How to present your most expensive-looking self without breaking the bank
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Most of us would love to have a wardrobe full of impeccably constructed designer fashions that make us look (and feel!) like a million.
Fortunately, class is a state of mind, and achieving a rich look doesn’t mean spending a lot of money.
From DIY alterations to pro-style hacks, FEMAIL reveals five tips and tricks you can adopt to present its most expensive appearance 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
Emma Roberts, 31, attended the Kate Spade Fall 2022 collection presentation in New York looking ladylike in separates from the contemporary label.
Styled by her styling team Brit and Kara Elkin, the ‘Scream Queens’ actress wore a red, pink and white houndstooth coat that featured red fur along the cuffs and collar.
She stuck to a similar pattern under the coat with a tweed dress in the same colourway, and completed the ensemble with a white structured bag from Kate Spade New York.
Tip to take: A faux fur collar gives any outer layer a second life.
Opt for a detachable style with long, soft hair to give the look of genuine fur.
While a neutral color is versatile, a bold red coat like Emma’s is the perfect complement to a day or night look.
Take a tip from Sienna: Sienna accented her Alessandra Rich slip dress with a crystal-embellished belt, a look that can be achieved with your favorite lariat necklace.
2. Complement your waist with a necklace
Sienna Miller, 41, attended the National Board of Review Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and brought her carefree bohemian style with her.
The ‘Alfie’ actress wore an Alessandra Rich asymmetrical slip dress in an abstract floral print with cascading ruffles for the special event.
For a rock-in-roll finish, Sienna completed her romantic look with a crystal-embellished belt.
Tip to take: For centuries, belts served the practical purpose of holding up pants.
In the 1930s they were included in all dresses to accentuate the waist.
In 2023, they are just one more accessory with the power to completely change an outfit.
This season, reach into your jewelry box and decorate your waist with a bow necklace. Unexpected sparkle can take any outfit on the street from drab to fab.
Take a tip from Lily: fancy buttons elevate the feel of a coat. Change the basic buttons for more elegant closures
3. Replace plastic buttons with fancier clasps
Lily Collins was spotted at an ‘Emily In Paris’ press activation in New York’s SoHo neighborhood last month.
The 33-year-old channeled her beloved character in an oversized neon green button-down shirt paired with a black and gold sequined skirt, both by New York-based designer Brandon Maxwell.
She stayed warm in a classic long black coat with to-die-for rhinestone buttons.
Tip to take: An inexpensive garment will come with cheap plastic buttons.
To make your jacket, blouse, or blazer look dressier, replace the chintzy clasps with more ornate versions, like the ones on Lily’s designer coat.
This simple change can breathe new life into a well-worn wardrobe. Do it yourself or take it to your local tailor for a small fee.
Take a tip from Olivia: an over the top piece of clothing can give your look an instant ‘main character energy’.
4. Add a Dramatic Layer for ‘Main Character Energy’
Olivia Palermo attended the Grand Opening of Chopard’s Flagship Boutique New York on Fifth Avenue looking like a true Manhattan socialite.
There were plenty of famous faces at the invite-only event, but it was the 36-year-old designer and businesswoman, who recently unveiled her second beauty collection, who managed to steal the show.
Olivia confidently wore a bold Alexia Maria convertible skirt, which was a mix of It-girl cool and Old Hollywood glam.
The dramatic Silk Faille skirt, with a front slit and side pockets, instantly elevated the star’s black Zara top and matching pants.
Jennifer Lopez also knows how to mix high and low like a fashionista.
Walking hand in hand with husband Ben Affleck, J.Lo made her everyday island sweater look red carpet ready with a floor-length sheer skirt and belt.
Tip to take: It is one high part, two low parts.
Inexpensive room dividers can be made to look regal when paired with an investment piece.
Whether it’s a billowy skirt, a sheer bottom or a statement coat, when you pair a super special item with inexpensive pieces, no one will know where you spent and where you saved.
Take a tip from Jennifer Lopez: An everyday sweater can look red carpet ready when paired with a sheer bottom.
Take a tip from Zaya: Give your favorite denim outerwear a couture twist by cutting the hem like Zaya’s Miu Miu Jacket.
5. Take scissors to the hem of a garment
She may only be 15, but the daughter of former professional basketball player Dwayne Wade, 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 wearing the brand’s iconic pleated mini skirt, paired with a denim jacket and white loafers.
She accessorized with black sunglasses, a brown belt and the Miu Miu Matelasse Logo Plaque Mini clutch.
Tip to take away: Affordable fashion is revealed in the details.
Most don’t have couture details like the raw edge of Zaya’s jacket.
Cut the hem of an inexpensive jacket hanging in your closet and watch its value go up, up, up!
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