Posts tagged runway clothing

Dior, Dolce and Gabana, Christian LaCroix, Vivienne Westwood- the names of the most forward thinkers in fashion today are on the tip of everyone’s tongue. After any awards show or celebrity gathering, the most prevalent question asked is “Who are you wearing?” The more avant garde fashions are not designed for ready to wear, everyday use, but are instead jumping off points for everyday inspiration. The translation of runway to everyday can be a challenge, but the best in the business successfully translate even the most difficult ensemble into a piece coveted by the everyday woman. Below are some tips to help you change that difficult to wear, gorgeous runway masterpiece into something that is work and real-life appropriate.

1. Let the design inspire. If the classic clean lines of Ralph Lauren’s fall line instantly appeal to you, try and replicate that in your own wardrobe. Keep it simple in color and design aesthetic. Use some of the more affordable Ralph Lauren pieces to complement your existing wardrobe. If Betsey Johnson’s wide skirts and ruffles inspire, try and find the same silhouette in less expensive pieces. Try a ruffled top with pants or a simple A-line skirt. Take the overall design aesthetic of the pieces you admire and translate their shape into your wardrobe. You can leave the fashion forward hats and accessories to the runway, and still retain the overall shape of the design.

2. Pick one fantastic element of your favorite runway piece and duplicate it. Whether you take a fabulous belt or sparkly purse from your favorite designer’s runway show, a signature piece will take your every day look to something spectacular. One key element won’t necessarily overwhelm your entire look.

3. Some designers work within distinctive color and texture palettes. If you like Marni’s textural designs, try and duplicate that at a more affordable price. Many sportswear designers take from the designer’s inspirations and work with the same colors and patterns. When watching the runways or turning the pages of Vogue, take note of exactly what attracts you to a certain outfit, and replicate that in your every day wardrobe.

4. Select what works for you. If the high platforms of a nod to 60s mod fashion kills your calves, or some accessories just instantly scream costume jewelry to you, go with your instincts and leave it! Don’t feel pressured to wear something like the runway designs just for the sake of it being a runway design. Ultimately, you want to flatter your figure, preserve your personal style, and not get lost in a sea of scarves, ponchos, and funky studded footwear that you’ll never wear again.

5. Couture means a one of a kind piece. The amount of work that goes into the singular pieces on the runways is incredible, and those designs deserve to be center stage. They are the show stopping numbers- the larger than life show opener or closer. You can translate whimsy into your personal wardrobe by adding some pieces that are daring, and creative- but some of the intricate pieces are best left to the runway, to showcase the artistry and expertise of the craftsman.