The Art of High-Low Dressing

I spent my college days working in the American and European Designer Salon at Marshall Field’s – the premier Chicago department store of its day. As you can imagine, my time on the sales floor prompted an interest in fashion and quality apparel. The experience was a blessing and a curse – it gave me an appreciation for a well-cut dress, but it also put me at a price point that was unsustainable. At the time, fashion was all about head-to-toe dressing. We never mixed labels, and we never thought about pairing a Valentino jacket with Levi’s.

Today, it’s an entirely different matter. High-low dressing has become the norm. While I’m not one to follow trends or purchase a lot of clothing every season, I do find myself adding a fun, inexpensive piece to my wardrobe once in a while. Every time, I hesitate and ask myself, “Is this me?” That was the case when I purchased the $49.99 H&M jacket in the photo.

Here’s how I overcome my fears when it comes to high-low dressing.

Accessories Matter – select one luxury item per outfit to elevate the rest of it. For me, it’s usually a handbag. I think you can get by with a lot when you’ve got a timeless luxury bag on your arm. But, you don’t have to break the bank at Chanel, Celine, or Yves Saint Laurent. A vintage Hermes bracelet, a Gucci belt, or a pair of Celine sunglasses will do the trick.

Alterations Matter – a proper fit makes all the difference in the world. If you’re saving money on low-end clothing, spend a little extra on alterations. It’s worth spending another $20-25 to get the sleeves shortened.

Details Matter – it’s the little things that count. Don’t be afraid to make changes to the low-end clothing you’ve purchased. Something as simple as swapping out cheap plastic buttons for beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons can make a big difference. And, when you’re done with the item, remove the buttons and keep them for future use.

Quality Matters – even low-end clothing can possess quality characteristics. Be on the look out for a nice lining, natural fabrics, and well-sewn seams. Buying low-end does not mean buying junk. If the item is snagged, pulled, or ill-fitting, move on. You’ll find something better.

Grooming Matters – a good blow-out and perfectly polished nails can make any ensemble look richer. When I think about my high-low ratio, I definitely factor hair and nails into the quotient and count them as a plus.

What do you think? Have tried high-low dressing? What works for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.