Like everyone, we’ve been watching a certain polarizing Netflix lifestyle show. One thing everyone can agree on is the fabulousness of high-low fashion (Loro Piana + Zara = love.) High-Low is the ultimate hack for looking chic. For the midlife woman who’s navigating career moves, relationships, or just her day-to-day hustle, high-low fashion is a fabulous approach. When you blend luxurious, high-end pieces with affordable staples, you get to create a unique look. And during a time when milk and eggs cost a fortune, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to shop your closet while still staying current.
Vintage Chanel bag + Banana Republic pants + Zara cape + Frame top
Why Every Midlife Woman Needs High-Low Fashion
By this stage, we’re generally at a point in life where less is more. We’re not chasing trends like we did in our twenties (who else rolled up to a nightclub in a snowstorm wearing nothing but a bustier, jeans, and heels). Now, we’re investing in timeless pieces and curating a wardrobe that reflects where we are now - and where we’re headed. We invest in luxury because it feels good and is well constructed, not because we want to wear a logo that can be seen from space.
It’s not about impressing everyone else. It’s about you. You’re dressing for your joy, your vibe, and your mirror-side selfies.
Five Benefits of High-Low Fashion
Before we jump into the how-to, here are a few reasons why high-low fashion will become your new favorite way of dressing:
Affordability Meets Luxury
Splurge on the pieces you’ll wear forever (hello, Gucci loafers) while keeping basics cost-effective (thank you, J.Crew).
More Mileage for Your Wardrobe
By blending price points, you’ll stretch your options and create endless outfit combinations.
Express Your Personality
Your style represents you, and with high-low dressing, you can be decadently chic or casually cool, depending on your accessorizing mood.
Timeless over Trendy
Investing in one or two timeless designer items elevates your entire wardrobe, even if most of your clothes are from the sale rack at Zara.
Flexibility for Every Occasion
High-low is versatile. Whether you’re leading a boardroom meeting or grabbing groceries, you’re always put together with just the right balance of flair.
How to Build a High-Low Wardrobe
1. Start with the “High” Pieces
Think of these as your anchors. They’re the standout items in your wardrobe that have the power to make anything else you wear look next-level. Chances are, you are pulling these from your closet.
The Classic Bag
Invest in a bag that screams “iconic.” Maybe it’s a vintage Chanel flap bag or a buttery leather tote from Celine. It doesn’t have to shout logos, but it should say luxury.
Tailored Outerwear
A neutral trench coat from Khaite or great leather jacket is worth every penny. These pieces elevate even a $10 T-shirt.
Quality Shoes
A pair of elegant pumps or stylish loafers (I see you, Gucci Horsebit) adds instant polish to your look. Ditto for white leather sneakers (Veja and Reebok make great ones) And speaking of polish, please do!
Remember, these high-end pieces don’t need to be brand new. Scour second-hand luxury stores for great deals, especially on outwear, blazers, and handbags.
2. Mix in the “Low” Pieces with Intention
Affordable doesn’t mean cheap. It means strategically pairing versatile, everyday pieces with your luxe items.
Fitted Denim
Those mall-bought skinny jeans? Pair them with a classic boots and a fitted blazer and you have a great look.
Basic Tops
Think fitted white tees, soft cashmere sweaters, or easy-to-layer bodysuits.
Seasonal Trends
Fast fashion is fair game for experimenting with bold colors or trendy cuts, because these pieces don’t need to last forever. A blazer from Zara can look fabulous when layered over classic Prada trousers. But before bringing home any fast fashion “hauls” please consider the planet. Zara is a yes. Gap is fabulous. Ultra-cheap, disposable fashion from the internet is never a good idea.
3. Stick to a Cohesive Palette
This is so important. Mixing high-low pieces works best when your overall color palette is cohesive. Less expensive clothes are better in white, black or denim. Navy and camel are tricky so it can be helpful to spend a little more (Max Mara camel is hard to reproduce). It pays to spend on prints (think Diane von Furstenberg) unless you’ve really developed an eye for fabrics.
4. Pay Attention to Fabric & Fit
Even affordable pieces can look expensive when the fit is impeccable and the fabrics are high-quality. Look for natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk blends, and tailor items to properly fit your body.
5. Accessorize Smartly
Pair a simple button-down with a Hermès scarf, or wear a classic gold-plated t-bar necklace (so much less expensive than solid gold) with a smart sweater. Accessories pull your entire look together.
6. Make Confidence Your Signature
At the end of the day, own your look. Even the most jaw-dropping designer piece won’t turn heads if you don’t feel like a queen wearing it. High-low fashion is about creating harmony in your closet and feeling authentically you.
Happy mixing!
Xx