Look Fancy Without Spending a Fortune

12:30 PM, July 24 2012

By Natalie Matthews

Forget what other people preach: looking fancy on a budget isn't as simple as collecting convincing costume jewelry or buying one really expensive classic piece and wearing it all the time. Pulling off a polished look—everywhere, not just as parties—is a nuanced, tricky challenge. But to prod your friends and family into wondering whose trust fund you inherited or how steep your last promotion pay raise was, we'd try these sneaky tips:

Instead of spending $100 on lackluster, simple black pumps, buy overly-complicated ones like these. With a metal cap toe and floral applique design, they seem like the spoils of someone who collects ridiculously elaborate, kitschy designer pairs like Prada's flame heels and Miu Miu's glitter sandals.