Reinvent the basics

The tenuous economy need not stop fashion lovers from dressing to the nines and hitting the shops this holiday party season.

On the USA Network original series, The Starter Wife, Emmy award-winning actress Debra Messing stars as Molly Kagen, a sexy and confident woman with a top-notch wardrobe. Her fashion choices represent a laid back and cool Hollywood style and yet still convey a sophisticated, timeless, and chic overtone.

Lead stylist for the show, Agata Maskiewics, offers tips on creating the show's looks without breaking the bank.

· Reinvent the basics that you may already own or are easy and inexpensive to acquire. For example, a great look from this first season of "The Starter Wife" is an outfit based on the ultimate classic pairing of a black skirt and a white blouse. What makes this look special and current is the play on proportions by coupling a body conscious, high-waisted skirt with an oversized belt cinched at the waist. In addition to being easy to put together and based on simple components you can purchase almost anywhere, this is also an excellent outfit to carry you from the office to dinner. Another added benefit: all of the pieces can be used in other combinations in your wardrobe.

· Black is back as we move into the cooler seasons, and it is the perfect background for juicy rum punch hues and jewel toned accessories. This trend lends itself to reinventing simple black items in classic shapes that you already have in your closet. Start with a basic pair of black pants and a black knit turtleneck as your foundation and build upon that to showcase your accessories.

· Accessorize. This is the best way to create trendy new looks for less. Instead of buying a whole new outfit, pick a trend that you like and invest in accessories in the spirit of that trend. For example, if you feel like you can't live without the amazing lace pieces from Prada but can't cope with the price tag, then find fun shoes and pair them with a simple black dress. DSW.com offers a few lace heels that would be perfect. The Rampage Pamela Lace Platform Pump is a low $49.95 and the classic pump like CL by Laundry Garbo Satin & Lace Pump is an amazing $39.95.

· Befriend your tailor. The most important part of creating a fabulous look at any price is to make sure the items you buy fit you well; so if you need to spend a little extra on tailoring, go for it, it'll be worth it. And always wear your clothes with confidence; no one will have time to wonder how much you paid for your wardrobe if you enter a room walking tall and with a dazzling smile.