How to Pretend to Be Rich

You probably aren’t living the dream life of private jets and mansions, but you may want to fool others into believing you are. You can pretend to be richer than you are by setting up some basic guidelines, including a budget. Buying nice things is always the quickest way to make an impression, but you’ll also find success by taking care of yourself, acting well-educated, and staying busy with hobbies and other fun activities. Pretending can be fun, but if you want to truly be rich someday, manage the way you spend and act today.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Looking Like You’re Rich

1
Dress up in form-fitting clothes. Pick up a few good outfits that fit your body type. Stylish button-downs, dress shirts, pants, and other clothing are refined options. Match them with a pair of dress shoes that give you a little extra height instead of sneakers. For special occasions, switch to a suit or beautiful dress.^{[1]XResearch source}
- The richest-looking clothes don’t have to be designer-brand. Avoid displaying designer logos and instead focus on what makes you look and feel good.
- Buy less clothing and spend the money you save on a few good articles. You can also rent designer clothes from some places.
- Even if you don't have a lot of money to invest, try allocating some of your resources to good tailoring. For example, a well-fitting inexpensive suit will help a man look much more magnetic and stately than an ill-fitting expensive suit.
2
Spend on a few classy items you need. In addition to clothing, things like new electronics, cars, and jewelry are the most obvious status symbols. Getting a new iPhone might be a good idea, if you actually need a phone. That doesn’t mean you should abandon it for every new model that comes out, since that’s what people pretending to be rich are expected to do.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Instead, clean and protect your expensive items from damage so they last longer.
- Work these items into your budget. You don’t have to tell anyone how much they cost, so don’t be afraid to get them used.
- For men, it's a good idea to think about investing in shoes—particularly, leather dress shoes. Buy one or two nice pairs and take proper care of them. Your cost per wear will be low, but the impact will be great.
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3
Shop for items on sale or at reduced prices. Scour local listings for police and government auctions to find vehicles, jewelry, and other items. Outlet stores are a place to find name-brand clothing at slashed prices, while garage sales and thrift stores may also have quality items someone else is throwing away.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Print out coupons and use them as often as possible to save money.
4
Repurpose items that you already have. Instead of throwing away a shirt, work it into a new outfit. Matching it with a fresh pair of pants or an accessory can reinvigorate your style, meaning you don’t need to buy an expensive new shirt to look rich. Also, try taking scrap parts from things you own and make them into something unique.^{[4]XResearch source}
- For example, try incorporating old jewelry into new pieces or using scrap metal from old electronic devices to make sculptures.
You don’t have to go to an amazing salon, but find a modern, clean-cut style that looks great on you. Keep your hair soft and shapely with shampoo, conditioner, and regular trimming. Ask a stylist for recommendations, or learn to cut your own hair.^{[5]XResearch source}
6
Get into shape by exercising and eating healthy. Looking your best causes more people to assume you’re rich. That means finding a healthy weight and sticking to it by staying active and eating food that’s good for you.^{[6]XResearch source}
- You can do this by visiting a gym, playing sports, and substituting snack food for fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
- Losing a lot of weight doesn’t look any better than when you’re worrying about being too heavy.
Get plenty of sleep. No one’s going to think you’re rich if you’ve got dark circles under your eyes. A lack of sleep wears out your skin and keeps you from mastering other skills, such as speaking and staying active. Do your best to get to bed early, at the same hour every night.^{[7]XResearch source}
8
Take flashy pictures and share them online. It’s no secret that people judge you based on images. Get accustomed to taking and selecting the pictures that portray you in a positive light. Put on your best clothes or snap a photo of the new watch you bought. Pose in bright lighting to create colorful pictures people can’t ignore.
- You can also take pictures of your experiences. If you travel, snap photos. Posting pictures of things like jets, beaches, or beautiful buildings, even if you can’t afford them, can make you seem richer than you are.
- Avoid sharing photos that put you in a negative light, such as when you’re taking a posed selfie at a dimly-lit party.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Acting and Talking Like You’re Rich

1
Speak in grammatically-correct sentences. Wealth is often associated with education, so master the language spoken in your area. Avoid using lots of Internet slang, shorthand such as “u” instead of “you,” and contractions such as “ain’t.” Think about what you’re going to say and say it with composure.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Language and accents are interpreted in different ways depending on where you are. For example, some English accents are considered posh while others aren’t. Decide what style of speaking works best for where you live.
2
Educate yourself on subjects that impress others. Familiarize yourself with a few topics that are linked to wealth, such as stock trading, property ownership, vacation spots abroad, and fancy food items. You don’t need to have done any of these things yourself, but talking about them can make you seem extra classy.
- It doesn’t mean talking a lot about subjects like caviar or vacationing, but you should know the basics, such as how to pronounce a word like “foie gras.”
3
Be graceful by displaying good manners. Be friendly to those around you, greeting them and engaging in casual conversation. Avoid getting angry: stay calm and smile instead. Say please and thank you when appropriate. Also avoid rude or inappropriate gestures such as burping or spitting in public.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Not all rich people are pleasant to be around, but wealth is associated with good manners. Pretend like you’re at a boarding school learning how to hold a knife and fork properly.
4
Display confidence in yourself. Rich people tend to believe they deserve everything they have. Know what you want and don’t be afraid to go get it. Even if you’re feeling anxious, put on a brave face, breath deeply, and show everyone that you’re not afraid to try a new venture.^{[10]XResearch source}
- The things you try should still be safe and within budget. Confidently say no to things you don’t want to do, such as doing something unsafe.^{[11]XResearch source}
5
Stay humble by not asking for recognition. People who are pretending to be wealthy try hard to be noticed. You’ll have better luck having fun and looking good while doing it. When you do something right, such as at school, work, or when volunteering, avoid bragging about your accomplishments.^{[12]XResearch source}
- For example, don’t talk about how expensive your clothing is or how much better you are at playing violin than everyone else in your music group.
6
Stay busy with activities that make you happy. Instead of partying and showing off, be active. Find some hobbies you enjoy doing. It’s true that you’ll likely meet some rich people while skiing, but you’ll also gain a lot from hobbies like cooking or other sports. Spending quality time with friends or volunteering gives you an opportunity to have fun and make new connections with others.^{[13]XResearch source}
- People can typically see you’re not rich by looking at your face for a lack of positive expressions, such as smiles.
- A lot of hobbies can be used to sound richer than you are. For instance, cooking involves good food and talking about fancy ingredients.
7
Travel when you get the opportunity. Go on adventures, such as taking a summer trip to a beach or by riding a bus to somewhere new. Watch everyone marvel in awe when you come back and tell them about your adventure. Everyone talks about rich people traveling to some corner of the globe, but you don’t need to plan expensive trips to faraway destinations.
- Look at budget trips or discount websites online. You don’t have to tell others about the budget part, and your trip will still seem impressive.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Real Instead of Pretending

Set up a budget. Spending yourself to oblivion won’t fool people forever. Monitor how much money you have and how much you’re able to spend. There’s no use in getting designer clothing when you can’t afford to dry clean them.^{[14]XResearch source}
2
Save as much money as possible. Go to a bank and open a checking or savings account. Every time you receive some money, put part of it into the account. Watching that amount build can make you feel richer than that diamond necklace you’ll only wear once a year.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Money saved is money you’ll always know you have in case of an emergency.
- Remember to cut your costs as much as possible, such as by shopping for sales. When someone catches you, ask, “Well, how do you think people get rich?”
3
Avoid owing money. Debts tend to leave bad impressions, even if it’s merely borrowing a little bit of money from a friend. Rich people don’t look like they owe others anything. That’s why it’s important to always have enough to cover your own needs and expenses.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Debts such as loans are stressful, so you won’t even get to feel rich.
4
Pretend to be rich when it helps you blend into the crowd. A good rule of thumb is to dress like the people around you. If you’re applying for a job at a prestigious law firm, renting a crisp suit or designer dress helps you look and feel like you belong there. In any other environment, these clothes make you stand out in a negative way.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Think of it as “looking like the person you want to become.” For example, when applying for that prestigious job, nice clothing and a clean car gives the boss a more positive impression of you than jeans and a t-shirt would.
5
Stop pretending when you feel like you’re showing off. Always remind yourself that truly rich people don’t need to flaunt their wealth. When you’re trying hard to show off, you offend others and harm your relationships. Pay attention to changes in how people normally act around you.
- For example, your friends might seem nervous about going out with you or avoid you altogether. They may also make jokes about rich kids on social media.
6
Give up pretending when you’re spending too much. You may end up going out every day to buy new jewelry or take a new photo that’ll impress everyone. This creates a lot of stress in addition to emptying your wallet. Go back over your budget and think about what truly makes you happy in life.^{[18]XResearch source}
- If you feel stressed or broke, take a step back and remind yourself that you don’t need to pretend to be rich. You’ll feel much better and look richer when you’re happy and healthy.
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Question
How do I not be jealous of someone?
Community Answer
This is normal, so don't be hard on yourself! As much as possible, ignore the things that make you jealous. Instead, think about ways how you can achieve what that person has. Try to enjoy what you do have right now, and stay friendly to that person if you have contact with them at all.
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Should I not say this that I am so rich?
Community Answer
This is something that most people will expect a person pretending to be rich would say. It draws attention to you, so people will think that you're showing off. It sounds rude and makes people feel uncomfortable around you, so avoid saying it.
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Question
I want to appear rich at my school, and I want to learn some class etiquette, do you have any recommendations?
Community Answer
Dressing nicely, such as in slacks and button-down shirts or dresses, helps. Stay well-groomed. You can search online to find lessons on etiquette. Spend time on lessons like manners and how to eat while with company.
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Tips

Don’t feel compelled to do all of these things. Plenty of affluent people live regular lives.
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Helpful1 Not Helpful0
It’s better to feel happy than to spend all your money impressing others with what you own.
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Warnings

Avoid lying to others about your wealth. It’s dishonest and can offend even your friends.
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Helpful18 Not Helpful0
Be careful about going overboard. Getting too caught up in appearing wealthy can mean making yourself unhappy or spending too much money.
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Helpful18 Not Helpful1