauty of it.

Instead: While the wear and tear of your clothes is inevitable, invest in a few affordable tools and learn a simple tricks that can help make your life easier when storing and maintaining your clothes. For example, you can easily remove wrinkles with a steamer and pilling with a fabric shaver. 

12. Extremely Oversized, Baggy Clothing

When done correctly, a little oversized can look very fashionable and on-point – but this doesn’t give you the permission to go overboard and be extremely baggy everywhere!

Very oversized clothing doesn’t do your body any justice and is just not flattering. You may think that you’re camouflaging your insecurities when in reality you can end up looking like a potatoe sack mess.

While oversized clothing is loved by many for it’s trendy, streetwear aesthetic, pulling it off in an elegant fashion is tricky – leaving you to often look a little juvenile instead.

Instead: Fitted clothing will always be more flattering and accentuate your shape. 

However, when you do want to wear an oversized piece just make sure that it is somehow either cinched in the waist or balanced out with a tighter piece. Whatever you do just avoid wearing an entirely baggy outfit. 

13. Netting

Netting, especially fishnet tights, can rarely look elegant if not at all. It looks cheap because of it’s see-through nature and association with punk, grunge and escort scenes. 

Quite frankly they’re pretty impractical because it’s extremely hard to layer, wear pieces underneath and they snag quickly. 

Instead: A fine, opaquer mesh is a better alternative. Semi sheer and mesh parts of clothing (like sleeves) can look classy. 

Stick to more traditional tights. If you want play with your tights, you can try tights with small polkadots or line in the back

14. Ripped Clothes

Distressed denim and ripped clothes always look cheap despite the trends. Although it’s an intentional design, it still looks like your clothes have accidently torn and couldn’t be repaired.

Any ripped piece of clothing, intentional or not, does not make a polished impression and won’t stand the test of time – no matter how cool you think those jeans with rips at the knee are right now.  

Besides, rips tend to make clothes impractical – they easily snag, rip further and the threads break eventually. Items that are meant to keep you warm like long jeans and sweaters, let cold air in in awkward places when they have rips.

Instead: Simply, avoid any ripped clothes. For example, opt for normal jeans instead of ripped ones. Part of an elegant aesthetic is a well maintained look. Trust me, you won’t miss having cold knees in the winter.

15. Flashy Logos

Generally speaking it’s best to avoid any logos on your shirts, pants, jackets, dresses, etc. Logos, especially large ones, give the impression that you’re trying too hard to show off. 

They rarely add any style to the outfit and often rather distract from the whole look. No matter what designer the name brand logo is, it doesn’t stop it from looking tacky.

Instead: Plain solids will never go out of style and they will always look more elegant. Besides, you’ll get more bang for your buck exactly because they are less obvious and you’ll be able to wear them more frequently.

Exceptions: Some exceptions are small, discreet logos and logos on accessories like shoes, belts and bags. These are acceptable when they logo is truly part of the overall aesthetic and not just tacked on.

16. Colorful / Beaded Jewelry

Colorful and beaded jewelry have a certain hippie and juvenile aesthetic. 

Elegant jewelry is meant to subtly complement the outfit. These loud necklaces, bracelets and earrings end up stealing the thunder – and not in a good way.

Instead: Opt for minimalistic, metal jewelry in gold or silver for a simple, refined look. 

However, if you still prefer colorful jewelry, try jewel tones, black or white. Stick to one solid color throughout. 

When you still want to make a bold statement with your jewelry, try statement necklaces, bracelets and earrings in metal tones like gold or chrystal instead. 

17. Baggy Sweatpants

Jogging pants are the epitome of having given up, especially the baggy kind. This has not changed despite athleisure trends.

Of course, sweatpants are perfectly fine for at home, sports and errands but totally unacceptable for other occasions if you want to make an elegant impression!

Instead: There are countless other alternatives to sweatpants like mom jeans, knitted pants, high waisted carrot pants or wide legged pants. These are just as comfortable and look much more put together. 

If you still want to wear sweat pants, there are a few things that can be done to elevate them. Try going for more fitted styles in solid colors and simple patterns.

Amp it up a notch with matching sweat suit sets for the most polished look. But try only wearing these for homewear, quick errands to the supermarket and for casual walks.

18. Hoods

What’s the sweatpants’ ugly cousin? Hoodies! Anything hooded, like shirts and dresses, will always downgrade an outfit. This is because of their juvenile, streetwear and boyish / childish appearance

Instead: Most hooded clothing has a non-hooded version. It’s that simple. You’ll instantly look more put together.

If you like the warmth of a hooded shirt try to opt for a sweatshirt with a higher collar (zip up optional) and a hat. It will look much more intentional and styled. 

If you still want a hoodie, at least opt for a high quality, matching set in a solid color.

Exceptions: Puffer jackets with hoods have a very practical use. 

19. Very High, Platform Heels

Platform heels are sexy shoes that are generally associated with exotic dancers and the strip club. 

These look especially cheap if there extremely high as well. It is much harder to make platform heels look expensive than it is to make classic heels look cheap. 

Instead: So just avoid platform heels and opt for a classic heel (extra points for pointy toe) without a large platform. If you need the comfort of the platform, then keep your heels below 4 inches (10 cm) and wear block heels. Of course, a little platform is alright. 

20. Bodycon Mini Dress 

Bodycon mini dresses are also associated with clubwear, escorts and the like. They are very revealing and can often scream desperate by trying to show off too much at once.

The shape and skin tight fit can also be super unflattering and show every single imperfection as it really clings to your body without giving it any shape. 

Instead: Try some more flattering styles like a sheath dress at mid-thigh length, pencil dress with a looser top or a peplum dress. These still have the same feminine effect but are more flattering and sophisticated.

Remember a general guideline is that less is more. If you want to accentuate one part of your body with a tight fit, then try to balance it out with a looser fit somewhere else. The same goes for showing skin. 

This doesn’t mean that you can’t wear form hugging or shorter dresses. It just means that something should be left to the imagination for a more aesthetically tasteful appearance. 

You can opt for a tight dress that is at least knee-length, has a higher neck and/or longer sleeves. Don’t forget that shapewear can do wonders here.

If you want to wear a shorter dress, make sure that it is a bit looser silhouette and at least long enough for you to bend down in “semi-comfortably”. You can also wear opaque tights underneath for extra coverage.

21. Off-One-Shoulder Sweaters

Off-one-shoulder sweaters just look sloppy – like they’re falling off. Despite the fact that they’re such a popular look, but they’re just not that sophisticated. 

It can look sloppy, especially if the sweater top is already very loose. It appears as if the sweater slipped off from one side by accident, further exaggerating the looseness of the top.

Instead: If you want to show some skin, go for off-both-shoulders sweaters for a more symmetrical, classic look. These look more intentional. Or go for a sweater with a lower neckline

22. Busy & Clashing Patterns 

Wearing busy patterns and patterns that clash is not elegant. There is just too much going on in these outfits and its confusing and overwhelming for the eye.

Busy patterns may have a multitude of colors, patterns and fabrics in one piece. For example, a piece that has leopard print, three colors and lace is just a little too much. 

In rare cases, some may be able to make busy or clashing patterns look classy but is much harder to do. 

Instead: Elegance is mostly in simplicity, so you’re better off spending your time and money on more simple pieces. Opt for pieces with solid colors, one pattern, like stripes or floral, and pieces made out of one single type of fabric (max. 2).

When it comes to more colorful patterns, stick to those that have a similar tone, are from the same color family and patterns with no more than three colors

23. Gathered Seams

Gathered, scrunched seams give any piece of clothing a cheaper look. This is because these clothes are easier to manufacture as it helps to hide fit issues for off-the-rack clothes. It makes the fit more forgiving in leu of tailoring. 

On the other hand, flat, smooth seams are hard to produce for the masses since these types of seams usually need to be fitted. Thus, straight seams usually look more expensive and custom-tailored, while gathered seams look sloppier and generic.

Instead: Look for clean lines in clothes and try to find the best fit possible. Otherwise, get it tailored. 

If you still like the look of non-straight seams, go for something more intentionally part of the style like pleats or ruffles

Exceptions are dresses, skirts and tops wit ruching, which can be more flattering if you’re wearing a tighter silhouette.

24. Washed Out, Faded & Patchy Colors

Nothing is worse than faded black – except for perhaps acid wash jeans and any other pair of blotchy, bleached jeans for that matter.

Colors that look washed out, faded and patchy appear low-quality and unmaintained – this goes for any color, even whites that have turned yellowish

Steer clear of unevenly colored and bleached pieces as well as those that already look faded like grayish black.

Instead: Look for saturated colors. Prevent their rich color from fading by making sure that you don’t wash them too hot and frequently. Try using special laundry detergent made for certain colors like black and white.  

25. Neon Colors

Neon colors are so blinding that they distract from everything else in your look. They catch the eye immediately – there’s a reason that they’re used for safety gear. These are those particular highlighter shades like neon green (not lime green), neon yellow, neon pink and neon orange.

Unfortunately, these colors can come across as juvenile and trendy. They don’t last very long and are extreme hyper pieces. Wear them once and you’ll feel like you’ve worn them a million times. 

In addition, they are not the most flattering for many skin tones. They can wash out some skin tones out and even make you look sick. 

Avoid wearing completely neon outfits, especially in cheap styles.

Instead: Of course, you can still wear bright colors! There is literally a rainbow of colorful clothes from tangerine orange to lime green to bright yellow to hot pink. Bright colors look the best on their own in a monotone outfit or paired with neutral colors.

Nevertheless, neon colors can still look chic in moderation. Try items with elements of neon or small items like an accessory. A pair of shoes like these neon green snake skin heels or sneakers can be a cool pop of neon color. 

26. Graphic Tees and Clothes 

Graphic clothes, notably T-shirts, are a no-go if you want to look elegant and classy. This means anything with cartoons, animated characters or extremely artsy pictures. These can look a little immature, geeky and niche. 

Especially colorful graphic clothing sticks out like a sore thumb and is hard to match. They are often associated with free marketing when companies hand out freebies.  

Instead: Stick to plain clothes without graphics, especially plain tees. You’ll get more wear out of them since they are easier to match and look more sophisticated. 

If you do still want some graphic clothing, experiment with T-shirts with minimalistic text or pictures. They should be small and placed in an appropriate spot like on the chest / heart. Stick to one color, like white or black, or it should match the color palette. Classic graphics of a timeless band (or brand) like The Rolling Stones give a retro vibe.

27. Thigh-High Socks

Wearing thigh-high socks with shorter shoes were popular for a while. Unfortunately, they have a certain schoolgirl / anime aesthetic. This can either look end up looking a little juvenile and/or seductive

Additionally, one of the biggest fashion mistakes is visible underwear – and socks are included. So, avoid visibly donning thigh-high socks in any color or style. This also includes tights with fake socks and thigh-high stockings.

Instead: Opt for thigh-high / over-knee boots if you want a similar, yet classier look. What do you do with your leftover thigh-high socks? Of course you can wear them underneath your over-knee boots for added warmth and a tighter fit!

These were the different types of clothes that look cheap and what to wear instead. Please keep in mind that these are only suggested guidelines rather than rigid rules. Style is an individual thing. So if you want to still wear any of the above, go for it! At the end of the day, you’ll feel the best wearing what you’re most confident in. 

Cover Photo Credits: Joseph Kellner

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