Mary Alice Stephenson – stylist, TV commentator, spokesperson and consultant – has extensive experience in the fashion world. In fact, it’s fair to say she’s somewhat of a guru in realm of fashion. So, when she offers up advice, the ears at Models Direct instantly prick up.

In one of her latest interviews with Modelinia, Mary Alice reveals how to dress like a model no matter what your budget is.

Firstly, she advises wearing bold statement jewellery; great for edge and individualism. “Wear a really big piece of statement jewellery that you love. Get something vintage from your mom or an antique store,” she told the site. “I’m talking about necklaces or earrings. Rings are fantastic, but they don’t have the power to transform your look.”

Giving your old clothes a new lease of life is Mary Alice’s next tip, and is a trend we’re seeing a lot of this season already. “The whole DIY trend is really big,” she said. “I often go into my closet and find things to alter. You can go to your tailor and make long sleeves into three-quarter sleeves. I like taking sleeves off. And if it’s really short, I’ll add a layer from something else around it. Think about what you have and dream around it.”

She adds that accessories too can help give your clothes a new look: “Clothes are not precious. You can take what you have and make a fresh new look just by incorporating accessories. Take a necklace that you love and sew it to an amazing grosgrain to give it a new look, or tie the necklace around your waist as a belt. You could even attach it to a tank, creating a new life.”

Another great piece of advice that costs nothing is to simply have confidence and to take a chance: “It doesn’t matter if you’re model thin. If you hold yourself with confidence, you have model style. Models know their bodies really well. If their legs are their signature, they work it. You know what you love best about your body and how to show if off. Model style is about having confidence in your skin, knowing what you love about your body and flaunting it.

“Model style is all about taking chances. It’s about making a statement. Whether your nails are purple or you have tonnes of liner on or you’re wearing neon pink, model style is about being brave and taking chances while embracing your body.”