The Style Lab EP.02 Recap | How to Look Expensive Without Spending Big
Last week’s episode of The Style Lab EP.02 brought our “fashion lab” back to the livestream stage — this time, for a real-world lesson in smart styling on a budget.
In today’s fast-paced fashion world, it’s easy to assume that expensive means better. But this episode flipped that idea on its head, showing how you can look stunning without breaking the bank.
From a viral red dress found on TikTok Shop, to a thrifted white gown that looked bridal-level elegant — and from a $195 purse regret to a pair of show-stopping earrings that cost just $8 — this episode was part fashion show, part price-guessing game, and 100% packed with value.
If you’re building your “budget baddie radar,” this one’s a must-watch.
🔥 PART 1: The $36 Red Dress That Went Viral
Miranda kicked things off with a little red dress from TikTok Shop — priced at just $35.99 — that racked up over 500K views on her Vegas dance video. It’s fits like a dream, and totally camera-ready. Whether you're filming or out to dinner, it’s proof that a standout look doesn’t need a designer label.
👜 PART 2: The $195 Mistake (And Why Price ≠ Quality)
Not all fashion wins — and Miranda was quick to admit it. She shared the story of buying a trendy pink Steve Madden purse for nearly $195, only to realize it didn’t live up to the hype. Side-by-side with a simple $30 bag? The cheaper one actually looked and felt better.
Lesson learned: being price-smart beats being brand-blind.
💎 PART 3: The $8 Earrings That Stole the Show
Arguably the biggest shock of the night came when Miranda showed off her favorite gold statement earrings — the same ones she wore to the Mission Impossible red carpet. Viewers guessed $80, $100, even $150...
But the actual price? $8.04.
👗 PART 4: A Thrifted Wedding Dress — For $30?!
K.O. then dropped jaws with a white lace dress she wore for her anniversary shoot — a piece so elegant, strangers thought she was getting married.
Turns out, she found it in a Los Angeles thrift store for just $30.
Let that sink in: a $30 “wedding-level” dress that photographs like couture.
👗 PART 5: The $25 Silk Dress & the $16 Temu Surprise
It didn’t stop there. K.O. also showed off a silky champagne gown she scored for $25 and a deep purple royal dress from Temu that was just $16.56. Both were styled to perfection — and looked like they belonged on a red carpet.
Pro tip they shared: Look for details like fabric texture, lace, and tailoring — those are what make a piece look expensive, even when it’s not.
🎁 Missed the Live? We Got You!
We’ve uploaded the best moments — outfit reveals, price-guessing games, and real talk — to our official YouTube channel：www.youtube.com/@TheSTYLELab-Show/shorts
Don’t forget to subscribe, because next week’s episode is coming in hot with even more smart styling tips and surprises.