As the holiday season gets into full swing, diaries are filling up with countless Christmas parties and festive gatherings.
As a result, many women across Australia are forking out thousands of dollars on new outfits to ensure they look their best.
But this doesn’t have to be the case.
Australian stylist and Salvation Army ambassador Faye De Lanty proved you don’t need to break the bank to look stylish this festive season and created four designer-inspired outfits for $100 and under.
Australian stylist and Salvation Army ambassador Faye De Lanty (pictured) proved you don’t need to break the bank to look stylish this festive season
She created four designer-inspired outfits for $100 and under
The first outfit, which cost $100, was inspired by an Alexander McQueen look and included a vintage brooch encrusted corset, a white men’s t-shirt, a black pencil skirt and a clutch bag.
‘I was inspired by Alexander McQueen and the embellishment trend which is everywhere,’ Faye told FEMAIL.
‘Brooches are a great item to have, start building a collection from your thrift store travels. As you can see they really elevate an outfit with ease.
‘The classic items I used are fantastic wardrobe staples too, you don’t have to buy them new though. I found this white t-shirt and black pencil skirt at the Salvos, both still new with their tags on.’
The first outfit, which cost $100, was inspired by an Alexander McQueen look and included a vintage brooch encrusted corset, a white men’s t-shirt, a black pencil skirt and a clutch bag
‘Brooches are a great item to have, start building a collection from your thrift store travels. As you can see they really elevate an outfit with ease,’ Faye said
The second look cost $70 and was inspired by the ‘fanny pack’ trend seen in collections by both Chanel and D&G.
Faye used a $25 black Sportsgirl jumpsuit and made a DIY bum bag/fanny pack using a wallet, women’s belt and a feather charm.
‘I attached the charm to the zipper and I used a glue gun to attach the back of the wallet to the belt,’ Faye said.
‘I chose a belt that had a stretch fabric element to it so it was easy to adhere too and fit.
‘Fanny packs/bum bags are everywhere from street style to designer catwalks.
The second look cost $70 and was inspired by the ‘fanny pack’ trend seen in collections by both Chanel and D&G
Faye used a $25 black Sportsgirl jumpsuit and made a DIY bum bag/fanny pack using a wallet, women’s belt and a feather charm
‘Accessories are a great go to no matter your shape, age or size and they allow you to personalise your look and play with the trends. You don’t have to spend a fortune though, have an open mind and try creating a designer look for less like this.’
The third look also cost $70 and was inspired by the deconstructed suiting trend seen on catwalks around the world.
To create the look, Faye used a women’s singlet, a men’s white collared shirt, a men’s silk texture tux, white jeans, a corset belt created from a black denim mini skirt and statement earrings.
‘This is all about light layering to achieve a textured effect as seen constantly in Vogue and the runway shows,’ Faye said.
The third look also cost $70 and was inspired by the deconstructed suiting trend seen on catwalks around the world
To create the look, Faye used a women’s singlet, a men’s white collared shirt, a men’s silk texture tux, white jeans, a corset belt created from a black denim mini skirt and statement earrings
‘My model’s arms were kept out of the shirt and then I buttoned it up to just above the bust. The shirt takes on a natural cup/corset effect.
‘I then used the arms of the shirt as a belt, wrapped around the mid section to define the waist and hold the shirt in place. I then secured either side with a brooch (or just one brooch at the back if the arms are long enough).
‘Oversized men’s shirts can be worn in so many unexpected ways and are such a great item to have for mix and matching. This one was $10 from the Salvos.
‘My tip is to always look in the men’s section at your local thrift store, half my wardrobe is from there!’
The final outfit cost just $55 and was inspired by asymmetrical looks by Off_White, Jonathan Simkhai, Sally Lapointe and Alexander McQueen
Faye also created these two stylish outfits using items found in the Salvation Army stores
The final outfit cost just $55 and was inspired by asymmetrical looks by Off_White, Jonathan Simkhai, Sally Lapointe and Alexander McQueen.
To create it, Faye used a Cheongsam dress, a metal belt, a black fringe scarf, statement earrings and a black velvet clutch.
‘A scarf is such a style chameleon and they are able to morph into so many fashion muses,’ Faye said.
‘To emulate the asymmetrical side panel trend all I did was wrap the scarf around the waist at an uneven length to create the effect. It is super easy to do if you don’t have time, or can’t sew.
‘Look for scarves with fringe or tassel trims at your local op shop as this is another trend to watch. This panel adds drama and decadence without breaking the bank.’