COCO BEFORE CHANEL

WHERE would we be without the influence of haute couture legend Coco Chanel? Perhaps tottering around in uncomfortable heels, trussed up in corsets, never knowing the simple elegance of a little black dress or a pair of trousers.

The designer born Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel is about to make waves in fashion circles again with the release of Coco Before Chanel, a biopic starring Amelie actress Audrey Tautou that goes on release at the end of July.

It means that a full century after Chanel first arrived in Paris, a flock of box wool suits, LBDs, ballet pumps, pearls, quilted bags and red lipsticks are set to take over the high street. Here's how to get the look on a budget. BLACK COWL NECK DRESS, £25, Sainsbury's

Most of us would be lost without the slimming properties of black clothing, yet it was Chanel who made black acceptable - rather than merely the colour of mourning. A classic shift is shown above with glass pearl necklace, £10. INFO: 0800 636262. 125 YEARS BOUCLÉ JACKET, £69, Marks and Spencer

An authentic Chanel jacket, originally inspired by a man's cardigan, could set you back upwards of £2000. A replica boucle design, right, bears all the hallmarks of Chanel, perhaps without the classic buttons. INFO: 0845 302 1234. ILIANA DRESS, £179, Hobbs

The pin-tuck design and camelia-like floral belt have definite shades of Chanel influence. A stylish reminder of the 'Chanel Ford' - her original little black dress. INFO: 0845 313 3130. NAVY QUILTED BAG, £22, Accessorize

Lauren Conrad and her Hills clique are seldom seen without a Chanel bag. This quilted design borrows from the classic 2.55 bag, named after the date of its creation in February 1955. INFO: 0203 372 3000. MONOCHROME STRAP DRESS, £85, French Connection

She may have removed the need for corsets, but a bit of panelling can do wonders for creating shapeliness. A fab monochrome dress that will take you from summer sandals into winter's black opaque tights. INFO: 0207 036 7200. Finishing touch PEARL MULTI-ROW NECKLACE, £70, Freedom at Topshop

COCO Chanel caused quite the stir by layering on lashings of pearls - an accessory that was normally the preserve of very formal evening wear.

A multi-row necklace from Freedom recreates that layered effect and could add a striking dynamic to a plain black top. INFO: 01277 844476. Beauty buzz

WHILE a boucle jacket or fabulous string of authentic Chanel pearls are beyond the budget of most of us mere mortals, cosmetics are a more affordable way to buy into the illustrious Parisienne fashion house.

Its limited edition Soleil Tan de Chanel 4 facettes bronzer (£39) would be a stylish addition to any handbag - and ideal for using as a quick compact when on the move.

It has two light highlighting shades and two darker sculpting shades to add a touch of bronze.

Available at counters in the Argyle Street branch of Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Boots at Glasgow Fort.