Here are five secrets to looking great without spending a fortune....

1. Stick to one colour...

Certain colours always look more expensive than others, regardless of the fabric... These are black, navy, dark brown and beige. Wear a colourful scarf around your neck, or tie, to break the colour.

Stay away from baby pink, bright pink and turquoise. They look cheaper than others, whatever their fabric.

TOP TIP: Look at photographs of rich and fashionable people, and you’ll see they nearly always wear black. That's because it has a slimming effect, and looks classy.

2. Go for classic clothes that don't date...

Like black polo-necks, white cotton or linen shirts without frills or embroidery, chinos, plain beige coats, faded blue jeans, camel coats, navy blazers.

Avoid exaggerated shoulderpads, frills, embroidery, three quarter length sleeves and all the latest fashion gimmickry.

3. Remember quality not quantity is all-important...

Ask any French or Italian woman – they’d rather have one beautiful and expensive garment than three cheap ones.

The reason: you’re much better off with one dress that looks expensive and makes you feel wonderful, than with three that look cheap, and make you feel that way too.

4. Don’t skimp on accessories...

Cheap shoes and handbags always look cheap. Rather bide your time until the sales, and then snap up some top-quality shoes and bags.

5. Learn the strategies of successful shopping...

Don’t shop in a lunchbreak or at any other time that you’re in a hurry – you won’t allow enough time to make the right choice. And however persuasive the salesperson is, don’t let her pressurise you into buying anything you’re unsure of.

You can always ask her to hold something for half an hour, then go off for a cup of coffee to think it over. And always ignore that plaintive ‘It’s the last one in your size’ – you’ll find they almost always have one more in the stockroom if you come back later.

BONUS TIP # 6:

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, go through your entire clothes collection, pack up anything you haven’t worn for two years and give it to your local charity shop.

Next: Try on everything that’s left and decide what looks good together, right down to the shoes and the accessories.

Then: Write it all out so you have at least seven outfits – enough to get you through a week.

Bottom line: Next time you stumble out of bed, all you have to do is open your notebook, put on the outfit you’ve listed, and get up and go!

For more tips and secrets to looking good and paying less, subscribe to Insider Confidential now!

In the name of wealth and happiness...