Tim Burton's long-awaited Alice in Wonderland comes to the big screen today, with an array of special effects and bold and outrageous costume designs. Inspired by the film, RIAH MATTHEWS goes in search of some magical fashion buys.

IT'S hard to watch the new Alice in Wonderland film and not be amazed by the clothes. Girly Alice (Mia Wasikowska) has grown up and looks floaty and elegant in her powder blue dress with lace detailing. While the crazy Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) looks freaky yet dapper in a smart top hat and oversized dickie bow.

The film has already inspired many designers – with bows, hearts, pocket watches and ladies' waistcoats already available in many high-street shops.

Three people eager to try out this style are BTEC national diploma fashion and clothing students Alice James, 17, Katherine Groom, 18 and Alice Leverton, 16, all in their first year at New College Nottingham. They went to The Walk Cafe in Bridlesmith Walk to enjoy a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, each dressed as one the characters.

White rabbit

Rabbit ears Model's own

Yellow stone necklace Collard Manson, £39

Flower T-shirt, Topshop at Outfit, £25

Tapered leg trousers Topshop at Outfit, £30

Brown buckle flat shoes Topshop at Outfit, £50

Willowy Alice Leverton makes a very gracious white rabbit. The country casual-style beige tapered trousers are a fashionable look for spring. The practical buckle shoes look like they could have been worn by the White Rabbit himself.

Alice

Purple bow headband Collard Manson, £28

Blue flower dress Topshop, £40

Grey waistcoat Miss Selfridge, £30

Silver tube necklace Collard Manson, £30

Purple peacock bangle £10

Grey waist belt Next, £16

Grey tights Model's own

Black bow ballet pumps Dorothy Perkins at Outfit, £20

Alice James is perfect as Alice with her blonde hair and bright complexion. The blue dress is a more modern take on Alice's usual knee-length dress and the waistcoat is more stylish than her white petticoat. The oversized bow hair band is probably edgier than the film's Alice could cope with but it looks perfect on our Alice.

Mad Hatter

Mini top hat eBay, £6.99

Red neck scarf Model's own

Black tailored jacket Next, £60

Large black corsage Collard Manson, £12

Black polka dot shorts Miss Selfridge at Outfit, £28

Black tights Model's own

Black patent shoe boots Dorothy Perkins at outfit, £38

Katherine's make-up gives her an eerie feel, although it's not quite as severe as Johnny Depp's in the new film. The red, black and white theme carries on through her outfit – with a fashionable black structured jacket and the cute polka dot shorts and neck scarf. The mini top hat and stripy socks are a good addition for the extra brave.