Fashion is constantly evolving and adapting, keeping us on our toes as we strive to stay ahead of the latest trends. But have you ever wanted to emulate those high-end catwalk looks without breaking the bank? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to explore the idea of “Runway vs. Real Way” – how to take the latest fashion from the catwalks and make it work for your own wardrobe. Ready to give it atry? Let’s get started!
1. Understanding Runway vs. Real Way
Whether you’re a fashionista or just love looking at the couture worn on the runway, it’s easy to mistakenly assume that the ensembles walking down the catwalk are what real life fashionistas are wearing. In reality, however, there’s often a chasm between runway fashion and real life fashion trends.
Materials
Runway pieces often require expensive materials that can’t be found in stores, and this is intentional. Many runway pieces are over the top and elaborately embellished with exotic materials and hand-crafted details. While these items may be aesthetically pleasing, they’re not always practical for wearing in everyday life.
Suitable Places
The biggest difference between real world fashion and runway fashion is where it’s meant to be worn. Runway pieces are designed to be seen in runway shows, photoshoots or other special events. Although there are plenty of occasions for which you could wear a runway piece, the vast majority of us don’t have access to these kinds of events.
Designers
Runway fashion is about pushing the boundaries of creativity and inspiring new ideas, whereas regular fashion is about creating something wearable and stylish. Designers are often looking to follow on-trends and styles, which often means rehashing and tweaking existing looks. True fashion designers are trying to bring their vision to life, regardless of current trends.
Trends
Finally, runway fashion doesn’t always adhere to seasonal trends or those enforced by the media. Designers can create whatever they want whenever they want, usually following different aesthetic ideas, such as decadence, minimalism, or natural beauty, than the rest of us. This means that runway fashion is often far more unpredictable than real-world fashion.
So the next time you’re admiring pieces on the runway, remember that runway fashion––while beautiful and awe-inspiring––is not always an accurate reflection of real-world fashion. The differences between runway and real-world fashion are part of what makes fashion such an exciting art form.
2. Appreciating the Fabric of Catwalk Looks
Fashion designers use fabrics to create clothing that expresses their vision and artistry. The fabric can be used to give a catwalk look a unique identity or to represent trends. can help you to understand how fashion can influence the way you dress and interpret your style.
Inspirational Textiles
One thing that makes catwalk looks so special is the unique combination of fabrics. Looking at the fabric can help you to identify the designer’s inspiration for a particular look. Whether it’s an unexpected combination of prints and textures or the mix of various colour palettes, appreciating the fabric will help you set up guidelines for new styling ideas.
Uniqueness of Fibres
Each fibre used in catwalk clothing has its own unique characteristics. Natural fibres have the ability to absorb water and breathe, making them more comfortable against the skin. Synthetic fibres on the other hand are more durable and offer strength to the fabric. Their abrasion resistance and tear strength can create pieces that can last. Understanding the uniqueness of fibres can help you decide on the right fabric for your wardrobe.
Examining Colours and Textures
The colours and textures of fabrics also tell a story. Looking closer at the catwalk look will allow you to draw inspiration from the designer. Choosing beautiful fabrics can completely transform a simple garment into an iconic and timeless piece. Examining the texture and colour will help you discover the perfect fabric to use for stylish, contemporary clothing.
Understanding Meanings
Fabrics can also express the underlying meanings of a look. Different textures, patterns, and colours carry different meanings. For example, muted hues convey a relaxed and laid-back feel while bold colours can represent high energy and excitement. Appreciating the fabric of a catwalk look allows you to decipher the messages conveyed by the clothing.
Conclusion
Catwalk looks are more than just trends and style. Understanding the fabrics used to create them will help you get a deeper appreciation of the designer’s work. Examining the fibres, colours, and textures can also allow you to draw inspiration for your own wardrobe. In short, not only teaches you about fashion but can also give you insight into finding the perfect fabric for yourself.
3. Bringing Catwalk Styles Home
Watching the catwalk can help fuel your creativity and wardrobe. When it comes down to actually getting the fashion on your body, though, can be an intimidating process due to size, availability and expense. Here are some tips for translating runway fashions into street wear.
- Choose one piece. Rather than copying a full outfit, pluck one piece from the look that inspires you. The piece may be a skirt, jacket, accessory or whatever else you like. You can then find similar colours and elements elsewhere in your wardrobe to create an outfit.
- Make it your own. When you’re mixing and matching in order to recreate the catwalk look, don’t be afraid to personalise it with your own twist. Perhaps an oversized denim jacket over a floaty floral skirt.
- Size down or up. Fashion designers often base catwalk sizes on models’ measurements, so you may find yourself having to go a size up or down to get the look. Sports luxe style plays well with oversized everything, so don’t be afraid to jump a few sizes up.
Stray away from the traditional rulebook when it comes to recreating catwalk looks. Spill out of sizes, mix classy with casual and go beyond the boundaries of fashion you’d usually restrict yourself to. Dare to be different and you’ll be sure to make the look your own.
Shopping catwalk inspired pieces can be costly so if you’re after something more budget friendly, visit local chain stores. With a bit of imagination, you can easily tailor runway looks to fit into your wardrobe without spending too much.
Although it may be daunting to tackle the catwalk look, it’s something you can easily pull off with the right attitude and some fashion know-how. The result? Unique style you can be proud of.
4. Re-imagining the Runway for Your Everyday Wardrobe
We don’t all have opportunities to put on evening gowns or head-turning jumpsuits. But with a few updates, your everyday wardrobe can now mimic the trends seen on the runway. Here are a few ideas to give your wardrobe a runway twist.
Colorblocking: Colorblocking is all about pairing bright and bold colors together that would otherwise never be seen as compatible. When re-imagining your everyday wardrobe take two existing garments you own and give them a burst of color using a third one, to shake things up. Try a bright patterned skirt, with a solid coloured top and a vibrant leather jacket.
Switch up Your Accessories: Accessories can have a large impact on how a look comes together. Up your accessory game by playing with textures and layering. Belts, hats, bags and scarves are an easy way to update an everyday look. Try pieces in different scales and statement jewellery to really stand out.
Mix up the volume of Clothing Pieces:Different pieces and shapes of clothing will give you an interesting silhouette. Play with the volume of garments like draped shirts, bell sleeves, jumpers, and voluminous skirts or slightly oversized coats.
Play with different Silhouettes: To get fashion’s directional looks, don’t be afraid to try something that looks outside your comfort zone. A waist-accentuating dress, fitted trousers, wrap skirt – all of these are hallmark silhouettes favoured by fashion creatives and can be worked into your everyday wardrobe to create visual interest.
- Be playful with prints, fabrics and accessories
- Create interesting visual interest
- Look for contrasting textures and colour palettes
- Externalise your personality through fashion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fashion. But these tips will ensure you look runway-ready from Monday to Friday. Feel free to personalise each look with accessories and colour and make fashion fun.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the looks from the runways, take inspiration from them and wear what makes you feel great. With these tips in mind, add some modern runway styles to your wardrobe and let the compliments roll in!
