It doesn't take designer clothes to make you fashionable, obviously.
We grew up without a lot of money, and when I was a teenager I used to buy really cheap clothes, like whenever I saw something cheap I'd buy it. The clothes always looked GOOD, and it was always my taste
But the more I grow up (23 now) the more I realize that patience, thought, AND a bit of money does buy better QUALITY of clothes.
Unfortuately, classical, plain clothes do cost more than busy, trendy, weird clothes that will go out of style very soon. That's unfortunate but I think it is smarter to invest in clothes that cost a bit more that you can wear for years.
I used to always think - buy whatever's cheap - but after a lot of pain and ruined possessions you realize - be smart, don't waste your money, but buy quality.
Money = Quality and Time
Unfortunately if I had more money I would be more stylish - that's just fact. I would have a lot more time to shop - which means thinking carefully before buying anything and searching high and low for the perfect garment that goes to my taste.
Also, each piece would have more quality and be more gorgeous.
Also, I'd have time/money/patience to care for each garment - I'm so cheap that I hate buying dry-clean-only items - but if I had more money I could dry clean everything in my closet - even wifebeaters and jeans so that they never fade.
Designers don't make you fashionable - but they do make other shallow people envy you a lot and notice you.
I do think that time, money (AND TASTE OBVIOUSLY) go a long, long way in helping you look great day to day.