There’s no denying celebrities and their stylists provide us with some top-notch fashion inspiration. Who doesn’t love poring over Taylor Swift ‘s latest two-piece ensemble or Lupita N’yongo ‘s parade of glorious awards show gowns?

Yet when you’re a mere mortal with a day job that doesn’t involve sashaying down red carpets, those A-list looks aren’t quite as wearable. Out here in non-celebrity land, we need our fashion to be a little more functional — not to mention affordable.

This is precisely why Alex Paterson, a Brisbane primary school teacher and stylist, is our current style crush.

In 2014 Paterson decided to put her fashion and styling intel, which she'd gleaned through working at chain stores throughout uni, to good use by launching her website What The Teacher Wears.

Her aim is to help women create stylish work and everyday outfits without blowing a hole in their savings. As she writes on her website, who says you can’t be fabulous between the hours of nine and five?

Paterson is now a qualified fashion stylist, and her work has grown quite the following — at the time of writing, her Instagram profile has more than 30,000 fans and her Facebook community is 7000-strong.

It's not hard to see why; this is a lady who knows how to put a chic, simple outfit together (she has serious layering skills) and has a great eye for a bargain buy.

Watch: Three ways with a scarf. (Post continues after video.)

Here are 10 of our favourite looks from What The Teacher Wore and what we've learned for them.

What can we say? Some people just have a knack for teaching.

1. All black everything.

See? Black on black doesn't have to be boring. Consider this your new work uniform.

2. Cool casual

Printed scarf + black dress + sunnies + Cons. A simple equation that's oh-so stylish.

A lazy Monday indeed. Ready for a big day of PD tomorrow. Wearing @surafina Dress + Scarf ● @decjubaofficial Sunglasses ● @converse Sneakers ● A photo posted by Stylist | Blogger | Teacher (@whattheteacherwears) on May 30, 2016 at 12:06am PDT

3. Layering on point.

Note to self: pastel pink and grey marle is a foolproof colour combination. Also: scarves don't have to go around your neck.

4. Conservative can be cool.

Looking professional and looking stylish aren't mutually exclusive. This classic white shirt and skirt combination is beautiful — you could always add a heel if flats won't cut it.

Good news ladies. Blog is up and running. Post will be back from Monday. In the mean time, have you checked out 20 30 40 featuring @birdsnestonline Wren Wrap Skirt and the fab @individualstyle101 and @mummaaintmumsy? These are selling fast. All 8s are now gone. A photo posted by Stylist | Blogger | Teacher (@whattheteacherwears) on Mar 5, 2016 at 2:59am PST

5. Staples are always stylish.

Fact: a neutral trench coat will never let you down. And look, we all know stripes are never going out of fashion.

6. A statement earring goes a long way.

There's so much to like about this ensemble — the pencil skirt and choker-neck blouse are office and bar-friendly, but really, it's all about those pom-pom earrings.

Felt like I was wearing cats on my ears today ????. These @lovisajewellery are an easy way to inject some oomph into your outfit. Wearing @sheikeandco Top - oldie but they have one similar atm ● @zaraaus Skirt ● @misanoshoes Heels A photo posted by Stylist | Blogger | Teacher (@whattheteacherwears) on Jun 9, 2016 at 3:33am PDT

7. Be a bargain hunter.

The trench and the boots are seriously gorgeous, and are both from Target. Need we say more?

8. A great jacket will do the heavy lifting for you.

The skirt and tee would look ace on their own, but the jacket is the cherry on top.

Are the holidays here yet? Who else is feeling 'report overload'? Tap pic for tags. #teacherstyle A photo posted by Stylist | Blogger | Teacher (@whattheteacherwears) on Jun 8, 2016 at 2:21am PDT

9. Your new weekend uniform.

Be right back, rushing out to buy ripped blue jeans, flat black boots and a grey marle cape.

10. A pop of colour never goes astray.

This is the kind of dress you could own and wear for years.

What a day! Wednesday is a teaching day and boy was it a B.U.S.Y. one. Wearing @maiocchi_ Love and Luck Dress #gifted ● @_mimco Flats - oldies ● A photo posted by Stylist | Blogger | Teacher (@whattheteacherwears) on May 24, 2016 at 11:49pm PDT

Featured image: Facebook/What The Teacher Wears.