How to present your most expensive-looking self without breaking the bank

Most of us would love 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 styling tricks, FEMAIL reveals five tips and tricks you can adopt to present your most expensive-looking self in 2023.

Take a tip from Emma Roberts: A faux fur collar gives a second life to any outer-layer

1. Update an old coat with a faux fur

Emma Roberts, 31, attended the Kate Spade New York Fall 2022 Collection Presentation looking ladylike chic in separates by 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 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 colorway, and completed the ensemble with a white Kate Spade New York structured purse. 

Takeaway tip: A faux fur collar gives a second life to any outer-layer. 

Opt for a detachable style featuring long soft hairs to give the look and feel of genuine fur. 

While a neutral color is versatile, a bold red fur like Emma’s is the perfect complement for 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

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. Accessorize 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 nonchalant bohemian style with her.

The ‘Alfie’ actress wore an asymmetrical Alessandra Rich slip dress in an abstract floral print featuring cascading ruffles for the special event.

For a rock-in-roll finish, Sienna completed her romantic look with a crystal-embellished belt.

Takeaway tip: For centuries belts served the practical purpose of holding up your pants. 

In the 1930’s they were included with every dress to accent the waistline.

 In 2023, they are just one more accessory with the power to entirely change an outfit. 

This season, reach into your jewelry box and decorate your waist with a lariat necklace. The unexpected bling can take any high street garment from drab to fab.

Take a tip from Lily: Fancy buttons elevate the feel of a coat. Swap basic buttons for fancier closures

Take a tip from Lily: Fancy buttons elevate the feel of a coat. Swap basic buttons for fancier closures

3. Replace plastic buttons for fancier closures 

Lily Collins was spotted at an ‘Emily In Paris’ press activation in the SoHo neighborhood of New York last month.

The 33-year-old was channeling her beloved character in an oversized, neon green button-up shirt paired with a black-and-gold sequin skirt, both from New York-based designer Brandon Maxwell.

She kept warm in a classic long black coat featuring to-die-for rhinestone buttons. 

Take-away tip: An inexpensive garment will come with cheap plastic buttons. To make your jacket, blouse or blazer look more upscale, replace the chintzy closures with more ornate versions like the ones on Lily’s designer coat. This simple swap can breathe new life into a tired wardrobe go-to. DIY or take it to your local tailor for a small fee.

Take a tip from Olivia: One over-the-top garment can give your look instant 'Main Character Energy'

Take a tip from Olivia: One over-the-top garment can give your look instant ‘Main Character Energy’

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 invite-only event, but it was the 36-year-old designer and entrepreneur, who recently came out with her second beauty collection, who managed to steal the show.

Olivia confidently wore a bold convertible skirt by Alexia Maria, which was a mix of It-girl cool and Old Hollywood glam.

The dramatic Silk Faille skirt, featuring a front opening and side slit pockets, instantly elevated the star’s black Zara top and matching slacks.

Jennifer Lopez also knows how to mix high and low like a fashion savant. 

Walking hand-in-hand with husband Ben Affleck, J.Lo made her everyday fair isle sweater look red-carpet-ready with a sheer floor-length skirt. 

Takeaway tip: Budget-friendly separates can be made to look regal when teamed with one investment piece. Be it a billowy skirt, sheer bottom or statement coat, a single, super-special item will change everything about your look.

Take a tip from Jennifer Lopez: An everyday sweater can look red carpet ready when paired with a sheer bottom

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

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-years-old but 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 in the iconic brand’s pleated mini skirt, with a denim jacket and white loafers.  

She accessorized with black sunglasses, a brown belt, and the Miu Miu Matelasse Logo Plaque Mini Tote Bag.

Takeaway tip: Affordable fashions reveal themselves in the details. Most don’t have haute-couture details like the unfinished edge of Zaya’s jacket. Cut the hem of an inexpensive jacket hanging in your closet and watch it’s value go up, up, up!

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk