Star quality from classy frock-a-likes

Lights, cameras, action! It’s February and, as any fashion fan worth her salt knows, that means awards season.

But forget the nominees for Best Film and Best Actor – what we’re really interested in is what the leading ladies are wearing on the red carpet.

With the Baftas coming up this weekend and Oscars at the end of month – subject to them not being hit by the writers strike – the stars of the showbiz world will be showing off their fancy frocks.

But while us mere mortals can all dream about the gowns the A-listers might be wearing – the good news is you don’t need to be best mates with designers to be fashionable. And you really don’t need to be filthy rich to look a million dollars. We visited the fashion stores of Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre and found glamour-a-plenty starting at just £22.99.

Then we headed down to Wolverhampton Art Gallery to ensure our model Anna Kerr looked as pretty as a picture.

So if you want to steal some star style – perhaps the look of Nicole, Keira or Sienna – check out our awards season frock-a-likes here.

If you like the look of British actress Keira Knightley, why not chose the colour purple. The shade is always a great colour on the fashion-conscious star.

She’s been spotted wearing the hue on the red carpet at film premieres. So if you fancy a bit of her style why not step out in this floaty on-trend purple frock teamed up with teetering double-strapped patents, as modelled by Anna, aged 25, of Wolverhampton agency Sapphires.

This purple dress is just £34 from New Look, bracelet £6 frin New Look and the black strappy sandals £49.99 from Schuh, all at the Mander Centre.

If you prefer Nicole Kidman, a stunning gold floor-length gown, reminiscent of Nicole’s classic on-screen outfit for The Golden Compass, would be great for a special occasion – and the good news is you don’t need to take a loan out to pay for this one.

With her hair styled up, thanks to Regis salon in the Mander Centre, Anna looks amazing in this £100 Bhs dress, teamed up with necklace and earrings for £12, and cream sandals, all from Bhs.

Bronzed actress Jessica Alba has the perfect figure to carry off this cinch-waisted, strapless gown – and the frock can be yours for £110 from Bhs. Team it up with a necklace and bracelet, £6 each from Bhs, a metallic bag, £3 from TJ Hughes, and peep toe sandals, £12 from New Look.

Nominated for the Rising Star Award at this year’s Baftas, the queen of boho Sienna Miller couldn’t fail to get noticed in this floaty printed dress.

It can be yours for £22.99 from Republic at the Mander Centre. Shoes, Black Red Or Dead, clutch £29.99 from Schuh at the Mander Centre.

When it comes to fashion, we know Katie Holmes has been taking a few leaves out of new best friend Posh Spice’s book.

Why not try this chic Roland Mouret-style cocktail dress and Chanel-esque quilted patent bag – in classic Beckham black of course.

The black dress is £35 from Wallis, teamed up with black patent shoes, £20 from New Look, and a Chanel-esque quilted patent bag, £23 from Wallis.

So cast your eyes over these red carpet outfits – even if an awards ceremony does not fit into your social diary you’ll still look like a shining star.

By Maria Cusine.