Fashion inspires real life. Every season, top designers send their breathtaking creations down the runway, sparking the imaginations of fashion-lovers everywhere. From the daring colour combinations to eye-catching silhouettes, runway looks often appear to be too bold for everyday wear – but that doesn’t mean they can’t be recreated! In our article on “Runway Inspirations: Translating High Fashion to Real Life”, we explore how fashion-lovers can take their style cues from the runway to create street-style inspired looks that make a statement. Read on to discover how to capture runway trends and rock them with ease.
1. Defining High Fashion
High fashion is something that can only be truly defined through the lens of experience. It’s an ever-changing world that pulses with creative energy and pushes boundaries.
Style as Expression
It’s about more than just trends coming and going. High fashion is a form of art and expression, custom-made to celebrate beauty and individuality. Its avant-garde approach brings innovative elements to clothing that otherwise wouldn’t exist, with designs ranging from the intellectual to the outrageous.
Expect the Unexpected
High fashion is a playground of the unexpected. Some of its greatest pieces are wildly out of the box and bring a unique charm to fashion. Some recognize daring silhouettes, unusual fabrics, and groundbreaking techniques. They push the boundaries of what society would usually consider tasteful and reject traditional ideas of beauty; almost like a form of rebellion.
Reinvention and Adaptation
High fashion is constantly reinventing itself and adapting to the times. Each season, the world of fashion showcases the stunning work of so many amazing designers. And some of the most beautiful works come about when designers borrow elements and create new ideas.
Elements of High Fashion
Here are some key elements of what makes fashion ‘high fashion’:
- Quality craftsmanship
- Unique textures and fabric
- Outstanding design details
- Avant-garde silhouettes
- Unconventional colors
- Futuristic creativity and concepts
At the end of the day, high fashion has no defined parameters. It is a dream, a living, breathing realm of creativity and imagination. And it offers something for everyone, no matter their taste or style.
2. Translating Runway to Reality
The perfect way to make a cutting edge look your own is to simply translate it to a wearable version. It’s not always easy and may require looking at the trends in new ways. But it can be done.
1. Choose One Statement Piece
- Rather than recreating a high fashion look top to bottom, pick the statement piece that is the focus. For example, if the runway look is a highly embroidered and beaded, floor length gown, opt instead for a glamorous sequin dress to get the same look with a more wearable twist.
- Mix and match until you find the right combination of other pieces to pair it with to achieve a high-low effect from day to night.
2. Choose Bolder Silhouettes
- Rather than trying to mimic the exact outfit from the runaway look, keep the same feeling without trying to look like you’re wearing a costume.
- Look at the shape of the outfit — is it oversized, boxy or long-sleeved? Opt for the same feel but in a silhouette that’s more flattering and balanced.
3. Opt for Simple Accessories
- Rather than embracing lots of clashing jewelry and big, statement belts, opt for minimalist pieces to finish the look.
- Choose these stylish pieces carefully so that they do not distract from the statement piece, rather they just help to create the total look.
4. Find Unexpected Color Combinations
- Experiment with brighter color combinations, especially in colors that are opposite on the color wheel to create an electric, eye-catching look.
- Mix bold patterns with more subtle textures and a mix of eye-catching shades to create visual interest. These vibrant hues can draw attention to the entire look, including to accessories, which makes the statement piece even bolder.
3. Getting Creative With Your Look
When you want to stand out from the crowd, get creative with your look. Here are a few simple ideas to help you create a unique personal style:
- Mix & Match – Choose different pieces from your wardrobe and mix and match them in unexpected ways. Try layering a shirt over a dress, for example, or pairing a skirt with a cropped hoodie.
- Experiment with Texture – Texture adds lots of interest to an outfit. Look for unexpected fabrics or materials and experiment with how you combine them. A velvet blazer over a chiffon dress, maybe?
- Build a Capsule Wardrobe – Choose a few core pieces and build your wardrobe around them. Once you have the basics, start to add interesting and unique pieces that will make your look special.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Color – Alwayx stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way to create a memorable look. Brighter colors can work wonders – why not try teaming a bold skirt with a bright patterned blouse?
- Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize – Don’t underestimate the power of accessories! Statement jewelry, chunky belts, bright scarves – mix and match to add extra style to your look.
You don’t have to limit yourself to the trends or what everyone else is wearing. With a bit of creativity, you can create a look that will make you truly stand out in a crowd.
Start experimenting and playing around with what you already own, and keep an eye out for unique pieces when you go shopping. If you create a few capsule pieces that you love, you can mix them together and create completely different looks every time.
So get creative and show the world your unique and individual style!
4. Taking High Fashion Style to the Streets
It may seem like something only the rich and famous can pull off, but high fashion streetstyle is definitely attainable by the everyday person! Here’s how you can rock the look yourself:
- Choose the Right Pieces
Start by making sure your wardrobe is filled with quality items. Invest in classic pieces that will last you season after season. This will allow you to create endless outfits that are always on trend.
- Find Inspiration
Don’t be afraid to get creative and go beyond the standard streetwear. High fashion clothing is all about combining different looks to create something unique and original. Do some research and look to influencers to get your fashion fix of chic, stylish pieces.
- Add a Little Edge
To really make your style stand out it’s a good idea to add a little edge to your look. This can be something as small as wearing a statement earring or opting for a dramatic, red lip. Whatever it is, it’s sure to grab the attention of those around you.
- Remember the Details
The devil really is in the details and you’d be surprised how something as small as the shape of your sunglasses or the type of shoe laces can make a big difference. Make sure that you pay attention to the finer elements of your outfits to create a high fashion streetstyle that will turn heads.
Let your creativity take you on a journey of stylish exploration. Find your own runway inspiration and bring it to life by taking it off the catwalk and into your wardrobe. Live your style and make a statement. Who knew fashion could be this fun?
