Here are four looks fresh off the runways that are sure to give your wardrobe a whole new twist. Take time out to shift through the store racks or rummage through your closet and you just might be able to come up with ensembles that are almost identical to those by designers Chanel, Prada, Marc Jacobs and Paul Smith. Finding that runaway runway look, can, believe it or not, be easy.
Let’s face it. Updating one’s wardrobe can be quite confusing. For one, there are about a million and one ensembles that grace the runway each season. You admire every piece you see and at the end of each show realize that you’ve just had an overload of fashion information. You try your best to make mental notes on the pieces you want to get a hold of and forget all about it just as soon as you hit the mall for a wardrobe makeover. Then you begin to wonder if you can actually pull off a certain outfit – Will it fit your body type? Your personality? Where can you wear it?
Will you wear it? Is it too trendy? Too plain? And truth be told, not everything on the runways is readily available in the stores (unless you have Marc Jacobs’ number on speed dial). This does not mean that you should remain a plain Jane the rest of your life, though. In this year’s Spring/Summer collections, you can travel through time in a ’20s-inspired ensemble. Jet to the Mediterranean in bold prints and easy cover-ups or ride the wild, wild west in a full circle denim skirt. This is also the perfect time to go experimental – print on print. Yes, it is acceptable. And yes, it can work.
Chanel goes sweet and easy this season with its parade of dainty micro-printed pieces, ruffles and crocheted tops slipped over short dresses. Sweet and sexy are the key words to the collection. Note, however, that though this season’s collection is less structured, it also veers away from looking too ladylike. The idea is to go for a look that exudes chic and confidence. A loose fitting top paired with a printed ruffled skirt is both comfortable and sexy. Touch it up with layers of silver chains for more attitude and you’re ready to strut from one coast to the next.
Yes, the look is back and Prada is ready for the ride with circle skirts belted slighty above the waist and shirtwaists. Inspired by the ’50s, Prada’s collection for this season sticks to the classic with tops and pumps, but presents a variety of interesting twists – seams turned inside out and little touches of fabric with dip-dye or tie-dye. Match a circle skirt in denim with your timeless white shirt. Wrap a playfully printed scarf around the neck and feel that Scarlet O’Hara vibe!
| Time Travel Into The ’20s |
Pretty and pale are two words that define a Marc Jacobs ensemble for Spring/Summer 2004. Drawing inspiration from the free-spirits of the Jazz Age, Jacobs goes all out with sheer fabric, rough-edged ruffles and touches of knits that hang sexily on the body, creating an almost ethereal effect. Ultra feminine floral prints and laced-up boots also add an interesting contradiction to this trend. With this ensemble, you’ll be ready to sway to that tune from the solo saxophone.
In dealing with candy-colored prints, Paul Smith is the name for this season. The key to playing with prints without looking like you’ve lost all senses is confidence. The Paul Smith collection this season parades color in swirls, stripes in cuts that still reflect the boyish quality to the name. Playful is an understatement. Forget all rules and let color and pattern take over. Try a black and white striped top with an eye-popping printed skirt. Hold your head up high and have fun!