We asked a stylist how to look expensive on a budget. These are the 6 tips she swears by.

As much as I'd love to glide around in head-to-toe designer clothes 24/7, in this economy (or any economy, really), it's just not realistic.

I'll admit, I'm part of the problem here — but I'm nothing if not self-aware.

Watch Mia Freedman's top 10 favourite pair of jeans. Post continues below.

My penchant for the finer things in life means that if my willpower ever gave out, I'd probably find myself drowning in credit card debt.

Sure, I'd look fabulous, but behind the scenes, it'd be a whole different story.

Thankfully, on a recent episode of Nothing To Wear, Leigh Campbell and stylist Nicole Bonython-Hines taught listeners how to make affordable pieces look luxe.

Leigh and Nicole. Image: Supplied.

Having worked on magazines like ELLE, CLEO and Madison, Nicole is a style encyclopedia who had so much wisdom to share.

Want to check out the full episode? Listen here. Post continues below.

Here's everything she had to say.

Tip #1: Know when to spend money.

"There are some things worth spending money on, like a really nice blazer because it’s the type of clothing that you can keep forever and wear for many years. But also, pairing affordable pieces from places like Zara with a nicer pant or skirts can make an outfit look more expensive than it actually is. It’s just about tweaking certain parts of your look."

Tip #2: If you’re going to impulse shop, then have a plan in place.

"I always suggest that if you're going to go sale shopping then have a plan in place to help fill holes in your wardrobe, rather than just randomly buying things you don’t need."

Tip #3: Try out trends, just don’t invest in them.

"You should buy really hardcore trends at a cheaper price point because they’re not going to last. But if you buy an expensive classic piece, then you can wear it for 10 to 20 years. Plus, there are so many dupes out there. For example, the mesh shoes have been copied by everyone, and you cannot tell the difference."

Tip #4: Be smart about your accessories.

"You can get away with duping jewellery. For example, there are the Bottega Teardrop Earrings that have been replicated and are being sold at a much cheaper price point. But also, instead of buying a $4,000 handbag, look into mid-range bags instead. They still look expensive, and while they aren't completely affordable, they won't cost you thousands."

Tip #5: Keep an eye out for certain fabrics.

"There are a few things I keep in mind when shopping for clothing. So denim wears the same no matter the price point and, look for 100 per cent cotton and wool fabrics. While synthetic fabrics can look cheap, it does depend on the item. For example, a polyester blazer can last for a long time."

Tip #6: Look for colours that scream luxe.

"If you're on a budget then it's easier and cheaper to stick to two colours that work well together, like black and white or navy and tan, because colour does make things more expensive. The more experimental you get, the more colours you need to have to create outfits."

For more helpful fashion advice, follow Nothing To Wear on Substack here. 

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Feature Image: Instagram @nbonython.