I Recreated 6 Runway Looks With My Own Clothes, and This Is What Happened
While Fashion Week may have come to a close — and spring is still quite a few months away — there’s no time like RN to start test-driving all of spring 2017’s most noteworthy trends. (We hope you’ve been bookmarking all your favorite runway-inspired looks!) ‘Cause when you’re a stylish lady about town, why wait? Though I may not have the most cutting-edge wardrobe or man-repelling style, I’m always game to try something new. Sometimes it’s a good thing to step outside your comfort zone — even if it just means donning a maxi (I’m partial to a good mini skirt) or experimenting with some innovative style hacks. Don’t let a few sartorial flops stop you from channeling your inner Leandra Medine this fall — scroll down to see how I fared styling my own wardrobe pieces with runway looks in mind.
Poppy red lace top? Check. Neon festival-going blazer and shorts co-ord? Check. Lilac cross-body bag? Triple check. Inspired by a trip to Italy, Stacey Bendet’s entire spring collection for Alice and Olivia is chock full of matching sets and vibrant garden party-inspired prints. AKA, a color enthusiast’s dream. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
If there’s one misconception about fall fashion, it’s that you have to settle for a wardrobe full of neutrals. Major snooze. To get the look, I styled a neon coral lace top with printed shorts and a scalloped purse in a lovely lilac hue. The key here is seeking a harmonious balance of colors and prints. This fall, try offsetting richer hues (like burgundy, navy and mustard) with unexpected patterns and neon accessories that demand attention.
Slouchy Proportions
So. Much. Swagger. It was all about slouchy proportions, expert tailoring and an understated downtown aesthetic at Rag & Bone this season. The juxtaposition between an athleisure-inspired pullover and a sleek pleated skirt is making me want to adopt a more laid-back ‘tude this season. (Photo via Slaven Vlasic/Getty)
So how does a girl who loves COLOR take a minimalist approach to fall dressing? While I maintained the slouchy silos — a relaxed sweater on top and pleated shorts on the bottom — I put my own unique spin on the look by opting for punchy hues. As it turns out, seafoam green and lemon yellow serve as the perfect color “pop” to plain ol’ khaki. For the finishing touch, I pulled the look together with a statement-making tassel belt and a streamlined tote. Take note: Once the temps dip low, a pair of slouchy paper bag trousers could easily be substituted into the equation for a boardroom-ready uniform.
Put a Flower on It
No J.Crew presentation would be complete without a slew of dialed-down basics glammed up for daytime. Take, for instance, this borrowed-from-the-boys button-down that’s been expertly tucked into a blue and white sequined pencil skirt. (Photo via Noam Galai/Getty)
Let’s take a moment to thank J.Crew for an easy style hack that even non-fashion girls can pull off this season. When your trusty chambray shirt or white tee grows stale, do the next best thing and pin a flower to it for instant Jenna Lyons-inspired appeal. It’s that easy. A few well-placed flower brooches proved to be game-changing for me, as they instantly lent a little extra panache to my weekend attire.
Schoolgirl-Chic
Prim and proper with a side of ease is exactly what Tory Burch channeled for her spring collection. It doesn’t get any more schoolgirl-chic than this polished combo, consisting of a collared dress and a shrunken cable knit sweater. Ready in two seconds flat has never looked so good. (Photo via Slaven Vlasic/Getty)
As a sucker for ultra-girly accents (crisp white collar = major YAS), this daytime casual look was right up my alley. With fall weather on the horizon, I channeled a slightly more boho vibe by tossing a moss green cropped sweater over a ditzy floral collared frock. Come October, I could easily see suede ankle boots in the mix.
Urban Sophisticate
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Wes Gordon really knows the way to a girl’s heart. Cue the contemporary romance with this sophisticated getup consisting of an elegant blush-hued skirt and a streamlined black top. Add some plié-worthy ballerinas and you’re there.
Pleats, please! Whether you’re in the market for a date-night look, a new boardroom uniform or an after hours-approved getup, Wes Gordon’s interpretation of casual luxury shall not be overlooked. For my take on everyday simplicity, I teamed a pretty pink accordion-pleat skirt with a form-fitting black top and lace-up flats. A leather moto jacket was the only thing missing. Sigh.
The Layering Game
There was no shortage of layering or understated drama to be found at Chris Gelinas’s spring show. His avant-garde styling of this sheer floral dress featuring risqué slits especially brings the drama. Who knew a printed tee could look this DDG? (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)
I’m not going to lie — this look was definitely outside my comfort zone. Perhaps I could’ve picked an edgier dress, or maybe it was the non-white tee that threw things off. Either way, this look felt more stuffy — less off-duty — than I would’ve liked. But, hey, I would totally try the t-shirt and dress equation again, especially for transitioning my wardrobe from summer to fall.
Which spring 2017 trends are you excited to test drive this season? Follow us on Pinterest for more fashion week-inspired style inspo.