This season’s catwalks were filled with soft, elegant and feminine looks from hot designers at hefty price tags. Don’t despair: These coveted looks can be yours with a little creativity and fewer dollars than you may expect. Project Runway contestant Malan Brenton gives us the 4-1-1 on the latest runway fashions.
10 runway looks and how to recreate them
Here are 10 looks straight from the catwalk, expert tips for mimicking them and related articles to help inspire you as you take these styles them from runway to yourway. Give these looks a bit of personal flare and your closet will be stocked for summer!
Sandstone
On the runway: Sandstone, as seen in the Donna Karan Collection, was one of the hottest colors for spring, says Malan Breton from Project Runway’s season three, and himself a hot designer on the runways this season.
In your closet: To reinvent this look, find a cotton or viscose jersey tube tee that’s is a little longer and fuller in the body. This helps create the pleating effect. Layer it over a simple matching jersey or stretch skirt. To get the simple waist effect, find a ribbon belt or leather lacing measuring the the size of your waist plus 72 inches. Wrap this around your waist numerous times, then tie it in a slipknot and you’ll be runway ready!
- Fashion forward belts for less
- The best of spring fashion: Miu Miu skirt
Minimalism
On the runway: Who knew minimalism could be maximally pleasing? “Sometimes little details can lead to being the belle of summer chic,” says Malan Breton.
In your closet: This look, as seen in Paris collection Givenchy, consists of three great summer pieces: A smart blazer, harem pants and a v-neck tee. To create your own dimensional flair, add a smart necklace or mix up the color. These are three items women of all sizes can wear with everything.
- How to find the perfect blazer
- Best of spring fashion: Leopard print harem pants from 2009
- 5 Spring accessory trends
Tailor-made
In your closet: Women of the world, a little secret: You can find the best pieces in your man’s closet. Breton suggests you go right into his closet and find a dress shirt, purchase a color-coordinated belt and roll up those sleeves. As an added benefit, this look is super comfortable.
- Celebrity trend: The peter pan collar
- The best of spring fashion: Tailor-inspired Celine dress
Trouser Talk
On the runway: Another reason to raid his closet? The boyfriend trouser. Seen in collections such as Alexander Wang, this will work even if his trousers are a few sizes too big for you.
In your closet: Simply roll from the waist and then belt over the hip. A form-fitted top or even a beautiful crisp short sleeve cotton blouse easily accentuates this look. Add a touch of sex appeal by vamping it up with a sexy platform sandal.
- The best of spring fashion: Bluemarine lace blouse from 2009
- Helmut Lang cropped pants
Chic Yet Simple
In your closet: “Well, darlings, what is summer without a beach wedding, prom or oceanfront cocktail party?” Breton asks. A chic yet simple dress for you to wear might be something like this from Breton’s own collection, but in stretch jersey or breathable bamboo. It’s comfortably light and easy to wear.
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- The queen of simple chic, Jennifer Aniston sports sexy dress
Body-Slimming Skirts
On the runway: Body-slimming skirts with strong architectural ruffles were shown on the Lanvin runway for spring 2010. We love the slimming effects of these sorts of skirts.
In your closet: For best results, go for a heavier material; it looks much better draped across the body. Nothing says “sexy” like a skirt that fits you and drapes your body perfectly.
Frilly and feminine
On the runway: No one captures boudoir femininity like Chanel’s spring 2010 collection. Lace and frill are in vogue this season, as is lots of sheer.
In your closet: Make the look work-appropriate by keeping the style modest and using the layering technique.
Military
On the runway: This trend is really hot right now, so finding an affordable khaki or army green lightweight jacket is a snap, says style expert for the Rachael Ray Show, Gretta Monahan.
In your closet: Look for studs or grommets for extra oomph, or just add your own. The essence of the look is pairing tough pieces with feminine details, so add some gold jewelry to the mix and wear heels with your cargo pants. Don’t do military head to toe; it looks too much like a costume. Keep your tank or tee a neutral shade to show off your key piece.
- Green accessories for spring
- Anne Hathaway’s aviator jacket
Bold Print
In your closet: The trick to pulling off bold prints is scale, Monahan says. Go wild and colorful on top, but balance it out with a neutral pant or skirt. Or pair neutral strappy sandals with an ikat dress. Keep accessories to a minimum so as not to overwhelm.
- Best brights: Accessories for spring
- How to wear spring’s bold hues
Neutrals
In your closet: The new neutral palette is great for all skin types, and these classic pieces will last through the trends. To keep things interesting, play around with textures, Monahan says. The shiny satin jacket over the matte dress really works, and while the palette is monochromatic, the ensemble is anything but dull. Neutral shoes are wonderfully leg lengthening, which make them a closet staple!
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