Recession or no recession, couture is something which is out of budget for most of us. So, apart from a crafty plan to marry a millionaire, what can you take away from the couture collections? Some inspiration for five-star styling, of course!

Pretty plaits at Saab and Gaultier

Plaits Please!

Haute Couture: At Elie Saab and Jean Paul Gaultier, models wore plaited styles – a really pretty idea for adding some detail to your hair. The elegant braids at Elie Saab created a mermaid look, with hair styled into long, undulating waves. The romantic, relaxed hairstyles complemented Saab’s feminine, pastel-toned evening gowns. Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture collection, hair and make-up were inspired by ethnic and tribal influences – think Pocahontas visits the Aztec empire! Models wore multiple plaits, cornrows or braids accessorised with palm fronds and all mannner of eccentric hairstyles. We’re not suggesting you wear a tree on your head, never fear! One of the less wacky styles was sported by Kim Noorda – a plaited take on the chignon.

DIY Couture: Plaits don’t have to be complicated and can certainly look more grown-up than traditional schoolgirl styles! Gaultier’s braided, low-slung chignon is a simple hairstyle to recreate, whatever length your locks are. You could also pull this one off as a half-up, half-down style, pinning the plaits at the back of your head. For a more elegant, evening ‘do, make the braids slightly tighter and higher, pin, and then pull into a high ponytail or bun. Ensure that the style stays in place with a spritz of hairspray – highly recommended is Aveda’s Pure Fume Hairspray which smells gorgeous and contains lots of lovely organic ingredients. Add tribal accents with some feathered hairclips -these peacock barettes from ASOS  are perfect. The hairstyle shown at Elie Saab is fairly easy to pull off, and we think you’ll up the sexy stakes if you create a looser version of the look, without pulling the hair forward so strictly. Leave some strands free around your face and use wide barrel tongs to create those pretty mermaid waves – then boost the beach factor with Frederic Fekkai’s Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray.

Centre-parted hair at Valentino and Givenchy

Central Chic

Haute Couture: Crazy, futuristic, wouldn’t-wear-it-to-work make-up aside, there were some inspiration styles on show at Valentino and Givenchy this season. The centre-parted, straightened hairstyles models wore at Valentino were reminiscent of the pared-down, minimalistic looks of the 1990s. So yes, you can use your straighteners once again! The simplicity of the style meant that the focus was really on the amazing colourful make-up and couture collection. Models at Givenchy had something of a sixties look about them, with super smooth hair. There was a little more texture, creating a laid-back hairstyle and stylists pulled strands around the face to change up the look.

DIY Couture: Centre partings definitely don’t have to be boring, but perfectly conditioned tresses are necessary to pull this look off as split ends will really show up. Ask your hairdresser for a serious seasonal trim and use a deep conditioning mask – we really like L’Occitane’s Repairing Hair Mask which will hydrate and moisturise, and it’s free from all toxic nasties too. To recreate the Givenchy look, you need to add a little volume to your hair, so dry using a wide barrel brush and finish with a dose of serum to minimise fly-aways and add shine – try Glazing from Over the Top. Use straightening irons on your hair to achieve the super sleek look as seen at Givenchy, flicking out slightly at the ends to create some movement. For the ultimate easy, chic style that works day or night, part your hair in the centre, pull into a low ponytail, add a statement corsage et voila!

The volumised updo at Christian Dior and Armani Privé

Haute Hair

Haute Couture: Couture has an intrinsic elegance about it, so what better to accompany the collections than that most elegant of hairstyles, the updo? At both Armani Privé and Christian Dior, stylists cranked up the volume, but with very different results. Models at Armani Privé sported super chic, perfectly coiffed French pleats with volume at the crown. There was a space age feel to Armani’s garments and we’re sure that (helmet permitting) this is exactly the style that modern, sexy astronauts would choose! The couture collection at Christian Dior combined the sophisticated silhouette of the Belle Epoque with equestrian elegance and models wore an updo that looked like upper class lady meets rolling in the hay. Naughty, sexy and fun!

DIY Couture: Get ready for some serious backcombing! If your hair is lacking in volume, Phyto’s Volume Actif should help things along nicely – spray on the roots for a boost and then dry your hair upside down. The aim here is to add volume at the crown, so backcomb hair lightly at the back of your head. For successful backcombing, it’s actually better to use a slimline brush, rather than a comb – try Philip Kingsley’s Vented Grooming Brush. It’s best to backcomb in small sections and don’t forget – be gentle! Another tip for maxi-volume is to spritz your roots with dry shampoo; this adds texture and volume. Confused about how to create a French roll? Check out this helpful tutorial. The style shown at Armani Privé leaves no room for wispy strands – this is chic, sleek perfection, so ensure you finish with some firm hold hairspray. Christian Dior’s updo is much more romantic and wistful so it’s really just a question of pulling back hair from your face and pinning haphazardly. The look is sexy and relaxed, so leave some strands loose to frame your face.

Coloured hair at Chanel and Alexis Mabille

Colourful Couture

Haute Couture: Models at Chanel and Alexis Mabille sported hairstyles with sections of temporary colour – this is definitely one way of changing your look! At Chanel, strands of pale blue-grey were added to the crazy, madcap updo styles which created a look reminiscent of the extravagant, powdered wigs typical of eighteenth century France. The style was accessorised with enormous bow-corsages in the same colour and gave the same ladylike, upper class look as the demure skirt suits and frou frou-adorned gowns. Alexis Mabille’s colour-blocked collection was matched with bi-coloured, centre-parted hair, which created a graphic, geometric style. Mabille’s collection was in the tradition of other inspired, artistic French designers such as Paco Rabanna and André Courreges, focusing on a fusion of cut and colour.

DIY Couture: This may seem like an extreme look, but trendsetting Kate Moss has been seen rocking some rather un-rock and roll grey strands recently! It’s a different look, and certainly not one for shrinking violets – this is a hairstyle that will get you noticed. For a subtle coloured look, try spraying sections of your hair with one of Bumble & Bumble’s coloured hair powders. It’s best to create this style when hair is slightly dirty as the powder will ‘stick’ better. For something a little more extreme, try some bright coloured extensions – Funky Diva do some clip-in colour flashes in a selection of eye-popping shades. If you’re not too confident about this look, clip at the nape of the neck so that people will see a subtle slice of colour. You could try clipping into a half ponytail, or bun and adding a coordinating accessories, such as a bright barette or corsage.