Top 10 Iconic Red Carpet Looks You Can Recreate on a Budget
The glitter and glamour on the red carpet may appear like a dream. We watch our favourite stars dressed in designer gowns and jewels that cost more than a house and it’s easy to believe that it’s impossible to achieve such a style. But what if we informed you that the appeal of these iconic moments isn’t just about the cost but rather the fashion?
With a keen eye and smart shopping, you will be able to get the essence of the A-list style at a fraction of the price. This guide, Top 10 Red Carpet Looks You Can Recreate Cheap, will be your key to unlocking that world. We’ve broken down 10 iconic red carpet styles to offer you a variety of affordable, fashionable, and striking alternatives. Be ready to make heads turn without ripping your wallet out.
The Golden Rule of Red Carpet Recreations
Before we begin make sure to keep in mind that the aim isn’t to create a carbon replica. The goal is to recreate the feel of the outfit, its color, and the silhouette of the original dress. Pay attention to the main factors that made the outfit memorable, such as a particular neckline, strong color, a striking slit, or a distinctive texture. This lets you be creative to alter the style to suit your individual body and style.
Top 10 Iconic Red Carpet Looks You Can Recreate on a Budget
The glitter and glamour on the red carpet may appear like a dream. We watch our favourite stars dressed in designer gowns and jewels that cost more than a house and it’s easy to believe that it’s impossible to achieve such a style. But what if we informed you that the appeal of these iconic moments isn’t just about the cost but rather the fashion?
With a keen eye and smart shopping, you will be able to get the essence of the A-list style at less than the price. This guide will be your key to unlocking the world. We’ve broken down 10 iconic red carpet styles to offer you a variety of affordable, fashionable and striking alternatives. Be ready to make heads turn without ripping your wallet out.
The Golden Rule of Red Carpet Recreations
Before we begin make sure to keep in mind that the aim isn’t to create a carbon replica. The goal is to recreate the feel of the outfit, its color, and the silhouette of the original dress. Pay attention to the main factors that made the outfit memorable, such as a particular neckline, strong color, a striking slit, or a distinctive texture. This lets you be creative to alter the style to suit your individual body and style.
1.The Modern Princess: Zendaya at the 2019 Emmy Awards
The Original Style (The Original Look): A custom Vera Wang emerald green gown featuring a huge train of tulle and a sweetheart neckline. Zendaya looked as if she was a fairy-tale princess that had just stepped from a book.
How to Recreate It Cheap: The most important elements are the lush emerald green hue, the full silk skirt, and the slender bodice.
The Dress: Instead of a ballgown opt for an A-line, midi, or knee-length dress that is similar to jewel-toned velvet or satin. Look on websites like Lulu’s, ASOS, or even thrift stores for dresses for your bridesmaids with deep green. The less formal the bodice the more elegant.
The Skirt: The ultimate weapon! Buy a separate emerald-green Petticoat or tulle skirt through Amazon as well as Etsy. It can be slipped over any basic fit green dress for that stunning, lavish princess look.
Accessories: Keep your jewelry simple and stylish. Simple earrings with a simple design and a stylish hairstyle let the outfit speak for itself.
Total Estimated Cost: $50 – $90
2.Old Hollywood Glamour: Lupita Nyong’o at the 2014 Oscars
It was the first look that I saw: A stunning light blue custom Prada gown that looked as if it was made out of hundreds of pearls. This was a masterpiece of Old Hollywood elegance.
How to Recreate It Cheap:
The magic lies in the iridescent light blue fabric, and the classic flowing silhouette.
The Dress: You can search to find “light blue iridescent maxi dress” or “pearlized blue gown” on websites such as JJ’s House and Birdy Grey. There are also stunning options on second-hand websites such as Depop and Poshmark.
The Material: In case you are unable to locate the exact shade, a basic chiffon or satin gown that is similar to the sky blue can capture the essence.
Accessories: The accessories you choose to wear create that pearl-like effect. A statement necklace with pearls with matching earrings is essential. Hairstyle your hair with vintage, soft locks to make the look.
Total Estimated Cost: $60 – $120
3.The Power Pantsuit: Billy Porter at the 2019 Oscars
The Original Style: Custom Christian Siriano Tuxedo dress that is a stunning combination of feminine and masculine fashion that shook the internet and shattering fashion standards.
How to Recreate It Cheap: Pay attention to the contrast between the formal tuxedo shirt as well as the flowy skirt at the bottom.
The top: Pick an elegant black velvet jacket. The thrift stores can be goldmines to find this, and you can also check for fast-fashion shops such as H&M or Zara in the winter and fall seasons.
The Bottom: Purchase the full dark tulle skirt. They are extremely affordable and are readily accessible through Amazon, Shein, or even at a dancewear shop.
Put It Together: Put the blazer over the waistline and tulle skirt. The full skirt will puff up under, creating the iconic illusion of a gown.
Total Estimated Cost: $40 – $70
4.The Minimalist Goddess: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Wedding Dress
This is the original look: Though it’s not a typical red carpet look, this style remains iconic. Her Narciso Rodriguez slip dress, cut bias, was the definition of elegant, minimalist style.
How to Recreate It Cheap: All it takes is the perfect fit, luxurious fabrics and crisp lines.
This Dress: aim is to find a silk or satin maxi or midi dress that has a strap or slip-style. Quince offers inexpensive real silk alternatives. You can also check the sale racks at department stores for a classic elegant, well-cut gown in a white or cream color.
The tailoring process: This is the most vital step. The slip dress should fit as if it were an actual glove. Plan to spend between $20 and $30 on having local tailors stitch the seams to create a perfect cut, a bias-cut look.
Accessories: such as a simple veil (if it’s the wedding) or not any accessories whatsoever. Let your dress and confidence shine as the main focus.
Total Estimated Cost: $50- $100 (including the cost of tailoring)
5.The Bold & Graphic: Ariana Grande at the 2020 Grammys
“The Original” Look: A huge grey, massive Giambattista Vali ballgown, with high ponytail. It was playful, architectural and memorable.
How to Recreate It Cheap: Take advantage of the large volume and the gray and monochromatic scheme.
The Dress: It’s a great DIY project. Find the largest, most puffy grey tulle skirt find on Amazon or at a costume shop. To wear it, pair it with a plain grey bodysuit or tailored turtleneck.
The Silhouette: Its contrast of the small top and the massive skirt is what makes the reason. Don’t be afraid of going large with your skirt!
Hair and Makeup: A super-high ponytail is the only option for this style. Make sure you spray your hair with plenty of hairspray. backcombing for maximum height.
Total Estimated Cost: $45 – $75
6.The Floral Fantasy: Michelle Williams at the 2006 Oscars
The Original Style: A bright yellow Vera Wang gown with a big, embroidered flower detail. It was a flash of cheerful, vintage-inspired hue.
How to Recreate It Cheap: The key elements are mustard yellow color, and a bold, statement floral design.
The Dress: Choose the simplest yellow chiffon dress or satin gown. The hue will be more significant than material here.
The DIY Element: You can go to an art or craft store such as Michaels or Joann and look for a huge artificial flower that is beautiful and stunning. Make sure you sew carefully, or even apply glue to fabric (sparingly!) for attaching it to the shoulder or hip band of the dress. This will mimic Michelle’s style.
Accessories: Soft beautiful waves, and delicate jewelry complete this beautiful style.
Total Estimated Cost: $30 – $60
7.The Disco Diva: Bianca Jagger’s Studio 54 Style
“The Original Style”: As the most iconic 70s style icon. Bianca often wore exquisitely fitted white outfits and halter neck dresses radiating glamorous, strong energy.
How to Recreate It Cheap: Imagine white and wide legs and classy.
The Outfit: A wide-leg trouser and a white blazer set is actually easy to locate. Look through thrift stores for vintage outfits or browse online stores like Express for more modern options.
The Top: Instead of a button-down, put on a halter top or basic bodysuit under the blazer to create an authentic and period-accurate look.
Accessories: It’s all about attitude. Include big glasses, heels with platform and big curly hair.
Total Estimated Cost: $50 – $80
8.The Ethereal Elf: Liv Tyler at the 2000 Oscars
This is the original look: A light pink, empire-waist dress from Valentino which created a look that resembled an astronomical being. The style is feminine romantic, romantic and dreamy.
How to Recreate It Cheap: Concentrate on the empire waistline as well as flowing sleeves and soft pink hue.
The Dress: You can search on the internet for “empire waist maxi dress” or “baby doll dress” in a champagne pink or blush. Brands such as Free People often have styles that capture the boho-ethereal look.
The Fabric: Search for chiffon or georgette or any other light and flowing fabric.
Accessories: Let your hair fall down in natural, soft waves. Make a beautiful hairpin or headband for an additional touch of magic.
Total Estimated Cost: $40 – $70
9.The Modern Classic: Grace Kelly’s Oscar Dress (1955)
The Original Look: A blue-green tea-length Edith Head dress that features delicate floral prints and a slender waist. It’s still among the top sophisticated and timeless designs in the history of fashion.
How to Recreate It Cheap: This is a treasure hunter’s dream. You can find the cut-and-flare style as well as floral prints and the vintage vibe.
The Dress: Your local thrift store or vintage shop is the ideal starting point. Choose a dress from the 1950s with a full skirt as well as the sweetheart neckline or boat neckline. The color doesn’t need to be exact. A pastel floral print will convey the essence perfectly.
Tailoring: Ensure that the waistline is cut to create the iconic hourglass shape.
Accessories: such as white gloves (available on sale for a reasonable price) as well as pearl jewelry and an elegant clutch. Your hair should be styled in an elegant style.
Overall Estimated Cost: $20 to $45 (mostly through thrift stores!)
10.The Rebel Queen: Cher’s Mohawk Outfit at the 1986 Oscars
The Original Style: A beaded Indian-inspired Bob Mackie creation with a famous mohawk and headdress. The look was bold and rebellious and totally Cher.
How to Make It Cheaper (for an event in costume! ): It’s all about attitude and drama.
It’s the base: a simple black bodysuit or simple black tank top and leggings.
The project Method: Utilize fabric glue to expertly connect beads, chains, and feathers to your bodysuit, creating a stylized geometric pattern. Do not aim for perfection, but instead to make an the impact.
The headdress: The mohawk is the key. Make a base from cardboard and add huge striking feathers of white and black. Attach it to a headband.
Total Estimated Cost: $25 – $45 (in craft supplies)
Your Red Carpet Awaits
As you will see, fashion is all about inspiration not imitation. With a bit of imagination and these budget-friendly tricks allow you to make yourself look like a celebrity at your next wedding, gala or any other event in which you’d like to impress guests. The most important piece of clothing you can put on is confidence. So, go out and shine!