There’s a fine line between looking elite and trying too hard.

We’ve all seen it. The middle-class American who splashes out on particular items in an attempt to appear more high-end, more elite. But sometimes, it just doesn’t hit the mark and comes off as trying too hard.

It’s all about perception, isn’t it? We’re constantly making choices on what to buy, where to go, what to wear, not just for our own satisfaction but also for how we want others to perceive us.

In this article, we’re going to delve into the 7 things American middle class people often buy in their quest to feel elite – but unfortunately, these purchases often fall into the ‘try-hard’ category.

It’s all in good fun and maybe it’ll even help you make better choices next time you’re aiming for that ‘elite’ feel.

1) Luxury cars

Nothing screams ‘elite’ quite like a shiny, high-end car. It’s a status symbol, a clear indicator of wealth and success.

And middle-class Americans know this. They often opt for luxury brands like BMW or Mercedes, even if it means stretching their budget to the limit.

But here’s the thing – while these cars may be a sign of affluence, they can also come off as ostentatious. Especially when they’re parked in front of a modest suburban home or in the parking lot of an average workplace.

Instead of projecting an aura of wealth and sophistication, it can sometimes give off a vibe of desperation to ‘keep up with the Joneses’. It’s a classic case of trying too hard to appear elite.

Now, don’t get me wrong. If you love cars and have the means to afford one, by all means, go for it! But if your sole purpose is to impress others, you might want to rethink your strategy.

2) Designer labels

I’ve seen it in my own circle. A friend, who we’ll call Jane, works a middle-class job and lives in a middle-class neighborhood. Yet, whenever we meet up, she’s always sporting the latest designer gear.

From Gucci belts to Louis Vuitton bags, Jane seems to have an endless collection of luxury items. It’s clear she’s trying to project an image of high-end living.

But rather than coming off as chic and elite, it often feels like she’s trying too hard. Instead of admiring her style, our friends often end up discussing how out of place these extravagant accessories seem in our casual meet-ups.

The irony is, Jane is a wonderful person with great taste. If she chose pieces that truly reflected her style instead of focusing on brand names, she’d undoubtedly come across as more genuine and, yes, more ‘elite’.

It’s not about the price tag or the designer label – it’s about authenticity.

3) Exotic vacations

There’s an increasing trend among middle-class Americans to splurge on extravagant vacations. Think luxury resorts in the Maldives or private villas in Bali.

These trips are often documented in minute detail on social media, showcasing stunning sunsets, private pools, and five-star dining experiences.

But here’s where it gets interesting: a study by Harris Group found that 72% of millennials prefer to spend their money on experiences rather than material possessions. This might seem like a healthier trend, but the motivation often remains the same – to appear elite.

The issue arises when these vacations are taken not for the enjoyment of the experience, but for the social media posts and the perceived status they confer.

It can come off as trying too hard, especially if these trips are financed by debt or at the expense of financial security.

Travel is a beautiful thing and is worth investing in, but it should be for personal enrichment, not societal approval.

4) High-end alcohol

We’ve all been to a party or gathering where someone proudly presents a bottle of top-shelf liquor. It’s usually accompanied by a story about its rareness, age, or the intricate process of its making.

The desire to serve high-end alcohol is another way some middle-class Americans attempt to elevate their status. The presumption is that serving expensive liquor suggests not only affluence but also a refined palate.

However, unless you’re genuinely a connoisseur who can appreciate and discuss the nuances of your expensive alcohol, this can easily cross into the realm of trying too hard.

In reality, most party-goers are more interested in the company and conversation than the price tag on the bottle. In my experience, a well-made cocktail or a locally brewed craft beer can often make a bigger impression.

5) Private schooling

When it was time for my daughter to start school, I found myself facing a dilemma. Like many middle-class parents, I was torn between sending her to our local public school or a private institution.

Private schools often have smaller class sizes, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a reputation for academic excellence. But they also come with hefty tuition fees.

In my social circle, many parents opted for private schools. Not necessarily because they believed it was the best educational choice, but because it was seen as a status symbol.

I wrestled with this decision. I worried about what people would think if we chose public school. Would they think we couldn’t afford private education?

In the end, we chose our local public school. And here’s the thing – my daughter thrived. She received a great education and developed a diverse group of friends.

The lesson here? We shouldn’t make crucial decisions like our children’s education based on trying to appear elite. It can actually come off as trying too hard and can put unnecessary pressure on our kids and our wallets.

6) Memberships at elite clubs

You’ve probably heard about those exclusive country clubs, golf clubs, or yacht clubs where membership can cost a small fortune. For some middle-class Americans, joining these clubs represents a ticket into the elite class.

These memberships come with perks, of course. Access to facilities, networking opportunities, social events and more. But they are also often associated with a certain level of prestige and exclusivity.

The problem arises when these memberships are acquired solely for the status symbol they represent, rather than for the joy of the activities or the community they offer.

It can end up feeling like a forced attempt to fit into a group where you don’t naturally belong. And let’s not forget the financial strain it can put on families who are stretching their budgets to maintain these memberships.

True class and elegance come from being comfortable in your own skin and your own social circle. No membership card can buy that.

7) Over-the-top home upgrades

Investing in your home is a smart move. But there’s a difference between making meaningful improvements and going overboard with unnecessary luxury upgrades.

Some middle-class homeowners install high-end features like professional-grade kitchens, home theaters, or marble bathrooms hoping to elevate their status.

But without the lifestyle or means to match these features, they can seem out of place and pretentious.

The most important thing to remember is that a home should be a reflection of the people living in it, not an attempt to impress others. Opt for upgrades that genuinely enhance your lifestyle and comfort, rather than those aimed solely at portraying an image of luxury.

Final thoughts: It’s about authenticity

Ultimately, striving for an ‘elite’ status isn’t inherently bad. We all want to improve our lives, and sometimes that involves purchasing things that reflect our aspirations.

But here’s a quote that rings true:

“Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.”

– Giorgio Armani

The real value lies in being authentic, in making choices that align with who we are, not who we think we should be.

The items we’ve discussed are not intrinsically problematic. It’s the motivation behind these purchases that can lead to a perception of trying too hard.

Next time you’re about to make a purchase, ask yourself: Am I buying this for me or for the image I want to portray? The answer might surprise you and guide you towards choices that reflect your true self.

Because at the end of the day, elegance and class aren’t about what you own; they’re about how you live and who you are.