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Fashion : Clothing

Runway to Real Way

Do catwalk clothes make you think, 'Gorgeous, but unwearable'? We say, think again: It's all in the styling.

By: Susan Swimmer

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Don't Shy Away From Sheer

We love the cream-and-nude color scheme, and the fact that the dress’s shape is forgiving has its appeal. For the bottom layer, all you want is a blank canvas so the sheer dress stands out. This simple shirtdress works, and an opaque slip dress (white, nude) would, too.

 

Dress: VPL silk organza dress, price on request; 212-966-2145

 

Dress (worn under): Jil Sander Navy white cotton dress,$375; 212-447-9200
Photo by: TK

Avoid Heavy Feet

No pumps, please: The openness of the sandals keeps the look light from head to toe.

 

Heels: Loeffler Randall leather and mesh stilettos, $550; loeffler​randall.com
Photo by: TK

Go For A Little Shine

The delicate beading against the tulle, the ribbon tie . . . it’s all in keeping with this pretty, diaphanous look.

 

Necklace: Suzanna Dai tulle and rhinestone necklace,$200; suzannadai.com
Photo by: TK

Use An Evening Clutch

The shine on this one makes it look like a piece of jewelry, and its delicacy keepsit in tune with the overall effect.

 

Purse: Celestina shell clutch,$1,195; Gail Rothwell, 631-324-6666
Photo by: TK

Wear Just The Dress

You can skip the kooky pink underlayer seen on the runway and wear a full slip if sheerness is an issue. Also, on the runway the dress is shapeless, so use the self-belt to create a waist.  

 

Dress: Issey Miyake linen and cotton dress,$2,045; 212-226-0100
Photo by: TK

Carry A Metallic bag

The drawstring bucket shape is casual, the bit of shine pops, and we think metallic is a go-with-all neutral.

 

Bag: Anya Hindmarch leather bag,$550; 212-929-7625
Photo by: TK

Try A Wedge Sandal

This is an ideal city sandal (for comfort and coverage), and the navy hue won’t get lost, as do the taupe ones shown in the runway pic.

 

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff leather and wood sandals,$250; Confederacy, 323-913-3040
Photo by: TK

Add Sparkle With Jewelry

For a more feminine look, use a mix of metals, stones and beads of varying lengths. Or add an armload of bangles.

 

Necklace: Dannijo oxidized brass and Swarovski crystal necklace,$420; dannijo.com

 

Necklace: Heather Benjamin Peruvian opal and 22k-gold vermeil necklace,$795; Carleen Ligozio, 631-204-0104
Photo by: TK

Take The Top, Sans Skirt

Yowza! The runway look is an eyeful and overkill for every day, but tone down the top, and it’s office appropriate. With such a bold top, keep the bottom half simple. The soft gray hue of these pants is grounding.

 

Top: Prada drill top,$695; 212-334-8888

 

Pants: Max Mara cotton pants,$435; 212-879-6100
Photo by: TK

Embrace Espadrilles

Airy mesh keeps them from looking too clunky (like the lace-ups on the runway).

 

Wedges: Edmundo Castillo net espadrilles, $450; Chucky’s, 718-376-1003
Photo by: TK

Use Bold Jewelry

You need something weighty to stand up to the top.

 

Necklace: Stephen Dweck onyx, quartz and turquoise necklace, $680; Bergdorf Goodman, 212-872-8651
Photo by: TK

Cinch Your Waist

A belt adds definition, and choosing a wide style will break up the -overload of print. Try a large clutch—the structure and angular shape add polish.

 

Belt: Diane von Furstenberg leather belt,$245; 646-486-4800

 

Clutch: French Connection cotton blend clutch,$88; Cole Couture Boutique, 850-553-3327
Photo by: TK

Start With a Great Dress

The shape is so mod, and the color looks new—styled  right, you’ll wear it day or night. How to wear something with holes? Underpinnings are a must, and a bold hue is fun and unexpected. Bonus: This swimsuit/bodysuit doubles as shape wear.

 

Dress: cynthia rowley viscoseand rayon blend dress,$385; cynthiarowley.com

 

Swimsuit: Eres Paris spandex knit swimsuit,$280; nancymeyer.com
Photo by: TK

Choose a Classic Bag

Either a shoulder-strap or top-handle style will work, as long as it’s sleek (though for comfort, we vote for a bag that tucks under the arm). With such a strong look, keep each element fierce—this is no place for delicate anything.

 

Purse: Michael Kors leather purse,$495; 866-709-5677 for stores

 

Bangles: Alexis Bittar metal bangles,$215 each; alexisbittar.com
Photo by: TK

Make The Shoes Matter

The long gray dress needs one more pop of color to balance the blue top; ankle straps are sexy and feminine.

 

Heels: DKNY leather pumps,$395; 800-231-0884 for stores
Photo by: TK
First Published March 4, 2011

What’s your reaction?

Comments

Ginni Crowe05.24.2011

Price available on request? One minute your magazine is advising us on money issues then all the fashion forward trends are priced above most working mothers budgets! Get real, how about some affordable fashions that don't make us all look like Kmart shoppers? Just sayin.....

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