Most of us would love a wardrobe full of impeccably constructed designer clothes that would make us look (and feel!) like a million.
Luckily, class is a state of mind, and achieving a wealthy look doesn’t mean spending big bucks.
From DIY alterations to professional styling tricks, FEMAIL reveals five tips and tricks you can use to flaunt your most expensive self in 2023.
Take a tip from Emma Roberts: A faux fur collar gives any outer layer a second life
1. Update an old coat with a faux fur one
Emma Roberts, 31, attended the Kate Spade Fall 2022 presentation in New York and looked ladylike chic in separates from the contemporary label.
Styled by her go-to styling team Brit and Kara Elkin, the ‘Scream Queens’ actress wore a red, pink and white houndstooth coat with red fur detailing the cuffs and collar.
She kept a similar pattern under the coat with a tweed dress in the same colorway and completed the ensemble with a white Kate Spade New York textured handbag.
Takeaway Tip: A faux fur collar gives any outer layer a second life.
Go for a detachable style with long, soft hair to give the look and feel of real fur.
While a neutral color is versatile, a rich red coat like Emma’s is the perfect complement to a day or night look.
Take a tip from Sienna: Sienna accentuated her slip dress from Alessandra Rich with a crystal embellished belt, a look that can be achieved with your favorite lariat necklace
2. Adorn your waist with a necklace
Sienna Miller, 41, attended the National Board of Review Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, bringing her laid-back bohemian style with her.
The ‘Alfie’ actress wore an asymmetric slip dress by Alessandra Rich in an abstract floral print with cascading ruffles for the special occasion.
For a rocking finish, Sienna completed her romantic look with a crystal-embellished belt.
Take-home tip: For centuries, belts served the practical purpose of holding up pants.
In the 1930s they were part of every dress to emphasize the waist.
In 2023, they’re just another accessory with the power to completely transform an outfit.
This season, reach into your jewelry box and adorn your waist with a lasso necklace. The unexpected jewelry can take any high-street garment from drab to fabulous.
Take a tip from Lily: Fancy buttons elevate the feel of a coat. Swap plain buttons for fancier clasps
3. Replace plastic buttons with fancier fasteners
Lily Collins was spotted attending an Emily In Paris press event in New York’s SoHo last month.
The 33-year-old embodied her beloved character in an oversized neon green button-down shirt paired with a black and gold sequined skirt, both by New York designer Brandon Maxwell.
She kept warm in a classic long black coat with irresistible rhinestone buttons.
Takeaway tip: A cheap garment will come with cheap plastic buttons.
To dress up your jacket, blouse or blazer, replace the chintzy clasps with more elaborate versions, like those on Lily’s designer coat.
This simple swap can breathe new life into a tired wardrobe. DIY or take it to your local tailor for a small fee.
Take a tip from Olivia: An over-the-top garment can instantly add “main character energy” to your look.
4. Add a dramatic layer for Main Character Energy
Olivia Palermo attended the grand opening of Chopard’s New York flagship boutique on Fifth Avenue looking like a true Manhattan socialite.
There were many famous faces at the invitation-only event, but it was the 36-year-old designer and entrepreneur, who recently launched her second beauty collection, that managed to steal the show.
Olivia confidently wore an eye-catching convertible skirt by Alexia Maria that was a mix of It-girl cool and Old Hollywood glamour.
The dramatic silk faille skirt with a front opening and side slit pockets instantly highlighted the star’s black Zara top and matching trousers.
Jennifer Lopez also knows how to mix high and low like a fashion expert.
Hand-in-hand with husband Ben Affleck, J.Lo paired her everyday Fair Isle sweater with a sheer floor-length skirt and belt for a red carpet look.
Takeaway tip: It’s one piece high, two pieces low.
Budget-friendly separates can look regal when paired with an investment piece.
Be it a billowing skirt, sheer bottoms or statement coat, by pairing a really special item with inexpensive pieces, no one will know where you’ve spent and where you’ve saved.
Take a tip from Jennifer Lopez: an everyday sweater paired with sheer bottoms can look red carpet-ready
Take a tip from Zaya: give your favorite denim outerwear a couture twist by cutting the hemline like Zaya’s Miu Miu jacket
5. Take scissors to hem a piece of clothing
She may only be 15, but former basketball pro Dwayne Wade’s daughter, Zaya Wade, knows a thing or two about fashion.
The young star attended the Miu Miu Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 show during Paris Fashion Week in the iconic brand’s pleated mini skirt, with a denim jacket and white loafers.
She accessorised with black sunglasses, a brown belt and the Miu Miu Matelasse Logo Plaque Mini Tote Bag.
Tip to take away: Affordable fashion is revealed in the details.
Most lack haute couture details like the unfinished hem of Zaya’s jacket.
Cut the hem off a cheap jacket hanging in your closet and watch its value go up, up, up!
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