These are straitened times, but if your wallet is empty, your cards maxed out and your wardrobe lacks pzazz, you can still look really classy if you follow a few basic rules. It’s the little things that count, so make sure your accessories are up-to-date. Classic lines age better than faddish gear, so if you’re splashing out on an all-new look, make sure that you’re future-proofed by searching out that oh-so-chic classic treasure you’ve always wanted, then switching looks by imaginative accessorising. If you already have classic garments, so much the better! Get them off to the drycleaner then head downtown to refresh your accessories. If you’re really strapped for cash, don’t forget to troll the retro and pre-loved boutiques – eagle eyes, great taste and a go-for-the-kill attitude will help here.

But beware – use a discerning eye when choosing your extras. A really excellent pair of shoes will perk up a slightly tired look, but cheap shoes can be a recipe for disaster. It’s hard to celebrate all day and night with sore feet – and shoes that don’t quite hit the mark will spoil your whole look.

Updating your handbag can work miracles – although there’s nothing that can compare with a new, outrageously expensive handbag, lift your impoverished spirits by buying a substitute mid-range bag (or bags!) which you can discard later without feelings of guilt.

Hats are problematic – a hat is an essential for an appearance at the racetrack, and a bad hat is…well, a bad hat. A search through your hat stockpile will probably yield something that can be recycled into a fresh look with a little imagination – and you’ll be doing a tiny bit for the planet as well!

So don’t let the downturn get you down – get out there now and find those accessories that will lift your look from “Whoa!” to “Wow!”