I’m a fashion expert – the seven ways to bag Chanel dupes on a budget… and it does include a visit to Primark

AS the exhibition of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s work hits London’s V&A museum, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale reveals how to bag her timeless French look on a budget . . . 

Find her selections of cheap Chanel chic for every occasion here.

COSY CHIC

• Top, £45.99, Reserved;
• jeans, £48, Next;
• earrings, £27.99, Pilgrim;
• scarf, £9.99, H&M;
• bag, £45.99, Mango;
• shoes, £45, M&S

THIS modern alternative to the classic Chanel blazer is perfect for layering during colder months but still oozes Parisian chic thanks to the gold embellishments.

Versatile flared jeans are all the rage. And there’s no need to spend £6,000 on a Chanel handbag when Mango’s offering does the job at a fraction of the price.

PEARLY WHITES

• Houndstooth jacket, £25, Primark;
• black roll-neck, £22.50, M&S;
• trousers, £14, Primark;
• necklace, £6, Pretty Little Thing;
• bag, £42, Next;
• shoes, £25, M&S

Chanel’s sleek, minimalist and mostly black designs provided the perfect backdrop for statement gems – so slip a pearl necklace over a block-coloured roll-neck and team it with a pearl bag.

Pair this Primark blazer, which pays tribute to Chanel’s houndstooth fabric, with wide-leg, muted green trousers to add softness.

MAGICAL MINI

• Dress, £44.99, H&M;
• jacket, £95, Jovonna;
• earrings, £6, Claire’s;
• shoes, £70, River Island

A BOUCLE dress is another Chanel classic, and this white frock from H&M is the perfect blank canvas for dressing up or down.

Wear it with a pair of knee-high boots or add some tights as the weather gets colder.

Top it off with a coloured jacket and keep the jewellery simple – delicate earrings or a dainty necklace and rings are ideal.

MIX IT UP

• White shirt, £85; corsage, £60, both Monsoon;
• green jacket, £79.99, Mango;
• skirt, £18, Primark;
• bag, £21.99, New Look;
• shoes, £48, River Island

THE boucle jacket emphasises femininity with its cropped, waist-accentuating shape.

Snap up this green number from Mango for an update on the Chanel classic.

Combine it with textured tweed, sleek satins and faux leather – it will give your outfit a cool, up-to-date edge. Finish off with a pair of kitten heels and a smart bag.

TRUE BLUE

• Cardigan, £49.99, neck scarf, £12.99, both Mango;
• cream satin skirt, £25.99,
• New Look; shoes, £34, Next

PUT your best foot forward in a pair of cute ballet flats – a style that’s here to stay.

Chanel’s iconic Ballerina shoe was first created in 1957 and will set you back £660.

But this pretty pair from Next achieves the same look for a purse-friendly £34. Wear them with a satin midi skirt, smart cardigan and a neck scarf for that chic Parisian look.

SUITS YOU

• Pink jacket, £59.99; pink trousers, £35.99, both Reserved;
• black hair bow, £10, Pretty Little Thing;
• shoes, £15, Primark

BY giving dainty two-pieces a masculine edge, Coco revolutionised womenswear.

Reserved’s ultra-modern take on her timeless suits comes complete with statement gold buttons – much like Chanel’s jackets.

Wear buttoned up or leave it open and layer it with a top. Accessorise with bows and loafers – two of Chanel’s favourites.