Have you ever caught yourself eyeing a luxury handbag, a swanky watch, or some other extravagant purchase because it just “looks” successful?

It’s tempting to buy into the status game—after all, we’re bombarded daily by images and messages telling us that fancy possessions equal a better life.

But here’s the thing: truly wealthy individuals often don’t bother with flashy items to prove their wealth.

In fact, many of them prefer to keep a low profile, focusing on meaningful pursuits instead of trendy “look-at-me” buys.

Let’s dive into five prime examples of stuff that middle-class folks sometimes buy to seem rich, even though the genuinely wealthy tend not to care about them (and honestly, you shouldn’t either).

01 Designer labels purely for status

Let me start by saying I’m not against nice things. But I’ve seen friends and acquaintances splurge on designer clothing or accessories they can barely afford, just to feel a little more “high-end” when they walk down the street.

The assumption? That those Gucci sunglasses or limited-edition Nikes will help them blend in with the upper echelon.

The reality is that many truly wealthy people wear casual tees, jeans, or simple attire without huge brand logos plastered all over the front. 

Research seems to back this up. According to Thomas J. Stanley, author of The Millionaire Next Door, “the typical American millionaire reported that he (she) never spent more than $399 for a suit of clothing for himself or for anyone else.”

Next time you feel the urge to drop major cash on the newest, most exclusive label, ask yourself: “Am I buying this because I genuinely love it—or just so other people think I can afford it?”

02 The brand-new luxury car

We’ve all seen it: someone boasting about their fresh-off-the-lot luxury car with monthly payments through the roof.

Don’t get me wrong, some folks adore cars as a genuine passion. But often, it’s the lease or loan people can barely handle that feeds the “I’m doing better than I really am” narrative.

The wealthy have a different perspective. Many are perfectly fine driving a practical vehicle or even an older model that’s paid off. 

For instance, Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, famously drove a relatively modest (Cadillac XTS) car for years. A study by Experian Automotive suggests something similar; more than 60% of rich people drive cars from brands like Toyota, Ford, and Honda. 

It seems when you have actual wealth, there’s less need to prove it by pulling up in a brand-new Maserati. 

If you love cars and it’s a genuine hobby? Great. But if it’s a purchase solely for external validation, that’s where problems start.

03 Over-the-top jewelry and watches

Have you ever felt the allure of a diamond-studded watch or a massive chain that screams, “Look at me!”?

Jewelry is another go-to for looking wealthy—especially those big, shiny statement pieces. Some buy them in the hope they’ll convey success before they’ve actually achieved it.

Here’s the real kicker, though: truly wealthy individuals often wear understated pieces—or none at all—unless there’s personal or sentimental value attached. A well-made but simple watch, or a wedding band with deep meaning, might be all you ever see on them.

Back when I was doubting my own trajectory, I briefly contemplated buying an expensive watch. I figured if I wore that watch, people would assume I was someone important. But wearing a pricey piece on your wrist doesn’t automatically make you more confident or more competent.

Actually, I discovered more lasting change through something else entirely: embracing a modern approach to spirituality and mindset. 

I took Ruda Iande’s Free Your Mind masterclass. I’d never been big on self-development courses, but a friend kept insisting I give it a shot—especially since it was free.

Anyway, one of the exercises opened my eyes to how I’d been attaching my self-worth to external symbols (like flashy watches). I’d always been driven by a fear that I wasn’t measuring up, so I tried to mask it with “rich-looking” items. The course helped me dig deep, reconnect with who I really am, and drop the nagging worry that I needed more stuff to feel complete.

The truth is, no amount of jewelry can fix insecurities. And truly wealthy folks know that the best “status symbol” you can have is peace of mind and confidence in your own skin—neither of which is for sale at the local diamond store.

04 The flashy mansion

Remember that epic mansion Tony Montana had in Scarface? 

For many, a sprawling property with towering pillars, crystal chandeliers, and a grand entry is the ultimate proof of wealth. But does it truly reflect financial freedom?

Plenty of middle-class people stretch themselves to buy a bigger home than they can comfortably afford, just to show the neighborhood they’ve “made it.” It may seem glamorous initially, but then come the property taxes, maintenance, and utility bills. 

Suddenly, you’re “house poor,” living paycheck to paycheck just to hold onto a massive place you barely use.

Meanwhile, some high-net-worth individuals live relatively modestly—investing the bulk of their money in portfolios or businesses instead of locked-up square footage. They understand that bigger isn’t always better if it ties you down and robs you of flexibility.

Far better to choose a home that genuinely fits your needs and fosters a sense of belonging. In my experience, the feeling of freedom and mental space far outweighs impressing strangers who drive by your house.

Why live in a mansion if you’re constantly worried about mortgage payments and upkeep? 

05 Expensive ‘status’ gadgets

High-end gadgets can be fun, but I know people who replace their devices the moment the latest model hits the market—even when the current device works perfectly fine.

Why? Because for them, it’s not just about having a functional phone or television—it’s about showing the world, “Look, I can afford the newest toy.”

The wealthy, on the other hand, might stick with last year’s model if it still works. They’re often more interested in whether a gadget genuinely improves their life rather than whether it’s the brand-new, status-boosting version.

In my circle, I’ve seen individuals who are worth a small fortune but use slightly older phones, wear casual fitness trackers, and skip the giant 8K TV upgrades. They don’t see a need to flaunt fancy electronics. 

Meanwhile, folks who are hustling to maintain the appearance of wealth often pay for upgrades they barely use.

This doesn’t mean never upgrading. It just means pausing to consider whether you really need the latest version or if you’re chasing the dopamine rush of a shiny new box.

Rounding things off

It’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of “buying to look rich,” especially when social media and modern culture love to equate possessions with success. 

However, many wealthy individuals see through the hype. They know that true wealth is about having the freedom to live on your terms—not about brandishing designer labels, a flashy mansion, or the newest luxury car.

If you find yourself yearning for these status symbols, ask what’s really behind the urge. Is it genuine desire, or is it insecurity or a need for external approval?

The good news is that you can choose differently. You can invest in experiences, relationships, or personal growth—things that multiply in value over time and don’t leave you strapped for cash.

Here’s to focusing on what really matters, instead of chasing illusions of wealth. Because at the end of the day, people who love you don’t care about the brand names you wear—and the ones who do probably aren’t worth impressing in the first place.