Why Are We Larping as Rich People?

Social media has made it easier than ever to see how everyone else lives. Between hauls, vacation photo dumps, and get-ready-with-me videos, other people's luxuries are on display around the clock, and the pressure to keep up with the Joneses can feel relentless. At the same time, everyday life keeps getting more expensive, especially for Gen Z.According to Numerator's Consumer Goods Price Index, Gen Zers are feeling inflation more than the average shopper: Prices on the things they buy have climbed 39 percent since January 2018, while prices overall are up about 34 percent. Still, the pressure to look the part hasn't gone anywhere, and paying for life's luxuries in installments has become common: Fortune reports that 44 percent of Gen Zers used buy-now-pay-later services in 2024.Then there's luxury larping. "Larping," short for live-action role-playing, has become Gen Z slang for performing a version of yourself that doesn't match reality, and luxury larping means dressing and posting like you have more money than you do, often with designer dupes and replicas.The term is usually meant as a callout, but the appeal is easy to understand, since wearing something that feels special is fun at any price point. And you can get that feeling with what's actually in your budget, no replica or persona required."Luxury" ultimately comes down to three things: convenience, fit, and how much joy you get out of a piece, and none of that requires a designer budget. The tips below will help you feel luxurious without the luxury price tag.Ditch the LogosI'm not saying logos are bad—it's all a matter of taste. But before you buy something, ask yourself whether you'd still want it without the logo. If the answer is no, you might be paying more for the name than the piece itself. Instead, lean into pieces you love for their construction, especially when it comes to bags, shoes, and belts. Think careful stitching, sturdy hardware, and leather that softens with wear, no obvious branding required.Make It (Kinda) CustomYour tailor should be your BFF. Take your clothing to a local shop to make sure everything fits just right. Even simple, inexpensive fixes like hemming jeans so they hit at the perfect length or taking in a waistband make a big difference. If that's not in the cards, look for brands that offer petite, tall, and extended sizing for a made-for-you look.Opt for Natural FibersCashmere, silk, merino wool, linen, and other natural fibers look expensive because of their quality rather than flash. A garment's fabric directly affects how it drapes and holds its shape, so check the content tag before you buy. To get the look for less, shop direct-to-consumer brands, which skip the retail markup, or browse secondhand sites, where well-made basics often sell for a fraction of their original price.Reach for Neutrals A tonal or neutral palette is one of the easiest ways to make affordable pieces look polished, since it lets the cut, fabric, and tailoring take center stage. It also means all the pieces in your wardrobe complement one another, making it easy to pull together an elegant look.Ruby Ford-Dunker (McAuliffe) is a fashion and lifestyle journalist featured in Vogue, InStyle, Elle, Who What Wear, Marie Claire, Brides, the New York Post, Business Insider, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best vanilla latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe and Substack via Style Note.