Finance tips for getting a high-end look without breaking the bank

Love the champagne lifestyle but living on a lemonade budget? Don't worry, we've got your back.

You'd be forgiven for thinking it costs a fortune to get a high-end look, either at home or in your wardrobe. Of course, a six-figure salary would make life easier, but at the end of the day we can only work with what we've got. Alas.

Thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to elevate your style and countless hacks to save cash on those items you just have to have. Don't believe us? Read on my luxury-loving friends, I promise you'll thank me.

Use a rewards credit card

If you're going to make a purchase, you might as well get rewarded for it, right? Rewards credit cards can let you spread the cost of a purchase over a longer period, while also giving you points that you can redeem in future.

For example, the David Jones American Express card rewards customers with three points for every $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations, two points for every $1 spent at David Jones, and one point for every $1 spent anywhere else^.

You can even redeem them in a way that suits you. Shop with points online at David Jones, redeem reward points for gift cards at major retailers and airlines, or credit your account.

Fees do apply if you're going to get a rewards credit card though, so always look out for the interest rate, annual fees, and any terms and conditions. Before you apply for any financial product, you should also read the TMD, too.

Install a browser extension

There are lots of free browser extensions which sit quietly on your desktop but then jump into action whenever they find a deal or discount code for the website you're visiting.

I use one called Honey, but there are plenty of options out there. In short, they scan the Internet for discount codes and then apply them automatically. No more searching for codes and spending ages typing them in just to find out they're expired. You're welcome.

Join a cashback site

If you've never heard of cashback sites, I'm about to change your life. Basically, cashback sites earn a commission whenever a visitor clicks through to a store from their site. Usually, they'll earn a percentage of however much the person ends up spending.

But like the angels they are, cashback sites then share that commission with you. So if you were planning on buying something, why not claim some cash while you're at it?

The amount you get back varies between brands and sites. Occasionally you can get up to 40% of your spend back, but it's usually closer to 10%. Still, it all adds up over time.

Embrace vintage

The pinnacle of sustainable shopping, vintage and pre-loved clothing is good for the environment and kind on your pocket. Plus, it's a great way to find high-quality and unique pieces for a fraction of the original retail price.

"Instead of opting for fast fashion options that will appear exactly the price you paid for them, check out the latest runway of the top designers to get some inspiration, and then head to thrift stores or your mum's or grandma's wardrobe and take your time to look through the racks," suggested Olivia Vlachou, fashion stylist and co-founder of All The Dresses.

Vlachou also urged shoppers to try lots on, even if they're unsure at first.

"Pieces can look very different on the hangers than on your body," she told Finder. "You're guaranteed to find some gems, and a tailor can make adjustments to the garment to ensure it looks like it was made for you!"

Hire high-end

If you really can't justify the expense of a new outfit for one big event, clothing hire can be a great alternative which makes designer outfits accessible to the everyday Aussie.

"The benefits of hiring means you're able to get that high end look whilst paying a fraction of the retail price, and you won't be left with a garment in your wardrobe that might not fit perfectly later down the track," said Vlachou.

Shop small

We get why the biggest brand names are appealing but don't forget to shop small. Independent stores often have high-quality pieces which won't be seen everywhere else - unlike the latest line from that designer you (and everyone else) love.

While independent stores aren't necessarily cheaper, you will be injecting money back into small businesses and local economies - which is very much needed after a tough 2020.

Compare other rewards credit cards here

• American Express David Jones card terms and conditions

  *This offer is available to new David Jones American Express Card Members who apply online by 28 September 2021 , are approved and spend $1,500 at locations excluding David Jones on your new Card within the first three months of becoming a David Jones American Express Card Member. Offer ends 28 September 2021.

  If you opt in to Membership Rewards, you are eligible to receive 50,000 Membership Reward Points. If you opt in to Qantas Frequent Flyer, you are eligible to receive 25,000 Qantas Points. Reward Points are earned and converted to your chosen rewards program in accordance with and subject to the David Jones Storecard and David Jones American Express Reward Points Terms and Conditions available at davidjones.com/rewardpoints. Please allow 8 to 10 weeks after you have made the eligible spend for the points to be credited to your account. Eligible spend does not include annual Card fees, interest, fees and charges for foreign currencies.

  Customers applying for the David Jones American Express Staff Card or Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other David Jones Credit Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer.

  *Promotional Interest Rate offer of 0% p.a. for 6 months on purchases is only available to new and approved credit card applicants who apply for a David Jones American Express Card or David Jones American Express Platinum Card. This is a limited time only offer which may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice.

  The lower interest rate of 0% p.a. will apply to purchases on your David Jones American Express Card or David Jones American Express Platinum Card for a period of 6 months from the date of account approval. Any purchases that remain unpaid at the end of this period will become subject to the standard purchases annual percentage rate applicable to your account, currently 20.74% p.a., after 6 months. This interest rate does not apply for Cash Advances and associated fees.

  ^Rewards points T&Cs

  Reward Points are governed by the David Jones Storecard and David Jones American Express Reward Points Terms and Conditions and exclusions apply. For full Terms and Conditions click here. Participating retailers in Australia include the following merchants who have been classified as "major supermarkets": Bi-Lo, Coles, Fishers, Food For Less, Fresh Provisions, Harris Farm Markets, IGA, Macro Wholefoods, Safeway, Supabarn, Thomas Dux and Woolworths.

  Participating retailers in Australia include the following merchants who have been classified as "major petrol stations": Ampol, BP, Caltex Woolworths, Gull, Metro, Mobil, Peak, Safeway Petrol, Shell, United, Woolworths Petrol and 7 Eleven. Exceptions may apply if individual retailers do not accept American Express as a form of payment. Additional points for major supermarkets and petrol stations may not apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to a major supermarket processed through a payment aggregator may not earn the additional points. Reward Points are earned for every one Australian dollar spent on goods and services. Subject to your account being kept in good standing and not overdue.