I’m a fashion expert – the five A-list style rules to stick to if you want to look classy but don’t have the cash
WANT to look a million bucks on a budget?
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale shows you how.
AMAL CLOONEY: WHITE TRAINERS
WANT luxe footwear without shelling out on Louboutins?
Then look no further than a simple pair of white trainers.
Crisp, clean and classic, these can smarten up any outfit.
Take inspo from the ever-chic barrister Amal Clooney, 45, who teams her Adidas Stan Smith trainers, £85, with everything from flowing dresses to wide-leg trousers.
Get the look with these lookalikes from F&F – just make sure to keep yours looking pristine for maximum luxe points.
- Trainers, £13, F&F at Tesco
JOURDAN DUNN: TONAL
WEARING one colour palette from head to toe is a really easy way to nail an expensive look.
Not only does tonal dressing make your whole image appear well put together and polished, but it’s really easy to achieve, too.
While it might feel safer to stick to neutral colours, pastel shades such as this yellow outfit from British model Jourdan Dunn, 32, can look just as elevated.
Try mixing textures to add more interest to your look, as Jourdan has done here with knit and satin fabrics.
Another easy tonal option is matching your shoes to your dress, and this pale blue Primark combo is the perfect summertime look.
- Dress, £14; shoes, £14, both Primark
GWYNETH PALTROW: TAILORING
FROM blazers to smart trousers and full suits, tailored pieces instantly elevate an outfit into “how much did that cost?” territory.
And the best thing about them? You don’t have to spend a fortune.
Admittedly, Gwyneth Paltrow, 50, probably did on her black blazer, trousers, and pointed-shoes combo, which is a masterclass in sleek, structured chic.
Thankfully, you can easily get this look on the high street, like this suit from Primark.
Look for suits that are single-breasted so you can fasten the blazer like Gwyn, giving you an hourglass shape, and wide-leg trousers that skim over your hips and balance out your proportions.
- Blazer, £22; trousers, £16, Primark
ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY: KEEP IT COVERED
TO keep your look streamlined and classy, make like model Rosie, 36, and opt for clean shapes without any flesh-flashing cut-outs or busy patterns.
Her high-neck, sleeveless black top paired with a cream maxi skirt is sleek and modern, and she’s sensibly kept her accessories low key with just a black bag, belt and silver cuff.
This satin skirt from Cider has similar luxe vibes, but for a fraction of the cost, and will look fab with a vest like Rosie’s.
If you want to keep your arms covered, just add a thin-knit long-sleeve top instead.
- Skirt, £15.90, Cider
FRANKIE BRIDGE: GOLD ACCESSORIES
LUXE dressing applies to accessories too.
Simple gold jewellery can be the most effective, as former Saturdays star, Frankie, 34, shows here with her slicked-back hair making the most of her earrings and a bracelet peeking from her blazer.
Less is more so if you want to layer necklaces then opt for thin chains rather than chunky.
And if your budget is more Claire’s Accessories than Tiffany’s, fear not.
These earrings from H&M are a modern take on the classic gold hoop – big enough to make an impact but not take away from your outfit.
- Earrings, £6.99, H&M
ROCHELLE HUMES: STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
WIDE-LEG, bootcut, skinny – jeans come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
For the luxe look, stick to straight-leg ones in a traditional denim blue, in either mid or high-rise.
These are classics you can wear year in, year out.
Presenter Rochelle, 34, shows how simple it is to wear them with a white T-shirt (another luxe classic) and sandals for an easy-but-elegant, on-the-go look.
This pair from Sainsbury’s are a steal, and can be worn with everything from casual T-shirts to more dressed-up looks with a blazer and heels.
- Jeans, £16, Tu at Sainsbury’s
SOFIA RICHIE: STRIPED SHIRT
DUBBED “the queen of quiet luxury” by Vogue thanks to her love of pared-back chic, socialite Sofia, 24, knows it is important not to over-complicate your outfits.
Stick with simple, clean pieces and you can’t go far wrong and striped shirt is minimal effort, no fuss, always on trend.
Update the classic blue and white striped one with this green shirt from George at Asda.
Wear over a white T-shirt and jeans, or fasten it up and tuck into a skirt or trousers.
- Shirt, £16, George at Asda