It’s awards season in celeb-land which means red carpets everywhere are dripping with the glitz and glamour of the top couture fashion houses. For the average York student, the nearest thing we get to glamour is when the VIP area in Gallery is open (we’re all impressed by the grand piano and luxury furnishings). However, for those of us who have a budget that’s more National Television Awards than Oscars, red carpet inspired pieces can always be found on the high street at a much more student-friendly price and Vision has selected a few key items to help you.
If you want to add a smattering of A-list glamour to your wardrobe then this peach Topshop slip dress (£45) is ideal. The colour for fashion-forward Hollywood ladies to be seen in this season appears to be nude (a trend they most likely heard about through the last issue of Vision). Drew Barrymore and Nicole Kidman were both seen sporting elegant champagne dresses at the Golden Globes, whilst Katy Perry opted for a draped pale gold dress with added sequins for the Grammy awards. In fact, peach, pink and cream have been spotted on pretty much everyone, simply reaffirming this colour’s status as the must-have shade of 2010. The ubiquity of these neutral tones on celebs means that the high street is also packed with pastel bargains.
Another look which seems to have swept the land of the rich and famous is to wear dresses overflowing with baroque frills, elaborate ruffles and any other extravagant accouchements designers manage to lay their hands on. Such a bold look can only go one of two ways, and unfortunately many stars end up looking like they’ve been ambushed by an overzealous child with poorly supervised access to an arts and crafts cupboard. The key, it would seem, to pulling off this look is to keep it simple, like Keri Hilson at last week’s Grammy’s; and while the rest of us may not be able to pull of the taffeta fishtail look on your average Trusday, a similar, albeit considerably more subtle, look can be achieved with this Miss Selfridge skirt (£25).
If for you neutral is just another word for bland and you’re desperate for a splash of colour in your lacklustre wardrobe then the only way to go is purple. What other colour can be simultaneously feminine, edgy, flattering and dramatic? Sandra Bullock wore a flamboyant violet number on her triumphant night at this year’s Golden Globes whilst Fergie and Leona Lewis both opted for soft lavender shades. Every girl’s best friend and student favourite Topshop are also in a purple haze with plum, lilac and mauve to be found across the store.
This floral bodycon skirt (£30) would be the perfect item to take you from day to night in absolute style.
So, if you’re feeling green with envy at the sight of stars with money, beauty and a great sense of style, don’t worry! With this selection of affordable alternatives you’ll look just as glam as an A-lister, even if you are only enjoying the Courtyard’s Valentine’s Day party.