Elegant Women Never Wear These Luxury Items

If you're wondering how to dress like an elegant woman without the obvious brand identification, there are a few key items to avoid, and you have likely seen them circling around social media and your local shopping mall countless times. 

When it comes to large logos, signature colors, and trendy items, these pieces are simply walking advertisements that you paid for – and they don’t add anything to the elegance of your overall look. Rather than being an unpaid influencer for a large company, elegant women utilize luxury fabrics to create cohesive, classy outfits that don’t specifically highlight their wealth. 

If you desire to be more elegant or simply want to pull the trigger on a new luxury item, read this list first! 

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Chanel Earrings or Brooches

One of the biggest issues with designer brands like Chanel or Gucci is the obvious product label placement on their trendier products. Trends start when a large group of people can recognize an item and then buy it, which is why these obnoxiously labeled items become so popular in the world of fashion. 

Instead, shop around for a classic pair of pearl earrings, which are the perfect combination of whimsical and elegant. If you like the statement that the Chanel earrings make, choose a pair with a larger pearl or a pair with a similar shape. 

Maria Black Vento 22K-Gold-Plated & 6-8MM Baroque Freshwater Pearl Drop Earring, $120

Gorjana Reese Pearl Huggies, $55

Gucci Belts 

Ring ring, 2015 called and wants its Gucci belt back! The combination of bold prints, like cheetah or even chevron, paired with one of these ugly belts is a recipe for disaster – and definitely not the epitome of class. Especially with the heavy circulation of knockoffs and dupes in recent years, elegant women certainly do not wear Gucci belts as a finishing touch on their outfits. 

Instead, choose purposeful accessories that coordinate with your look, without drawing attention to your stomach, waistband, or pant zipper. And if you are in the market for a new belt, find a quality piece that seamlessly blends with the rest of your look! Style inspo incoming! 

Anthropologie Basic Keeper Belt, $70

Anine Bing Harper Belt in Black, $180

Louis Vuitton Bags

Another piece that you will easily find on countless influencer pages and at your local mall is a LV bag. However, the popularity of the style does not make it a classy, elegant addition to your collection. These smaller or overly printed LV bags are usually worn by women who want to appear rich, but are actually women who put the purchase on a credit card to be paid for at a later date. Don’t waste your money!

Instead, choose a bag that is built to last and is easy to coordinate with the majority of your outfits. A tasteful bag is far more impressive than a tacky designer logo! Stick to neutral tones that actually have a place in your wardrobe and are something that you are happy to carry everyday!

Annabelle Crossbody Purse, $55

Anthropologie Buckle Shoulder Bag, $98

Cartier Love Bracelets 

There are so many classy options to choose from when purchasing designer jewelry, but the popular Cartier Love bracelet is not one of them. This clunky bracelet is only famous because of the designer label, which means that it's not an attractive piece on its own. It's most commonly worn with a slew of other bracelets (Tory Burch charm, anyone?), but because of its shape and weight, the Love bracelet has the tendency to drag your other bracelets down with it, leaving your wrist cluttered and awkward. 

Instead, spend that money on a wear-alone bracelet with a little bit of sparkle. Invest in a pretty bracelet that fits your personal style and lifestyle, highlighting the daintiness of your wrist with extra shimmer. 

Swarovski Crystal Tennis Bracelet, $125

Breda Jane Watch, $195

Trendy Designer Shoes

Footwear should be these two things: comfortable and stylish. A designer label does not bypass these two requirements, which is why it's best to stay away from trendy designer shoes. Following the same guidelines as before, elegant women avoid obviously branded items and easily identifiable logos/colors in their shoe choices. Elegant women should hear “I wonder where she bought those” without the passerby’s effortless add-to-cart click of an online dupe.  

Instead, choose quality over brand. Neutral toned shoes, like black, brown, and white, will be the most functional in an elegant wardrobe. Well-made shoes may come with a higher price tag, but they will look and feel put-together, even in the simplest outfits. 

Silent D Korin Mary Jane Block Heels, $150

J Crew Slingback Kitten Heels, $54

Full Fur Coats and Hats

Because they come across as incredibly insensitive, full fur coats and hats have more of a Cruella de Vil vibe than one of elegance! These types of fur items don’t actually impress anyone or reveal a great sense of fashion, so it’s best to skip these altogether. Elegant women are subtle and graceful in their styling, and full fur items are the obvious opposite of these qualities. 

Instead, opt for wool coats that will keep you warm without the tone-deaf presentation. Worn as a final layer to your best winter wear, a wool coat is classy and sophisticated, with a silhouette that subtly indicates wealth. 

J Crew Daphne Topcoat in Italian Boiled Wool, $298

Abercrombie Wool-Blend Dad Coat, $220

Items with Loud Designer Branding

T-shirts with large logos, like this Gucci shirt, or obnoxious handbag brand labels do not accomplish elegance by any means. This type of designer item is meant to flash wealth, revealing the budget and spending choices of the wearer. However, flashy fashion is not considered a good thing and often highlights financial immaturity and “new money” wealth rather than elegance. 

Instead, choose pieces that feel designer, regardless of the label. Cashmere, silk, Pima cotton, and satin each have a luxurious look, but you can often find them for less than designer prices. There is no need to flash a designer brand when you can subtly ooze class and sophistication in less obvious pieces. This gorgeous blue shirt has the Gucci label on the inside tag, but draws your attention to its silhouette and fabric instead! 

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $50

Reformation Layla Silk Skirt, $198

Closing Thoughts

Spending the big bucks doesn’t necessarily equate to good fashion, especially if you strive to be an elegant Evie girl. Instead of chasing the designer labels, focus on pieces that look and feel good on your body. Confidence is the most elegant thing you can wear! 

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