We are now entering that time of year where runway designers bring all new looks and vibes for the new year. It’s fashion season of course—and if you’re itching to re-create that new runway style you absolutely love, follow these three tips to make your dream outfit a reality:
The Best Place to Start is Your Closet
It’s easy to guess what you might be thinking: but you don’t need to buy anything to be fashion forward! The most sustainable way to keep up with fashion trends is to stick to your own resources. And the best part is, you really don’t know what you have until you start creating. You may not have the exact same bottoms the model is wearing in the show, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have something similar. Even a resemblance as small as a common color or similar style can help you build a strong imitation of that runway look.
You may even consider seeking out the pieces you need to create your look from a friend or sister’s closet. While you’re at it, consider collaborating with others! Nothing opens the creative vein like an additional mind. After you’ve exhausted your local resources, you may then have a clear idea of what you are missing and what it will cost; this will provide you with a much stronger start to your shopping spree. As soon as you’ve checked that box, the invention of your runway look can begin!
Drop the All-Or-Nothing Mentality
As you start pairing pieces together and creating your runway look, you may find yourself frustrated at the fact that you are missing certain pieces or elements the model has in the show. The best thing you can do at this moment is take a deep breath and drop the all-or-nothing mentality. You’re probably not going to have all the right pieces in your closet that correspond with the style you’re going for—and that’s okay! For example, you may have a skirt that bears a close resemblance to the runway style you’re going for, but nothing else from the outfit you’re re-creating. Believe it or not, this is actually the perfect start because it’s going to enable you to apply a unique take on your runway outfit that no one else can duplicate.
You can also look for ways to mimic the look without copying it exactly. For example, maybe a model has a top with an animal print but you only have shoes with an animal print. You can still pull that element into your look by selecting the shoes, even if they may not resemble the shoes the model was wearing.
A final hack is to consider wearing the clothes you already have differently. Maybe you don’t have a certain type of sleeve that is featured in your favorite runway look, but you can fold the sleeves of a top you already have to resemble the look. Thinking outside the box (or outfit, in this case) can help you create your version of the incredible look you love.
You’re the Designer Now
Above all else, remember that you’re the designer for your runway look. Of course, it sparks our creativity to imitate the work of others at times, but it’s not you or your style unless you created it, right? Try this next experiment in the spirit of fashion season, but remember that you’re the designer now. Your creative realm is waiting for your command.
Pick your favorite designer or your favorite runway show from the season. You will notice that each designer has selected a specific theme for their show. Renowned designers in the past have chosen a space theme or a beach theme–Chanel even chose a grocery store theme once. After you have chosen your favorite show and identified the theme for the show, try your hand at a completely new look of your creation inspired by that theme. This is your chance to add a finishing touch to your favorite fashion show. And just like that, your fashion season is complete by the artistic touch of your own creative effort—how rewarding is that?
Conclusion
With these tips and tricks, you can imitate the greats to the exact extent that fits you, your personality, and style. Whether you are repurposing items you already have or creating something totally new in the spirit of a theme you love, you’re going to come out of these creative design moments with a fresh-feeling wardrobe and some fabulous new outfits.