6 Small Details That Will Make Any Outfit Look Instantly More Pulled Together

The one question we get asked the most at Who What Wear is how to look expensive on any budget. Often it's the little details that make you appear put-together, or conversely leave you feeling scruffier than you'd hoped. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley knows better than anyone how to do platinum-card dressing, and she almost always wears a pair gold earrings as her finishing touch of choice, whether she's on the beach or at a Hollywood event.

Shoes are one thing that can make the biggest difference on the scruffy scale, and polished loafers are a classic that not only go with any outfit but always look expensive. Other accessories that can really help to luxe up an outfit are a classic leather belt, simple sunglasses and pretty much anything in tortoiseshell. There are six finishing touches we think can smarten up an outfit—keep scrolling to see and shop each one.

1. Gold Earrings

how-to-dress-up-an-outfit-277320-1549995578770-image

(Image credit: @rosiehw)

A pair of gold hoops or statement earrings like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's make any outfit look more put-together—whether yours are from Celine or Mango.

2. Classic, Polished Loafers

how-to-dress-up-an-outfit-277320-1549995098338-image

(Image credit: Shot from the Street)

A pair of unpolished boots or scuffed trainers can make a real difference to an outfit. A pair of (polished) leather loafers look smart, but when worn in, they can be just as comfy as any pair of pumps. 

3. Tortoiseshell Accessories

how-to-dress-up-an-outfit-277320-1549995950506-image

(Image credit: Tamu McPherson)

Tortoiseshell accessories—whether glasses, hair clips, earrings or handbags—add an air of sophistication to an outfit. 

Related: 6 Small Details That Will Make Any Outfit Look Instantly More Pulled Together

4. Leather Belt

how-to-dress-up-an-outfit-277320-1549994828885-image

(Image credit: Sylvie Mus)

It's hardly the most exciting accessory out there, we know, but a belt will help your clothes look more tailored and blend separate pieces together. 

5. Classic Sunglasses

how-to-dress-up-an-outfit-277320-1549995698534-image

(Image credit: Brittany Bathgate)

For a put-together, polished look, avoid garish or trend sunglasses and go for something classic. You can't beat a pair of tortoiseshell Wayfarers by Ray-Ban.

Related: Summer 2019 Fashion Trends: Looks You Need to Know

6. Black Hair Bows

how-to-dress-up-an-outfit-277320-1549995292874-image

(Image credit: Brittany Bathgate)

You don't need to spend a fortune on these finishing touches. A black ribbon looped around a ponytail looks amazing with a tailored blazer.

Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2019.

Emma Spedding