After obsessively trawling through the closet of Sofia Richie Grainge (all in the name of journalistic research), I'm admittedly starting to develop a fascination with the inner workings of celebrity wardrobes. Often, convinced "I have nothing to wear", I can wile away hours on Instagram looking through A-list looks for inspiration, and the right candid pic can reassure me that the jeans + combination that I'd relegated to the back of the wardrobe can actually be reinvented to look like the uniform of an off-duty celeb (or something to that effect).
Take for example street style darling, Alexa Chung. After singlehandedly making Mary-Jane ballet pumps, mini skirts and vinyl coats feel cool again, I am once again convinced that there are pieces in my wardrobe worth saving after all. Of course, Alexa has the benefit of access to a lot of outstanding designer clothes (her Fashion Awards look is a case in point), but on the whole, she is known for her pared-back approach to styling that all comes from the perfect capsule wardrobe. And, should you want to recreate her look, it's just as easy to replicate with simple pieces from the high street, so there's no need to max out your credit card.
I know what you're thinking—you don't get certified "It-girl status" by throwing on an ASOS dress and a pair of M&S shoes. Well, actually, you can. If we pinpoint what it is that makes Alexa's looks so great, you'll notice the same familiar favourites: a straight leg jean, a comfortable flat shoe, a long coat, an oversized shirt; and where better to find these pieces than on the high street? Sure, a white shirt from The Row can be considered an investment, but you can also get one that looks exactly the same for a fraction of the price.
So, if like the rest of us you've been obsessed with Alexa Chung's style since her Popworld debut, keep scrolling to see some of her best recent looks and how you can re-create them with high-street pieces starting from as little as £14. You're going to want to bookmark these for later.
1. TEDDY COAT + SLIP DRESS + SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: Wondering what to wear to an evening event? You can never go wrong with a slip dress. Adding the teddy coat and socks makes this look winter appropriate but you could easily swap the shearling for a lighter trench for when spring is in full effect.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Yes, you read that correctly. This really is under £40.
You'll rewear a timeless staple like this forever.
I have a feeling these are about to go viral.
Cashmere socks are a little bit of luxury.
2. LONG COAT + SHIRT + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: And just like that, all of my "what to wear to work" woes are solved. With just a handful of tailored pieces this look could have stepped straight off the catwalk, and the pop of seasonal red only serves to further elevate an outfit that is already minimalist perfection.
GET THE LOOK:
A bestseller for good reason.
Of course, it has to be Arket for quality basics.
Call off the search—I've found the ultimate wide-leg trouser.
Bravo, Amazon fashion. Now, to choose between the red, black, white or green...
3. OVERSIZED BLAZER + STRIPE SHIRT + WHITE TROUSERS
Style Notes: Brunch, dinner, shopping, hosting, there's nothing that this outfit can't do, and even though Alexa wore it in the middle of spring, it's practical enough to rely on all year round too. The blazer, the shirting, the flat shoes—all of her signatures are here, making it one of the easiest to replicate with pieces just probably already own.
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4. FINE KNIT + STATEMENT TROUSERS + LOAFERS
Style Notes: Although millennials have been relying on the "jeans and a nice top" formula for a lifetime, according to Gen-Z the secret to a winning outfit is in fact "top and a pair of fun trousers". Entering exhibit A: Alexa's coffee run look, who else could make bright red jeans make total sense? This ensemble manages to be both stripped back and statement, perfect for the days you want to get ready in 5 minutes but look like you took an hour.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I'll take one in every colour.
Currently on sale, so act fast!
Honestly, these could easily be designer.
That goes for this too.
5. BLAZER + MINI DRESS + COURT SHOES
Style Notes: With spring just around the corner, we're already thinking about going bare-legged, and there's nothing quite like a pretty, floaty dress to mark the start of the seasonal shift. Pack away your puffers, Alexa is the champion of the mini (albeit with a boxy blazer), and adding a glossy heel makes this look ideal for wedding season.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I love this shade of cocoa brown.
A steal at this sale price.
Not only does Charles and Keith shoes look amazing, they're easy to walk in too.
Selling super fast.
Up Next, The '90s Called—This Nostalgic Trouser Trend Is Back and Could Replace Leggings