Obviously if you’re reading this, fashion is important to you. But being that we’re all budget fashionistas—meaning most of us are not picking frocks off the runway for our next red carpet event—what does runway fashion mean to you? Sure, the ready-to-wear shows are where we pick up the season’s trends, which we then must translate to suit our own closets and bank accounts (and waistlines, natch). But after watching/reading so much coverage of every nuance of runway rundowns in New York, London, Paris, etc. it leaves me wondering—what does runway fashion really mean to the real-world woman?
I can’t even look at the pictures from runway shows. I have a friend I have known for for 20 years and she looks great in runway apparel. Me? I think not. I can’t even imagine wearing some of the things I have seen on those models. Not me. I would rather see what real women are wearing, in real life. I am going to be 33 this year and I still want to dress in skater clothes. God I love my Vans!
Runway fashions don’t do much for me either however it does dictate what is in and what is out for the season. For that reason alone we should be more aware what has happened at NY Fashion Week even though most women will not be wearing exactly what has come off the runway.
sometimes i like to watch runway fashion shows on tv but only to get ideas on what looks good with what. i’m not really good in matching clothes so i get advice from watching runway shows. oh and yeah, i like the music too! lol =)
On a practical level, they mean nothing to me! As everyone knows, I’m a TJ Maxx shopper, a clearance rack shopper. Most of what I buy is bought off-season.
On another level, I look at them for upcoming trends --colors, the shape of a sleeve, whether or not the pant leg is wide or slim, the length of a dress. On a deeper level, I want to find out what’s inspiring them to choose colors and shapes, the organic source of inspiration.
They’re a lot of fun. I realize that shows are much more important than the celebrities who grace the sides of the runway, though they can’t be discounted as mere froth. But it’s really the time for the editors, and buyers to determine what they’ll be carrying in the stores next year.
go clearance shopping!! lol. i don’t mind buying off season too. you can save loads from markdowns and besides some styles get recycled and you can dig up those that you already have.
So assuming you look to runway fashion for general trends for the season, how hard do you find it to translate the looks into your own wardrobe? What’s your strategy for picking and choosing what makes sense for you as opposed to what’s on the runway?
I think the translation is the tricky part for sure, Angela. I love the runway shows. They’re a great way to not only be entertained and see examples of artistry and craftsmanship, but also as a societal gauge. You know, that whole life imitating art, but then art imitating life kind of thing. At any rate, for me, I find that the best way to translate what’s being seen on the runway to my body and style, without killing my checkbook, is to invest in maybe one quality piece that really works for me that maybe has hints of the new trend, without being trendy. Something that I can incorporate into future looks easily. And then, finding the bargain accessories really are the trick.
If you have a strong sense of personal style and wear what works for you and you can own the look, then you’ll always look fashionable!
I’ve seen pictures of runway shows and the clothes, and I just don’t see anything that looks like real life clothes. Then again, I read in one of my fashion books that the runway clothes are for the runway shows, not for the stores or the real women.
There are definitely trends to be seen, and if the trend works for me, I’ll find a way to work it in, either in clothes or accessories.
I usually watch them to see designers’ items and how they differ from one another. Since, right now I don’t have enough money to buy designers’ products, I’m still in the process of learning whose design suit me the most.
If I see a piece I really like, then I’ll definitely look for a similar piece the next time I go shopping. But like most people, I get my stuffs from local thrift shops or high street stores.
Too much of it is just silly or bizarre. I see occasional flashes of real clothing but too much of the costume-y stuff for me. I mean really - PomPoms on your head? Clown clothing? It’s funny to watch for a while, but I guess I just can’t see how to translate it to real life. I’m glad there are people out there who can - so I can read it from them.
Not at all relevant to me. It’s just not practical! If I need to know what’s hot right now and what I need to add to my wardrobe I read The Budget Fashionista!
Since I don’t have $3,000 to spend on the runway look, how I translate it has ultimate freedom!
Okay, so for the fall 2008… the one color (at the rather color-less and color blind shows I went to) that really stood out on the runway was purple. So more than likely, I’ll search for a purple sweater or jacket and also a scarf to accessorize what I already have.
Also, last year I saw the lantern and bell sleeves. So I managed to find a yellow broadcloth jacket for spring with a bell sleeve and I wear it a lot.
