I was a glossy fashion editor – how to look rich on a budget with H&M’s £4 jewellery and bag Chanel on eBay for £17
YOU may look at her social media page and assume she’s spent a fortune on her outfits.
But according to to fashion editor Gemma Rose Breger, you can achieve the same look on a budget by sporting £4 jewellery from H&M.
As cash-strapped Brits are looking to slash the costs where possible, Gemma revealed how you can look expensive without a hefty price tag.
The fashionista, who’s just launched a book with her pal, beauty journalist Samantha Silver, This is Beauty. This is Fashion. This is Life.: The expert guide for people short on time, shared her top three tips to ”looking and feeling great” – whilst also saving money.
”Our Instagram feeds might make you feel like you have to spend a fortune to look good, but if you choose your pieces wisely you can create an outfit that looks way more expensive than it is,” said Gemma.
Don’t ever spend on designer denim
Denim is a classic wardrobe that will never go out of style – but according to the guru, who’s styled celebs such as Britney Spears, Rihanna and Fearne Cotton, there’s no need to buy posh brands.
Gemma noted: ”Our Great British High Street does denim so well.
”We have the hugest range of shades & sizes, and you can easily nab a brilliant pair that will wear well, and wash well for under £100.
”I recommend checking out Abercrombie denim.”
Raving about the retailer, the fashion pro said the popular brand offers seven different styles and shapes, in sizes UK 6 – 20 and five leg lengths, from extra short, to extra long.
”The key style I’d recommend trying is their high rise relaxed jeans.
”Just throw them on with a basic tee, some sunnies and a chunky dad style sandal.”
She advised: ”Add a tailored blazer, as the structure of the jacket will help create a balanced silhouette with the looser fit bottom half.”
Rival River Island also ”always has such a great selection with fashion- forward jeans that follow the current trends”.
The high street retailer offers a great range of sizes to fit UK 6 – UK 18, and three leg lengths – and prices start from an affordable £25.
”This flare style keeps your proportions balanced, and choosing a deeper shade of blue makes the jeans look more expensive than they are.
There are no rules for jewels
Adding a few pieces of jewellery, whether that’s a statement necklace or dainty earrings, is an easy, yet effective, way to elevate any outfit in seconds.
But, as explained by the pro, this is not something you need to spend hundreds on.
”Pick up something at a car boot sale, or charity shop, scroll on Vinted & eBay, snap up something from the clothing section in your local supermarket when doing the food shop or check out high street clothing stores.
”You can mix metals (golds & silvers) or combine delicate jewellery with chunky – whatever feels good!”
Amongst her favourites is also the Swedish fashion giant H&M, a must if you’re on the lookout for ”statement jewellery that can impact an outfit”.
Bonus tip: ”To ensure your jewellery lasts the test of time you shouldn’t shower whilst wearing them, and make sure you spray your perfume on before adding the jewels.”
Gemma's three tips to look chic on a budget
- Don’t ever spend on designer denim: River Island ”always has such a great selection with fashion- forward jeans that follow the current trends”. The high street retailer offers a great range of sizes to fit UK 6 – UK 18, and three leg lengths – and prices start from an affordable £25.
- There are no rules for jewels: ”Pick up something at a car boot sale, or charity shop, scroll on Vinted & eBay, snap up something from the clothing section in your local supermarket when doing the food shop or check out high street clothing stores.”
- Don’t forget the pre-loved sites: With a rising number of second-hand sites, such as Vinted and Depop, there really is no excuse of not buying – or selling – pre-loved garments. Gemma, for instance, has managed to get her hands on chic Chanel sunnies for a mere £17.
Don’t forget the pre-loved sites
With a rising number of second-hand sites, such as Vinted and Depop, there really is no excuse of not buying – or selling – pre-loved garments.
The best part? Not only can you save yourself quite a bit of money – and help tackle the climate crisis – but even find designer gear for a fraction of the price.
”I’ve managed to pick up quite a few gems on there including some Chanel sunglasses for £17 (I searched Channel and the seller had happened to spell it wrong, therefore it had no bids) and some leopard print baggy jeans for £4.”
The thrifty fashionista advised: ”Set up alerts for the pieces you’ve been looking for, ask the seller all the questions to make sure the pieces are authentic, and ask to see more pictures to be sure you see it from all angles and can check for imperfections.”