Look Like a 10, Spend Like a 2: How to Dress Like a Baddie

Let’s be real—half the time I get dressed, I’m aiming for “baddie” and landing somewhere between “off-duty model” and “forgot to do laundry.” But you don’t need stacks of cash or a sugar daddy in finance to serve serious looks.

If you’re figuring out how to dress like a baddie without over drafting your bank account, you’re in the right place. Because looking expensive? That’s a skill—not a price tag.

Grey hoodie. Baggy sweatpants. Crocs (not even the cool “acceptable” brand name ones).

I remember thinking: “Whoa.  Is this who I am now?  A human laundry pile?” WTF!?  As if I had no idea who the woman staring back at me was. 

I felt like I was having an out of body experience.  Dramatic?  Maybe.  But not as dramatic as my transformation was about to be, I thought to myself. 

That night, I went home, opened Pinterest, typed how to dress like a baddie, and fell down a rabbit hole of outfits I couldn’t afford and poses I couldn’t pull off. But then I had a realization…

These outfits? They’re 90% attitude and 10% layering. 

Step 1: Channel Your Inner Confidence Gremlin

Before we even talk about clothes, we need to talk vibes.

Dressing like a baddie doesn’t start with your closet—it starts with how you carry yourself. Think of it like this:

Even if you’re rocking those $5 leggings, a thrifted flannel, and some sneakers that saw better days during the Obama era, the right strut makes it a look.

So, here’s your baddie checklist (yes, there’s a checklist):

✅ Shoulders back

✅ Chin up

✅ Slight smirk like you know something no one else does

✅ Walk like you’ve got urgent baddie business at Dollarama

And remember:

You don’t have to go full Kardashian—this isn’t about affording Gucci. It’s about radiating “I could be famous, I just don’t feel like it today” energy.

Even if your outfit came from three different thrift bins and your shoes have mileage, confidence makes it look intentional. The girl next to you in $400 boots? She’s trying. You? You’re thriving.

Still feel awkward?  No worries. Try this:

• Pretend you’re the main character in a music video
• Walk like there’s dramatic wind blowing through your hair
• Or better yet, walk like your toxic ex is watching

You’re not just learning how to dress like a baddie—you’re learning how to be one. And trust me, that starts from the inside out. Confidence first. Crop tops second.

• Black bodysuit (goes with everything)
• Fitted jeans or cargo pants
• Oversized flannel or denim jacket
• Gold hoops (trust me)
• Crop tops (duh)
• White sneakers or combat boots
  
  

You don’t need to go full Kardashian right out of the gate—unless you’ve got a glam team hiding in your closet. 😉

The truth is, baddie energy is all about effortless confidence, not looking like you raided a reality star’s suitcase. Start small and build your style from the basics up. Think chill, not costume.

You want people to slowly start noticing like, “Wait… when did she get so cool?”—not whispering, “Okay but who does she think she is in that outfit?” Keep it low-key, stylish, and most importantly, you. Let the baddie vibes sneak up on them. That’s part of the charm.

These are how to dress like a baddie starter packs, and most can be found at thrift stores, Walmart, or on sale at H&M.

And hey—mixing high and low is the secret sauce. Thrifted flannel? Pair it with fresh nails or a bold lip. $10 Walmart crop top? Rock it with attitude and some dollar store gold hoops like they’re 24K.

Want to really level up? Try this mini style challenge:

Pick one basic piece from your closet and style it 3 different ways this week.

Monday: Cute with joggers.
Wednesday:  Layered under a denim jacket.
Friday:  Add a bold lip and hoops—and boom, a sexy night look.

Baddies aren’t rich. They’re resourceful.

It’s not about having more, it’s about making it look like you do. Master that, and you’re not just learning how to dress like a baddie—you’re becoming the kind of girl other people start Pinterest boards about.

Step 3: Thrift Like a Legend

Maya’s Tip:

The Men’s section is a Goldmine.  

That “dad flannel” you just picked up? It’s about to become your new favorite Instagram fit.  You can absolutely figure out how to dress like a baddie by reworking stuff for under $10.

That’s fashion magic!

Layered necklaces = baddie energy.

Lip gloss = literal baddie fuel.

Accessories are what make a $6 tank top look like a whole outfit. And yes, you can get most of them at the dollar store, Shein, or your cousin’s bathroom drawer (just kidding… unless?).

How to dress like a baddie without spending big? Stack accessories like you’re building a tower of sass.

Step 5: Hair + Face = Half the Look

You don’t need a full glam squad. But you do need to look like you tried—even if you didn’t.

Throw your hair in a claw clip or slick bun. Swipe on some mascara and lip gloss. If you’re feelin’ a bit spicy, draw on a little eyeliner wing and pretend your life is a music video.

Baddie energy comes from owning your look—even if that look was built in five minutes with drugstore makeup and dry shampoo. If you’re into beauty on a budget, this is your time to shine.

Step 6: Pose Like You Mean It

Baddies don’t just dress the part—they post the part. Master the mirror selfie. Practice your “I woke up like this” face. Take pics like no one’s watching (and then delete the 46 that don’t hit).

Confidence is part of learning how to dress like a baddie. Even if you’re wearing an $8 outfit, act like it’s custom.

And if you feel awkward? Great. That means you’re doing it right. Awkward evolves into iconic, trust me.

When you think about how to dress like a baddie, it doesn’t mean you need to be rich, famous, or own a closet full of Gucci. So, if you’re Googling outfit inspo while eating cereal for dinner, girl, you’re in the right place.

Here’s the deal:

• Ya don’t need fancy labels.
• Ya don’t need a sugar daddy.
• Ya just need confidence (well, ok and maybe a cute jacket).