Taking the High-Low Road When Dressing
Fashion isn’t about dressing in head-to-toe designer or only wearing the most luxurious things you can find—it’s about expressing who you are. Incorporating pieces into your wardrobe that meet a lower price point is a creative way to make your look uniquely you. This is where high and low dressing comes in!
High dressing is all about luxury and quality. Think mid to high-end brands, nice fabrics, and attention to detail. It’s basically the low-key classic stuff that doesn’t always turn heads, but is timeless and will last. On the flip side, low dressing is affordable, practical, and inclusive. It’s about finding either a cool fast fashion find or hidden gems at thrift stores, consignment shops or vintage shops.
My outfits are very “high-low” and I definitely have a few tricks for how I tackle this process if you watch my video:
My highs are typically the timeless neutral foundations of my outfits: jeans, blazers and bags. If you check out the Pinterest boards below (and click on each image) you can see where I invest. These Pinterest collages are cool because if you click on the single item in the collage you get redirected to the website where you can purchase. I don't get commission, it's just fun and inspiring!! Also, I must clarify that I didn't spend $1,000 on those Tibi jeans in the pink T-shirt collage. Wow. I don't know why they are selling for that much on Net-A-Porter!!!! Oh and I like to shop vintage for high quality items at a lower price point especially for shoes, blazers, unique coats and bags. Like the Dries blazer in collage two is something I'd likely hunt down on TheRealReal.
My lows are almost always trends. Here’s the thing with trends, I like to try them at a lower price point and if I wear the trend a ton, I will buy the nicer version. I am okay with holding onto a trend well beyond it’s acceptable. For example, the black mesh ballet flat above is a trendy shoe I’m considering. I've been eyeing something like that on MANGO. If I purchase them and wear them all the time, I'll go ahead and buy the higher quality version by Alaia. Let's be honest, better quality lasts forever and if I like something I want to wear it forever.
Quickly back to the highs — then you have the non-classic pieces that are expensive but you fall in love with and need! They are the pieces you have zero patience to hunt down or wait to go on sale. Pieces like the bubble skirt below. This paragraph is for the ladies who really know themselves and their style enough to go for it. It's a fantastic thing!
Here’s the coolest part: you don’t have to choose one over the other. Mixing high and low pieces is where the magic happens. Pairing a high end sandal with a thrifted pair of jeans or rocking an amazing coat you found at a consignment shop with a classic designer bag you’ve been eyeing. That’s high and low dressing in action. It’s about creating looks that are as unique as you are, without worrying about what’s “in” or “out.”
So, whether you’re rocking high-end luxury, vintage one-of-a-kind finds or budget-friendly frocks, remember that personal style is not defined by the labels or how much money you’re spending. It’s about mixing it up, having fun and celebrating what you like!
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