India, Sept. 27 -- Ever wondered why some outfits immediately look polished and luxurious while others, despite being expensive, don't have quite the same effect? According to designer Payal Jain, the answer isn't about a visible logo, an elaborate embellishment or simply how much a garment costs.

The founder and designer of Payal Jain Design believes that the perception of luxury comes from a combination of details, including fabric, cut, proportions, craftsmanship, finishing and the way a garment sits on the body.

We asked her what makes an outfit look expensive and refined, and her answer offers some useful lessons for anyone looking to build a more polished wardrobe.

For Jain, fabric is the first thing she considers when evaluating...