How to Look Rich As a Teen

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Teens with money seem to live in a different world than those from middle- to low-income families. Their hair and makeup always seem perfect, and their clothes never seem to wrinkle. Pay attention to how these kids look and act, and you'll be able to look like you're rich, too!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Dressing Like You’re Rich

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  1. If you want to look like you’re rich, avoid dressing in messy clothes. Look for clothes with more structured tailoring, like button-down shirts or nice trousers. For a more feminine look, try wearing dresses with a nipped-in waist or a slim-fitting skirt and a blouse or sweater. [1]
  2. You can look rich even when you’re dressing casually by choosing well-fitting jeans in a dark denim. Darker jeans are sleeker and look more expensive. [3] They also tend to look dressier than light denim. [4]
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  3. Clothes often look more expensive in neutral colors like camel, off-white, black, beige, and blush pink. Mix and match these neutral tones to create a luxurious look, regardless of what you paid for the pieces. [6]
  4. You don’t have to wear leather loafers to class every day, but you won’t look rich if you’re wearing your old gym shoes. Buy a good pair of shoes to make your outfits look their best. Look for stylish sneakers, boat shoes, or a nice pair of flats in a versatile neutral color. [7]
    • Make sure your shoes look good for as long as possible by keeping them clean. Don’t wear your good shoes when you’re playing sports or when you’ll be getting messy, and wipe any dirt off of them as soon as possible to avoid staining. [8]
  5. Wear nice clothes if you have to give a presentation at school or you’re attending a special assembly. Opt for a pretty dress, a button-down shirt with a nice pair of slacks or a skirt, or a sports coat with a pair of khakis.
  6. Girls don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to have a nice bag. Look for a leather (or faux leather) purse in a versatile color like beige or black. Make sure it's free of any logos, as this will cheapen the look of the bag. The stitching and the hardware (snaps, zippers, and rings) should seem sturdy, since expensive bags are usually built to last. [9]
    • When you're choosing a nice bag, look for one you can use every day. For instance, choose a versatile color and material, make sure it holds everything you need, and check that you like the handle. [10]
    • Opt for a backpack in a neutral color if you have to carry one. If you have to carry your books to school in a backpack, look for one made from leather or canvas in a color like white, tan, black, or blue. A simple, neutral backpack will coordinate with most of your outfits and will make you look more polished. [11]
  7. Rich people tend to prefer simple, polished accessories. Wear a nice-looking watch, a chain bracelet, or a simple pendant necklace. Remember, less is more when it comes to accessorizing. If you pile on everything you have, you’ll look like you’re trying too hard. [12]
  8. With the one-third rule, you can fill your closet with well-made, expensive clothes without spending more money than you usually do. Figure out about how much you usually spend on clothes. Then, the next time you’re shopping, buy 1/3 as many pieces of clothing as you would normally buy, but spend 3x more on each piece. This way, you’ll have nice clothes that will last much longer. [13]
    • Even if you only get to shop for clothes on your birthday, following the one-third rule can help you build a richer wardrobe over time.
  9. Having your clothes tailored to fit you is relatively inexpensive, but it can make a huge difference in the look of your outfit. [14] A tailor will be able to adjust your clothes to be perfect for your body. They can hem pants to hit you at the perfect length or take in your shirts and jackets to fit you perfectly in the waist. [15]
    • Ask your parents or look online to find a tailor, then visit them whenever you find a special piece that doesn’t fit quite right.
    EXPERT TIP

    Alena Le Blanc

    Personal Stylist
    Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.
    Alena Le Blanc
    Personal Stylist

    Cultivate a high-end look through minimalist shapes, neutral colors, and quality fabrics. Look for clothing or accessories crafted from luxurious natural materials. Opt for simple yet classic designs with earth tones and neutrals like black, white, beige, and navy. Make your style exude sophistication and class.

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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Being Well-Groomed

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  1. You don’t have to spend a fortune to have great hair . Wash your hair every 1-2 days, have it trimmed regularly by a professional, and use a deep-conditioning treatment once a month if your hair feels dry. Choose simple hairstyles, like a bun or down in loose waves. [16]
  2. Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Getting enough sleep will make your skin look bright and fresh and will keep you from having dark circles under your eyes. Having good skin will help you look more wealthy. [17]
  3. Rich people often have a pearly white smile. Get the same look by making a priority out of your oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss every day, and use mouthwash to keep your breath fresh.
    • Rich teenagers can afford to have their teeth professionally whitened, but you can get the same look by whitening your teeth at home. Use white strips once a week, plus brush daily with a whitening toothpaste for a pearly-white smile. [18]
    • If your teeth are very sensitive or have decay, you should not use whiteners. Try adding baking soda to your toothbrush when you brush your teeth instead. [19]
  4. A light spritz of perfume or cologne can make you smell nice all day. However, too much of a scent can be overwhelming to other people, and can even cause them to have headaches. Keep moderation in mind when you apply a fragrance.
  5. Dirty, jagged fingernails are a sign of poor hygiene. Luckily, you don't have to get a manicure once a week to have nice nails. Wash beneath your fingernails when you take a shower, and keep them clipped or filed neatly. If you polish them, choose neutral shades and reapply the polish when it starts to chip. [20]
  6. Rich teenagers usually don’t wear a ton of makeup. Keep it simple with a moisturizing foundation, mascara, blush, and a neutral lipstick or lip gloss. It’s okay to experiment with different makeup looks to find what looks best on you, but your focus should be on simplicity. [21]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Acting Like You’re Rich

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  1. One secret that wealthy people know is that having good posture makes a big difference in how people perceive you. Whenever you think about it, try to sit or stand up a little straighter. Roll your shoulders back, push out your chest, and hold in your stomach. The more you practice this, the more natural it will feel.
  2. Rich families usually emphasize good etiquette with their children, since it will become important as they go into business later in life. Use good manners by not interrupting others when they speak, shaking hands with someone you’ve just met, and being polite in conversation. [22]
    • Other etiquette basics include chewing with your mouth closed during meals, saying “please” and “thank you,” and refraining from belching, passing gas, or scratching yourself in public.
  3. Education is extremely important to most rich people, since it opens doors to good jobs. Pay attention in class, do your homework, and study for your tests so you will get good grades in school. Focusing on your education is a great way to help you actually become rich later in life! [23]
  4. Many rich people make time to give back to their communities. Find an organization you respect, like the Boys and Girls Club or Habitat for Humanity, and volunteer on the weekends or during the summer. Socializing with other volunteers is a great way to climb the social ladder, and seeing families in need might make you realize you’re wealthier than you thought. [24]
  5. Rich people have to stay informed about current events in order to protect their income and investments. Get a digital subscription to a prestigious newspaper like the New York Times or the Washington Post, and follow news anchors and political figures on Facebook and Twitter so you’ll always know what’s going on in the world. [25]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How should I style dark denim?
    Nejla Renee
    Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
    Nejla Renee is a fashion stylist, image consultant, and personal shopper based in New York, New York. With over seven years of experience, Nejla specializes in helping people enhance their positive attributes and express their identities through style. Nejla holds a BS in Marketing and Finance from Northeastern University and worked in finance prior to starting her own business. Nejla combines her business experience with her personal creativity, passion, keen eye for detail, innate sense of style, and strong understanding of fit and proportion to help her clients create peace and acceptance around their style.
    Nejla Renee
    Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Dark denim feels a bit dressier, so it's great for outfits that require being dressed up, like for work or going out.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
  • Question
    What should I do if people don't believe that I'm rich?
    Community Answer
    Let them believe what they believe. If you actually had it, you wouldn't flaunt it.
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 97
  • Question
    I go to school where most people are rich. This makes it harder to fit in. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    This actually should make it easier! If most people are rich, you can make people believe you are rich too! Just make sure you look nice and presentable, have good grades and good hygiene, take care of your hair, and be polite. Try to become close or best friends with rich kids in your school. Many rich kids are also friends with other rich kids, so it will make it easier for you to blend in and also appear rich. If you can't afford name brand clothes, shop at outlet stores or thrift stores.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • You can find a lot of expensive looking outfits and accessories for usually under ten dollars at thrift stores.
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      • Research is everything. Find visual inspiration through Pinterest, searching for keywords such as "classy fashion" and "look expensive": it gets a lot easier when you've found examples.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2874/dress-like-you-have-money/
      2. ↑ Nejla Renee. Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 May 2020.
      3. ↑ http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2874/dress-like-you-have-money/
      4. ↑ Nejla Renee. Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 May 2020.
      5. ↑ Nejla Renee. Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 May 2020.
      6. ↑ http://www.howtobechic.com/2013/09/how-to-look-expensive.html
      7. ↑ http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2874/dress-like-you-have-money/
      8. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/8-Shoe-Care-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Footwear-Looking-and-Feeling-Like-New-/10000000177630941/g.html
      9. ↑ http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2874/dress-like-you-have-money/
      1. ↑ Nejla Renee. Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 May 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/23/carry-backpack_n_5609211.html
      3. ↑ http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2874/dress-like-you-have-money/
      4. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-look-and-act-like-a-millionaire-2012-5?op=1/#llow-the-one-third-rule-2
      5. ↑ Nejla Renee. Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 May 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/20/clothing-alterations-tips_n_7088356.html
      7. ↑ http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2874/dress-like-you-have-money/
      8. ↑ https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep
      9. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-tara-koch/how-to-look-rich-on-the-c_b_1082207.html
      10. ↑ https://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/common-teeth-whitening-mistakes
      11. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-clip-your-nails
      12. ↑ http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2874/dress-like-you-have-money/
      13. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-look-and-act-like-a-millionaire-2012-5?op=1/#ow-some-manners-11
      14. ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/02/the-rich-get-richer-and-more-educated/385166/
      15. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-look-and-act-like-a-millionaire-2012-5?op=1/#imb-the-social-ladder-by-volunteering-12
      16. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/10-to-follow-current-events

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Looking rich as a teen is all about dressing well and acting sophisticated. Instead of baggy, casual clothes, dress with a clean, classic style. For example, wear a button-down shirts and chinos, a blouse and pencil skirt, or a nice dress. Go for neutral colors, like camel, off-white, black, and beige, which often look more expensive. You can also show off an accessory or 2, like a designer bag or a nice watch. Wealthy people generally teach their children good manners, so if you want to pass as rich, say please and thank you, and don’t interrupt people when they’re speaking. You should also focus on your studies so you can get a good job, which is what separates a lot of rich people from others. For more tips, including to learn about current events to seem well-informed, read on!

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