Nillah Nyakoa

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For generations, the global language of luxury has been spoken with a distinctly European accent. The celebratory pop of a champagne cork, the weight of a Swiss timepiece, the whisper of an Italian leather sole - these have been the universal signs that you have arrived.

But now, after generations of one story dominating the world of luxury, a shift is happening, and a different kind of style is being woven in Ghana.

The ultimate symbol of authentic cool is no longer just from the vineyards of Europe, but from the vibrant heart of West Africa, thanks to a groundbreaking <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/business/latest-international-business-news-and-headlines/its-shameful-chinese-owns-patent-rights-to-ghanaian-kente-designs-copyrights-expert-2024072914501522525">move to protect its iconic Kente cloth</a>.

Welcome to the era of heritage with a certificate of authenticity.

Luxury has always protected its origins. Think about what makes champagne, well, champagne. It is not just sparkling wine. The name is a legally guarded fortress.

To be called 'champagne', the grapes must come from a specific region in France and be processed using centuries-old methods. But this principle extends far beyond bubbles.

In Italy, Barolo wine isn't just any red; it is a Denominazione d'Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) product with controlled and guaranteed production.

That Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese you grate over pasta must come from specific provinces. These protections preserve story, standard and cultural identity.

Ghana has now placed Kente cloth firmly in this elite, legally protected league.

In September 2025, Ghana officially granted Kente Geographical Indication (GI) status, recognising that only cloth handwoven in certified communities such as Bonwire, Adanwomase, Agotime Kpetoe and Agbozume using traditional weaving techniques may legally bear the name Kente.

Authentic Kente is no longer just a beautiful striped fabric; it is a legally defined cultural asset tied to a specific place, people and technique.

<blockquote>To reinforce authenticity, Ghana is introducing traceable labels and QR-code verification, allowing buyers everywhere to confirm the origin of each cloth.</blockquote>

Any mass-produced, machine-printed imitation can no longer be marketed as Kente.

Modern status has evolved. It is no longer just about the price tag. It is about story, provenance and consciousness. Wearing authentic Kente is now a multi-layered statement of cool.

<ul><li>The Intelligence Flex</li></ul>

You understand that the nkyinkyim pattern symbolises adaptability and the twists and turns of life's journey, and that sika futoro represents gold dust and prosperity. You are not just wearing a pattern; you are wearing a profound language and philosophy.

<ul><li>The Ethical Flex</li></ul>

In a world saturated with fast fashion, your choice to invest in certified Kente directly supports the Ghanaian weavers, the true guardians of this centuries-old craft.

It is a luxury you can feel good about, a purchase that empowers a community and preserves a heritage rather than exploiting it.

<ul><li>The Exclusivity Flex</li></ul>

With protection comes rarity and verifiable quality.

A certified piece of Kente is not something you can pick up at any high-street retailer. It is a unique piece of wearable art, carrying the weight of history and the invisible signature of its maker.

<h2>African Designers Are Leading Global Fashion&rsquo;s Future</h2>

Ghanaian Kente embelishes men's African print coat on a model

Heritage is meeting high fashion on the global stage.

This move to protect Kente is not happening in a vacuum. It is the legal bedrock for a creative renaissance already in full swing across the continent.

Just as Kente gains its rightful place among the world's protected luxuries, the designers who champion such heritage are also being globally anointed.

Look no further than the announcement of the BoF 500 Class of 2025, which features Kenyan design star Katungulu Mwendwa.

Her work, celebrated for its modernist take on traditional East African forms and textiles, signals a crucial parallel trend. The world is finally ready to recognise African designers as global creative leaders.

Mwendwa’s recognition, alongside the protection of Kente, creates a powerful feedback loop. The legal protection elevates the raw material of heritage, while designers like her elevate it into the future of global fashion.

Mwendwa’s recognition, together with that of her fellow African designers rising in tandem with the protection of Kente, reveals a new truth. African heritage is no longer the mood board look of the season. It is the next chapter of global luxury.

<h2>No More &quot;African Print&rdquo; But Knowing What You Wear</h2>

Vague labelling erases identity. That catch-all term “African print” is the fashion equivalent of pointing at a wine list and saying “I will have a red”.

Instead, we step into a world of delicious specificity. We see style icons celebrated for their stunning Kente gown, their elegant Bògòlanfini jacket, or their vibrant Kitenge two-piece. We appreciate the coastal cool of a Kikoy wrap from Kenya, the intricate geometry of Shweshwe from Southern Africa, the royal indigo of Adire from Nigeria, and the breathtaking embroidery of Bazin from West Africa.

This is the real power of protection and recognition. It forces the world to move beyond a lazy stereotype and finally learn the names. It is not just fashion. It is cultural literacy made visible.

And it’s good to see luxury being rewritten. The old standards of a gleaming Swiss timepiece or the subtle elegance of an Italian leather sole no longer hold the monopoly on arrival.

Kente has claimed its rightful place, standing as a recognised signifier of status, identity and cultural confidence.

So, the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/kenyan-gen-z-millennials-embracing-soft-life-dating-but-whos-really-paying-the-bill-2025100706555129517">next time you’re at a gallery opening or a chic rooftop party</a> and you see someone radiating an undeniable aura of cool, take a closer look. You'll notice the value isn't announced by a flash of gold or the cut of an expensive shoe. It will be the vibrant, story-rich folds of a Kente.

And the question won't be, "Who are you wearing?" but, with a knowing nod of respect: &nbsp;"Is that an authentic Kente you’re wearing?"

<blockquote>Because authenticity is and has always been the truest status symbol of luxury.</blockquote>

Kente design used for a sun hat [Image Credit: Mukhtar Shuaib Mukhtar]

Ghana’s protection of its iconic cloth is about to become the ultimate symbol of African authentic cool. Kente was officially granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, recognising that only cloth handwoven in certified communities such as Bonwire, Adanwomase, Agotime Kpetoe, and Agbozume using traditional weaving techniques may legally bear the name "Kente".

Kente is the new champagne! Ghana’s iconic cloth now symbol of authentic African cool

We’ve all had that frustrating morning moment: you rush to the drawer, lift the trunk lid, or check the clothes on the rope line, and the thought hits you: “I have nothing to wear.” But the truth is, you don't lack clothes — your collection is simply overwhelming.

It's full of items that no longer fit your body, your lifestyle, or the person you are today. This clutter doesn't just occupy physical space; it quietly erodes your confidence and creativity every time you try to get dressed.

I’ll admit, I'm guilty of holding on, too. There are shoes I've worn just once, tops I keep "just in case" and pieces held purely for sentimental value.

For a long time, the biggest hurdle was feeling wasteful or thinking that replacing old clothes was financially unrealistic. And that’s completely understandable.

But I've learned this: if you don’t let the old out, you won’t attract the new. And sometimes, the new perspective is exactly what your personal style needs.

So, how do you know which items are holding you back? And how do you begin to clear out the old to make way for the new?&nbsp; Start with these.&nbsp;

<h3>1. Clothes that no longer fit your lifestyle</h3>

Your wardrobe should evolve with you. If you’ve changed jobs, moved cities, or entered a new phase in life, your style needs will shift too.

Those corporate suits you bought when you were in a nine-to-five job? They might not make sense now that you work remotely or freelance. The same goes for those party dresses that once saw the inside of every club but now just gather dust.

<blockquote>Let your wardrobe match the rhythm of your current reality, not your past routines</blockquote>

Wardrobe choices should reflect your current lifestyle [AI-generated Image]

<h3>2. Accessories that no longer suit your style</h3>

If, like me, you grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, it doesn’t mean what you wore then fits who you are now, unless, of course, you’re acting in a period drama. Style evolves, and so do we.

That chunky plastic belt or glittery headband that once defined your “look” might feel out of place in your modern wardrobe.

<blockquote>Instead of clinging to nostalgia, keep the few sentimental pieces that still bring you joy and let the rest go.</blockquote>

<h3>3. Pieces that don’t make you feel good anymore</h3>

Fashion is meant to lift you up, not weigh you down. If you put something on and immediately feel unsure or dull, that’s your cue.

Whether it’s a colour that washes you out or a dress that never quite sits right, it’s not worth keeping “just in case.”

<blockquote>Clothes should make you feel powerful, elegant, and comfortable - all at once.</blockquote>

<h3>4. Outfits that belong to an old version of you</h3>

There’s beauty in acknowledging that we grow. Maybe you’ve outgrown your love for neon or abandoned the heels you once braved for hours. That’s okay.

Holding on to clothes from another era of your life, whether it’s your uni days or your first job, can hold you back from expressing who you are now. Think of decluttering as an act of self-evolution, not loss.

<h3>5. Pieces you’ve been meaning to “fix” for years</h3>

We all have that one blouse that’s missing a button or those trousers that need hemming. If you’ve been saying “I’ll get to it soon” for more than six months, let’s be honest — you won’t.

Instead of hoarding “potential,” make space for items that actually work for you.

<h3>6. Shoes that hurt or don’t fit properly</h3>

No matter how beautiful they are, shoes that pinch, blister, or cause pain don’t deserve a spot in your wardrobe. If you avoid wearing them, they’re just clutter in disguise.

Comfortable footwear is confidence you can walk in, literally. Let go of the pairs that hurt and invest in those that support you, in both comfort and style.

<h3>7. Basics that have lost their shape or colour</h3>

Even the most timeless basics have an expiry date. <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/what-different-laundry-symbols-mean-2025061621350861314">If your white T-shirt has turned grey</a> or your black leggings are stretched beyond recognition, it’s time to replace them.

Fresh, well-fitted basics form the foundation of your wardrobe and instantly make any outfit look more polished.

<h3>8. Trend pieces you bought on impulse</h3>

We’ve all been tempted by micro-trends, that viral cut-out top or ripped jeans skirt that seemed fun at the time. But if you’ve only worn it once or it doesn’t feel authentic anymore, it’s better to let it go.

<blockquote>Building your personal style isn’t about keeping up; it’s about choosing what stays true to you.</blockquote>

<h3>9. Gifts you’ve never really liked</h3>

Keeping a piece of clothing just because it was a gift can feel polite, but your wardrobe isn’t a museum of other people’s choices.

If you’ve never worn it or it doesn’t align with your taste, thank it for the thought behind it and pass it on. Someone else might love it more than you ever could.

<h3>10. Clothes that bring up bad memories</h3>

Some outfits carry emotional weight. Maybe it’s a dress from a breakup or a job you didn’t enjoy. Holding on to those pieces can subconsciously tie you to moments you’ve already moved past. Release them with gratitude and make space for new memories in pieces that symbolise joy, strength, and confidence.

Your wardrobe should reflect your personal style

Finally, when it’s all said and done, I understand that not everyone can afford to refresh their wardrobe often, and that’s perfectly okay.

Many of us hold on to old clothes out of practicality, sentiment, or financial reasons. But whenever you can, take the opportunity to rebuild thoughtfully. Curate pieces that represent who you are now and who you’re becoming.

<blockquote>This isn’t about ruthlessly throwing things away; it’s about curating with intention. It’s about making space for the pieces that truly represent the best version of you right now.</blockquote>

When you only keep what aligns with your current confidence and energy, the morning routine stops being a chore and starts being a choice.

10 items you need to declutter immediately to feel confident in your personal style again

Maintaining a clutter of outfits that you don't feel excited about doesn't just fill physical space; it quietly chips away at your confidence and creativity every time you try to get dressed.

10 items you should declutter immediately to get back confidence in your personal style

Imagine a future where your child doesn’t have to face the same financial anxieties.

A future where an unexpected school fee or medical bill doesn’t trigger panic, and where their financial independence isn’t just a distant dream but a comfortable certainty. That’s really what every parent wants, isn’t it?

The goal isn't riches, but rather a life with less worry and more security. True wealth, after all, begins with stability.

I’m not talking about having millions in the bank, though that would be nice, but about giving children the tools and habits to build a comfortable,&nbsp;choice-filled life, one where they can make decisions without constantly feeling financially strapped.&nbsp;

The good news is that even small steps taken today can help your child enjoy a better quality of life&nbsp; tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why are these small steps so powerful?

<blockquote>The most powerful asset a child possesses is not their future salary but time itself. This means that even small amounts they earn or receive today, even pocket money, can be the starting capital for a lifetime of financial confidence and independence.</blockquote>

By learning the basics of saving and investing early, children can gain the ultimate financial superpower. Crucially, it doesn’t require a finance degree or a huge income; it requires strategy,&nbsp;discipline, and guidance from parents. Teaching your child financial literacy is one of the most&nbsp;valuable gifts you can give.

<h2>Why Starting Early Matters for Your Child’s Financial Confidence&nbsp;</h2>

Millennials, Gen X, and older Kenyans know the sting of learning financial lessons the hard way. For many of us, the difference between constant <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/kenyan-gen-z-millennials-embracing-soft-life-dating-but-whos-really-paying-the-bill-2025100706555129517">financial stress and a truly&nbsp;soft life</a> comes down to one painful realisation: hatukuanza kusave mapema, we started too late.&nbsp;

We often assume financial literacy starts with big money or a large&nbsp;salary, but in truth, even the smallest habits when started early can make a lifelong difference.

I wish&nbsp;someone had guided me sooner. Children who start learning basic money habits&nbsp;early are far more likely to develop strong financial skills as adults.&nbsp;

This principle applies even to the smallest sums. Even a tiny amount like a ka 5 bob or ka 10 bob,&nbsp;can teach your child the value of planning, prioritising, and making money work for them.

Again, it&nbsp;isn’t just about getting rich. It’s about helping your child live a life with less financial stress, more&nbsp;choice, and more freedom to pursue their goals.

Ultimately, the goal is to shift your child’s mindset from “the now” thinking, which I personally grew up with, to “the next five years,” showing that consistent small actions build confidence and independence over time.&nbsp;

If a child saves a fraction of their allowance or earnings each week, over months and years, the habit becomes second nature far more valuable than any single large sum.&nbsp;

And let’s be honest. Even if you know teaching financial literacy is the right thing, many of us don’t&nbsp;have that knowledge as children, and to be fair, that can make it hard to know where to start.

But don’t worry; that’s completely normal.

To make this actionable, let’s start with the very first step.&nbsp;One practical step is to visit your local bank, Sacco, or financial institution. They&nbsp;usually have staff who can walk you through basic accounts, savings plans, or simple investment&nbsp;options.

Who knows? Along the way, both you and your child might learn something new together, discovering the habit of saving side by side.&nbsp;

<h2>Building the Habit: The 3 Jars Method for Kids&nbsp;</h2>

Teaching money isn’t about the amount; it’s about creating habits. Many financial experts recommend the Three Jars System because it makes saving, spending, and investing practical and fun by making it visually comprehensible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For each amount a child receives, it can be split like this:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Spend 50% for immediate wants so children can enjoy their money while learning to make&nbsp;money choices.</li><li>Save 30% for short-term goals like a toy or accessory. This teaches delayed gratification, a&nbsp;core foundation of financial literacy.</li><li>Invest or Give 20% for long-term growth or charity. This builds empathy and shows that&nbsp; wealth isn’t just about accumulation; it can also be about positive impact.</li></ul>

Imagine a child starting to save today, decorating jars labelled Fun, Dreams, and Future. Each&nbsp;coin they drop isn’t about making millions; it’s about learning how their small choices today can make life easier and more comfortable tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Understanding Debt and Risk: Teaching Smart Money Choices&nbsp;</h2>

Before children start investing, they must understand that debt can work against them.

Parents can&nbsp;show simple examples: borrowing Sh1,000 at 20% interest could cost Sh1,200, while investing the same amount could grow to Sh1,500 over time. This comparison teaches children to&nbsp;prioritise, avoiding high-interest debt early.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h3>Where to Invest Smartly in Kenya for Your Child&nbsp;</h3>

Once children understand saving and patience, it’s helpful to show how money can work for them.&nbsp;

As a parent open Custodial or Junior Account, which is designed for long-term growth and&nbsp;is managed until the child reaches adulthood.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investing in familiar companies or stable funds makes the concept tangible.

Your children can see&nbsp; their money grow and understand how compound interest works, turning patience and consistency&nbsp;into excitement rather than theory.

Even with small amounts, the experience of saving and investing&nbsp;builds financial literacy that compounds faster than any interest rate. And even if they don’t become&nbsp; wealthy in the traditional sense, they gain the confidence to live a comfortable, secure life on their own terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h3>The Real Gift: Financial Freedom, Responsibility, and&nbsp;Confidence&nbsp;</h3>

Teaching children financial discipline now is one of the most valuable gifts a parent can give.

Starting early also has a broader societal benefit.

It can help challenge the culture of nipatieko, where some expect others to always hand out money. Helping others is important, of course, but dependency on other people’s money can collectively hold us back.

By teaching kids that financial&nbsp;responsibility is their own, we give them the freedom to choose the lifestyle they want.

Boy or girl,&nbsp; there’s nothing more empowering than knowing you can afford the life you want with your own&nbsp; money on your own terms, whether that’s wealth or just a comfortable, secure life.

<blockquote>Here’s a challenge for you parents. What’s the first money conversation you’re going to have with your child this week? Share it with other parents ready to raise financially confident kids because teaching one child can empower an entire generation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>

This is just my perspective, shaped by what I wish I had learned earlier. I’m writing this because I&nbsp;wish someone had started me on this journey as a child.

I’ve also drawn from what I’ve seen work&nbsp; for others who were fortunate enough to gain financial literacy at a younger age.

Today, they have a healthy relationship with money and a level of financial freedom that makes life a little easier and more secure. I hope these lessons help more children in Kenya to start building confidence and independence, one small step at a time.

How to help your child learn about money [AI-generated Image]

This is just my perspective, shaped by what I wish I had learned earlier. I’m writing this because I wish someone had started me on this journey as a child. I’ve also drawn from what I’ve seen work for others who were fortunate enough to gain financial literacy at a younger age.

How to help your child learn about money [Lessons I Wish I'd Known]

Be honest: How many times have you come back from a trip with nothing but pretty photos and that inevitable mild case of post-holiday blues?

What if, instead of simply escaping, your next trip was a genuine investment in you? Imagine coming home not only rested, but with a new skill, a fresh perspective, or even the spark that ignites a new career path.

For years, we've thought of travel as just an escape. However, whether you're travelling in Africa or exploring globally, traveling like a pro means seeing your journey as a valuable path to personal growth, not just checking landmarks off a list.

Increasingly, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/kenyan-gen-z-millennials-embracing-soft-life-dating-but-whos-really-paying-the-bill-2025100706555129517">people want trips that leave them changed</a>, not just rested, and this desire is precisely what defines a transformative journey.

Ready to shift your mindset? Here are five ways you can make your next trip a skill-building adventure.

<h2>1. Choose a Destination with Intentionality</h2>

<blockquote>It's time to stop asking, 'Where do I want to go?' and start asking, 'What do I want to gain?'</blockquote>

Every destination has something to teach you, but only if you travel with intention.

For instance, if learning a new language is your goal, you should skip the apps and head straight to Zanzibar for Swahili immersion or a coastal town like Mombasa for real-life conversations.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/food-and-travel/5-interesting-places-to-visit-in-thika-2025062315491288930">5 interesting places to visit in Thika, Kenya’s proposed sixth city</a>

These daily interactions are far more effective than any classroom. Similarly, if you're a creative soul, Nairobi is a hub for emerging photography, while local towns offer workshops in traditional East African skills.

Furthermore, for those interested in conservation, even a Kenyan safari can become a profound learning experience by focusing on eco-lodges in Laikipia that offer hands-on sustainability insights. Ultimately, aligning the place with your personal growth goals ensures every moment you spend there truly counts.

<h2>2.&nbsp;Seek Immersive, Hands-On Experiences</h2>

Once you've picked your destination, the real fun begins: digging deeper than the typical tourist brochures. We're talking about seeking out local workshops, short courses, or cultural residencies.

Fortunately, you don't have to navigate complicated sign-up sheets; booking platforms find and recommend immersive experiences easily, you could find pottery classes in a Maasai Mara village or a batik printing lesson in Tanzania.

These hands-on opportunities are so valuable because they combine demonstration, practice, and immediate feedback, which is exactly how you build skills that last.

Moreover, connecting with local mentors teaches you patience, observation, and problem-solving, the crucial soft skills that travel naturally builds.

<blockquote>Let's be clear: your holiday shouldn't feel like a second job!</blockquote>

You're on vacation, so balance is absolutely key. The trick, therefore, is to simply integrate curiosity into your everyday experiences.

Dedicate a morning to that workshop, and then spend the afternoon exploring a cultural hub or practicing what you’ve already learned.

By intentionally doing this, whether you're strolling through Nairobi’s artisan hubs, wandering Mombasa's Old Town, or exploring Lisbon’s historic streets, travel becomes a lifestyle of learning rather than a rigid schedule of obligations.

This balance allows inspiration and relaxation to coexist, making your trip feel both deeply enriching and truly restorative.

<h2>&nbsp;4. Build Your Soft Skills in Real Time</h2>

<blockquote>Technical skills are a great takeaway, but please don't overlook the development of your essential soft skills</blockquote>

Travel is, in effect, a living laboratory for real-world growth. Navigating a new city using public transport automatically sharpens your problem-solving abilities.

Furthermore, haggling respectfully at local markets strengthens your communication and negotiation skills. Even simple missteps, like mispronouncing a foreign word or getting lost, teach you crucial adaptability and resilience.

These traits translate seamlessly into your professional life. Consequently, purposeful travel gives you safe, stimulating challenges to practice these real-world skills so you can return home with far more confidence than you left with.

<h2>5. Reflect and Apply What You Learn</h2>

<blockquote>The journey isn't over when the plane lands back home; reflection is the final, essential step.</blockquote>

Take notes, keep a journal, or capture photos that specifically illustrate your successes and surprises. When you get back, the real work begins: finding ways to apply your new skills consistently.

This could mean turning your travel photography into a weekly personal project, cooking regional dishes you learned, or practicing your new language with friends. As a result, small, consistent applications like these can quietly evolve into a new side hustle, a portfolio piece, or even a completely new career path.

<h3>Travel With Intention, Not Just for Likes</h3>

It's completely okay to enjoy the fun side of travel, but trust me, purposeful travel delivers far more value for your time and money.

Every experience becomes an investment in yourself, a story worth telling, skills worth keeping, and memories that truly enrich your life.

The best souvenir isn't a magnet or a trinket; it’s a skill, perspective, or experience that changes your story and inspires others along the way.

It's completely okay to enjoy the fun side of travel, but trust me, purposeful travel delivers far more value for your time and money. Every experience becomes an investment in yourself, a story worth telling, skills worth keeping, and memories that truly enrich your life.

5 ways to travel like a pro and turn your next trip into a skill-building adventure

Do you ever look at someone and think, “How do they always look so put together?”

Even on casual days, their outfit looks effortlessly polished, not overdone, not try-hard, just right. You might wonder, is it their budget, their wardrobe, or something else entirely?

Here’s the secret: it’s not about how much they spend, but how they combine textures, balance colours, and style with purpose.

<blockquote>Because let’s be honest, even the most expensive pieces can look cheap if styled the wrong way. On the other hand, affordable clothes can look high-end when worn thoughtfully. </blockquote>

Once you master that mix, you’ll radiate that “rich” energy - polished, effortless, and impossible to ignore.

Here&rsquo;s how to make simple outfits look expensive using texture, colour, and smart styling.

<h3>1. Mix Matte and Glossy Textures</h3>

This is one of the simplest tricks for making your outfit look expensive without breaking the bank. Pairing matte fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool with glossy ones like silk, satin, or faux leather instantly elevates your outfit.

The contrast adds depth and makes your look feel more luxurious, even <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/fashion/reasons-thrift-clothing-is-popular-among-kenyan-youths-2025061914011052850">when every piece is thrifted</a>.

For example, if you&rsquo;re wearing a simple cotton shirt, pair it with a satin midi skirt or faux leather trousers. The interplay between the soft and shiny fabrics will make you look instantly polished — no designer tag needed.

<h3>2. Play with Structured vs. Soft Fabrics</h3>

Structured fabrics such as denim that holds its shape, tailored cotton, or suiting material create clean lines and definition.

Soft fabrics like jersey, chiffon, or viscose drape beautifully and add movement. The magic happens when you balance the two it’s one of the most underrated secrets in learning how to make simple outfits look expensive.

For example, pair a structured denim jacket (the kind that keeps its shape, not a slouchy one) with a flowy silk dress. The contrast gives your outfit that high-low sophistication seen on fashion insiders everywhere.

When your outfit feels flat, layering different materials instantly adds visual interest. Think of knits, denim, silk, and leather working together instead of competing.

For instance, throw a chunky knit cardigan over a satin slip dress or layer a crisp cotton shirt under a textured blazer. The goal is to make your outfit look like it has layers of thought, even if it took you five minutes to get dressed.

Colours play a huge role in how rich or cheap an outfit looks.

Neutrals and earthy tones like beige, olive, ivory, and camel tend to look more expensive, while overly bright combinations can sometimes cheapen a look.

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/fashion/7-must-have-winter-wardrobe-pieces-every-kenyan-fashionista-should-own-2025092611110284696">If you love colour, choose one statement shade and pair it with muted tones</a>. For example, wear a bold orange skirt with a cream blouse and brown sandals instead of pairing it with another bright hue. The result? Effortlessly chic, and a great example of how to make a simple outfit look expensive through colour balance.

<h3>5. Master Monochrome the Elevated Way</h3>

Wearing one colour head-to-toe elongates your silhouette and gives a polished finish. But here’s the trick, use different textures of the same shade to make it look intentional, not flat.

For instance, combine beige linen trousers with a silk blouse and a chunky knit cardigan. The colour is unified, but the textures add richness and dimension, giving you that quietly luxurious vibe.

Monochrome dressing is one of the easiest ways to make simple outfits look expensive, it’s timeless and foolproof.

<h3>6. Flip Classic Colour Combinations</h3>

Most people tend to pair black bottoms and white tops, but that combo often feels predictable, almost uniform-like. Flip it. Try white trousers with a black blouse, or cream jeans with a navy jumper.

This small change creates a fresh, elevated twist on a basic look.

Want to know how to make simple outfits look expensive? These 8 easy texture tricks will help you style affordable clothes like a pro. Learn how to mix fabrics, balance colours, and accessorise for that rich-auntie vibe, no designer labels required.

Nillah Nyakoa

Articles written by the author

Kente is the new champagne! Ghana’s iconic cloth now symbol of authentic African cool

10 items you should declutter immediately to get back confidence in your personal style

How to help your child learn about money [Lessons I Wish I'd Known]

5 ways to travel like a pro and turn your next trip into a skill-building adventure

Easy fashion tricks that make simple outfits look expensive every time

Kenyan gen z, millennials embracing "soft life” dating, but who’s really paying the bill?

7 must-have winter wardrobe pieces every Kenyan fashionista should own