From Runways to Reality

How to Make Runway Styles Work for You

Each season, on the runways you can see fashions that are too frivolous and outrageous for everyday wear. Even though the models may seem to be in unwearable clothes, runway shows can give you a good indication of what will very soon hit the High Streets as wearable creations.

By studying pictures in fashion magazines you can make your own interpretation of the new fashions. For example: if you see a model with long flowing hair showing hardly any signs of make-up and bare feet, this means that the trends will go towards a 'natural' feel.

You can create your own fashionable wardrobe with some careful planning and by keeping a keen eye on the runways. Make a note of the dominant colours for the season, the shapes of dresses and jackets, whether belts are being worn and if so at what width. Are legs or the bust a focal point? Once you know what the trends are, you can decide to what extent you want to incorporate these looks into your wardrobe.

Animal prints had a strong presence in the Autumn collections. If a leopardskin outfit is a bit too much for you, you can achieve a similar effect by not going the whole hog; as an example, try wearing clothes with fake fur trim on the collar and cuffs. A cheaper option of updating an outfit would be to accessorize with a belt, shoes, handbag or even gloves in animal skin prints; this is a way you can update several outfits.

Glamour is still a key factor in eveningwear. A favourite look of the designers seemed to be a sequinned revealing dress in red. Most of us can wear red, but a low-cut dress showing lots of cleavage might be a bit too daring for some. A little black dress worn with a red sequinned cardigan would get you the Hollywood glamour look without spending a fortune on a dress you would probably wear only a couple of times.

Suits were everywhere on the catwalks and have become the basic 'must have'. Blue has stayed around since Spring, in shades ranging from navy to turquoise. If you're a trendsetter and not afraid to turn a few heads, going fucshia pink from head to toe certainly would do the trick. But, most of us would prefer to be less noticeable -- pastels are easier to wear and are more flattering than brights. Designers have tried to persuade us away from shorter skirts with knee length skirts, but mini-skirts still remain a favourite. Even some of the models managed to look frumpy in 'the new length'.

Those who have worn the same type of clothing and have become comfortable in them, may be reluctant, even afraid, to change. If you've worn leggings and a baggy top during the past ten years, it might make you uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing tighter sweaters and high heels. Start off slowly by buying a few new accessories and some basic clothes. You could make a start with a slim black skirt (you can still wear your looser tops) and some of those new 'nearly there' hose. Change your hairstyle or make-up -- it's amazing how one little change can give you the confidence to try other new looks.

Decide what your dress personality is and what image you want to project. You may be a trendsetter or have a more classic approach to a wardrobe. If you're young, almost anything goes but, older women can end up looking like mutton dressed as lamb. Everyone can look fashionable -- you just have to find your own level.