How to Dress Like a Celebrity Without a Celebrity Budget

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Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images
Between gifted clothes and wardrobe stylists, it’s no wonder celebrities step out looking nothing short of flawless. In fact, celebrity street style moments are often very carefully put together even when they sometimes appear to be effortless. So what’s a girl with a taste for Olsen style and a shoestring budget to do? That’s where we come in. You see, you don't actually have to mirror the price tag of your favorite celebrity outfits in order to nail their overall look. It's all about knowing how to cherrypick the key pieces from each celebrity's arsenal and shopping similar (yet far more affordable) versions of each item.
Yep—you guessed it—we sent ahead and did all of this work for you with a few celebs whose style we pretty much always stalk. Ahead, we have a handful of affordable ways to get the looks of four distinct tastemakers—Ashley Olsen, Alexa Chung, Rihanna, and Priyanka Chopra—without the celebrity price tag. Scroll down to get their celebrity style for real-world prices.

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Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
On Alexa Chung: Bionda Castana Nicole Lace Pumps; Mark Cross Grace Textured-Leather Box Shoulder Bag ($2495)
Style characteristics: '60s charm, ladylike, cool
Calling cards: gingham, cutoff denim shorts, ballet flats, vintage-inspired bags, lace-up heels, collared dresses

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Neil P. Mockford/GC Images
On Alexa Chung: Topshop Unique embroidered mock-neck jersey sweater and leopard-print miniskirt; Chanel milk box–shaped minaudière

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Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger
On Alexa Chung: Tommy Hilfiger shorts; Mark Cross Grace Textured-Leather Box Shoulder Bag ($2495)

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Alo Ceballos/GC Images
On Rihanna: Manolo Blahnik Chaos Ankle Strap Sandals ($725); Jacquie Aiche Double Lapis Bodychain; Jennifer Fisher choker
Style characteristics: alluring, hip-hop, bold
Calling cards: thigh-high slits, snapback hats, Timberland boots, sneakers, body-conscious dresses, hoop earrings

Photo:
Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic
On Rihanna: Helmut Lang high-slit jersey dress; Balmain purse; Christian Louboutin heels; Lynn Ban jewelry

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AKM-GSI
On Rihanna: T by Alexander Wang tank; Haider Ackermann trousers; Balenciaga bag; Chanel pumps; Italia Independent 0092V Sunglasses

Photo:
Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Diane Von Furstenberg
On Ashley Olsen: The Row bag; Manolo Blahnik Newcio Pumps
Style characteristics: oversize, refined, understated
Calling cards: Oxford shirts, slingback kitten heels, caftans, Birkenstocks, all-black, snakeskin bags

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ECP/GC Images
On Ashley Olsen: The Row bag; Manolo Blahnik Newcio Pumps

Photo:
Broadimage/Shutterstock

Photo:
Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images
On Priyanka Chopra: Max Mara Manuela Coat ($2950); Nili Lotan Anitra Turtleneck; Luv AJ Skinny Amalfi Hoops ($75); Lorod patchwork skirt; Pierre Hardy Rodeo Ankle Boots; Louis Vuitton bag
Style characteristics: polished, sleek, glamorous
Calling cards: wool coats, heeled ankle boots, logo bags, slim sunglasses, pointed-toe pumps

Photo:
Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images
On Priyanka Chopra: Marchesa dress; Christian Louboutin shoes; Jimmy Choo clutch; Tiffany & Co. jewelry

Photo:
Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images
On Priyanka Chopra: Saks Potts Coat ($1135); Wolford Colorado String Bodysuit ($250); Andy Wolf Eliza sunglasses; Mother The Insider Step Hem Crop Bootcut Jeans ($175); Max Mara Reversible Shopper Bag ($622); Kenda Scott Val Hoop Earrings ($70); Stuart Weitzman White Patent Clingy Boots
Next, see which affordable fashion items have earned cult status in Hollywood.
This story has been updated by Anna LaPlaca.
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