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From Runway to Everyday: A Minimalist's Guide to Styling

From Runway to Everyday: A Minimalist's Guide to Styling

How do we extract the essence of these designs and incorporate them into our daily lives?

Hey there!

This week we’re taking it from the runway to the streets…..and when I say “streets” I mean it as a metaphor for real life. Don’t actually have to go roam the streets. Again my mission with this week is to help my fellow FF’s find different ways of inspiration and contributing to their confidence. And what better way to find both than the high end fashion runways, where creativity runs wild. Alright, see you on the other side!

From Runway to Everyday Outfits

High-fashion runway shows are essentially living, breathing works of art. Designers weave together textures, colors, and shapes to create a visual feast for the senses. But, let's face it: these avant-garde creations can be a tad too theatrical for a casual trip to the grocery store…..although, I like nothing better than to strut my stuff down the cereal isle like I’m on the runway ;-) But that’s not the point….so, how do we extract the essence of these designs and incorporate them into our daily lives?

Raden Prasetya on Unsplash

Get Inspired

Begin by perusing the latest runway collections and taking note of the elements that speak to you. This could be anything from color palettes and silhouettes to patterns and accessories. Don't be deterred by the extravagance. Let yourself get pulled in and when you feel that pull, try to pin point what it is that is doing the pulling. Maybe it’s the way they layered something, the contrast of accessories or a certain piece that grabs you.

Breaking it down

Once you've identified the standout elements from your favorite runway looks, it's time to break it down to the bare essential source of what it is that’s inspiring you. Was it the color, the silhouette, the styling technique. If it was a scarf that inspired you was it the color of that scarf or how it was styled. If it was an oversized blazer, was it specifically the blazer or how it was contrasted with a pair of bike shorts. Dissect it.

Duane Mendes on Unsplash

Translating

It’s time to take that inspiration and translate it into your language….the language that is your everyday style that is. If it’s the super oversized blazer with exaggerated shoulder pads, how can that be worked into your daily outfits in a practical way. You don’t have to look at that so literally…..just find a good oversized blazer and by default it will have wider shoulders. If you want it a little more extreme…add some shoulder pads. Same effect and can be worn practically. If it’s an over the top statement of a layered pile of necklaces that you like…..find 3-4 necklaces of different lengths, shapes and styles and layer them together. You will still add a great statement to your look with out you falling over every time you bend down to pick something up.

Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Pull it in and Pull it off

Once you’ve identified and translated it, pull it into your everyday outfits. Whether your style type is exactly what was on the runway or the complete and utter opposite, you-can-pull-it-off. It always annoys me when people say “I love that shirt you’re wearing but I could never pull it off.” My answer back is always “Of course you could”…..because they can!!! The only reason I can “pull it off” is because I had the confidence to pull it into my style, my outfit and then believed that I was. Anyone can “pull it off” if they try. Wait “try” is the wrong word….if they believe they can, if they know they can. And guess what….you CAN!

In conclusion, runway fashion doesn't have to be an untouchable, unattainable ideal. By deconstructing and translating high-fashion looks into wearable, stylish ensembles that fit effortlessly into our everyday lives. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and, most importantly, keep being yourself!

Side Notes:

When watching the runway shows seek out pieces within the looks that are similar to pieces you already own. IE: The exaggerated shoulder oversized blazer-I have 3 oversized blazers in my closer that give the same silhouette. So I take note on how it’s styled and what it’s paired with to gain new inspiration for something I already own.

Start with Vogue if you’re not sure how to follow the runway shows. They cover it all and have amazing breakdowns if you don’t want to follow every designer or show. Vogue isn’t just for the elite label loving fashionista….it’s for anyone who is looking to be inspired and/or elevate their own personal style. It’s not a catalogue, it’s a catalyst.

Quick Tips for Everyday Chic:

Keep a Trench or Mac coat on hand. This comes in handy on those ‘falling behind’ sort of days and you just can’t get it together with your outfit. All of a sudden it’s time to pick the kids up from school and you look like a disheveled mess. Grab your Trench or Mac Coat and throw it over your outfit with some cute shoes….nobody will be the wiser what lies beneath. They’ll just see chic. (Remember Meg Ryan in “You’ve got Mail” when Tom Hanks arrives unannounced when she’s sick)

Embrace the hair you were given. I know too many people (myself included) that have tried to make their hair something it’s not. My hairstylist use to explain why my hair would never look like the celebrity picture I’d chosen as an example unless I wanted to spend loads on hair extensions, hair coloring and treatments. Now I’m not saying you can’t have some fun with styling….just saying there is a point where if you feel yourself lose confidence in your hair because you’re ultimately trying to make it something it can’t be, then maybe it’s time to embrace what you were given. Getting lots of gray hairs that you can’t keep up with coloring, go silver fox. You have curly crazy hair you can’t control….stop controlling it. Have stick straight hair that can’t hold a curl for nothing….embrace a classic bob (Anna Wintour would be so proud). I promise you, you’ll feel better in your own skin….or hair I should say :-)

JC Gellidon on Unsplash

Favorite Fashion Finds

A few things I am loving this week:

Everlane Shirtdress

This piece is great because you can wear it as a dress, open as a layer over top your outfit, or as a tunic over leggings or jeans. So very versatile and great for outfit repeating. But as well as that the silhouette has an edge to it that makes it feel very fashion.

Moussy Vintage Clifton Remake Flare

I love Moussy Vintage and I love these specific ones. These are what Fashion is all about.

Melissa Airbubble Slide Sandal

I love Melissa shoes because they are quality, made out of sustainable materials and are a good price. But mostly because of their contemporary designs. I love that they add some edge to a look without being too obnoxious.

Everlane Long Mac Coat

For those days when you need a little help with chic.

Something That Inspired Me

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Leonardo da Vinci

Your Weekly Homework

Scare yourself

This week's homework: Wear something or style something that you “think” you can’t pull off. It has to be something you love the idea of because if it’s not it won’t work.

As an example I loved the look of the cropped tees with high waist bottoms but thought ‘hmmm I’m a Mom of 3 boys and in my late 30’s, you can’t pull that off”. But I had one in my closet that was gifted to me. So I put it on with some high rise jeans and BAM! Gurl, I was pulling it off. :-)

So maybe it’s wearing socks with sandals. Or bike shorts. Maybe it’s as simple as a really bold sock pop with cropped pants. Whatever it is, go for it. It may be scary at first but what’s the worst that can happen? Someone judges you quietly to themselves…who cares! Maybe you get a compliment or two and what’s that going to do? Build your confidence!

If you decide to pull something off, take a picture and share it, be proud of it. If you’re on Instagram tag me @imemilywheatley

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