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Runway to Real Way

We've found inexpensive look-a-likes for hot runway styles, so you can look like a million bucks without putting a dent in your wallet. Never be scared to open your credit card bill ever again!

by Deanna Pai • Fashion/Beauty Assistant

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10 Crosby Derek Lam

More really is more (not that we're biased...). Two sets of stripes take the preppy staple to an edgy new level.
derek lam stripes image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

Colorful, modern art-inspired stripes add a playful element to an overworked jeans-and-tee uniform.

 

Splendid tee, $76; splendid.com
splendid striped tee image
Courtesy of Splendid

Rag & Bone

An orange blazer tops off a cheeky look and adds a hit of saturated color.
rag bone orange blazer image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

This classic silhouette gets a modern makeover in a fun citrus hue. Pair it with a black and white ensemble for a fresh office look.

 

H&M blazer, $60; hm.com
hm orange blazer image
Courtesy of H&M

Vivienne Tam

How to make a suit look playful (an oxymoron if we've ever seen one): do away with long trouser legs and add an Oriental print. Instant whimsy.
vivienne tam floral suit image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

Put some frou frou in your 9-to-5 staple with an intricate floral print. The understated palette makes it extra wearable.

 

Zara blazer, $90; zara.com
zara blazer floral image
Courtesy of Zara

Bill Blass

Heavy black stripes and a billowing silhouette have a mysterious, edgy vibe.
bill blass stripes image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

Uniform black-and-white stripes are chic, but not overpowering. Just cinch this number with a bright belt for an easy weekend ensemble.

 

Josa dress, $275; madisonlosangeles.com
josa striped dress image
Courtesy of Madison LA

Donna Karan

A chartreuse dress with wrapping detail is subtly sexy and has a great warm-weather feel. Pass the pina colada, please.
donna karan chartreuse dress image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

The saturated yellow-green color is surprisingly flattering, and the silhouette, slimming. If that's not a recipe for easy style, we don't know what is.

 

BCBGMaxAzria dress, $198; bcbg.com
bcbg green dress image
Courtesy of BCBG

Burberry Prorsum

Oh so ladylike and with discreet equestrian touches, this feminine look can go right from the runway to the office (just button up that keyhole).
burberry prorsum ladylike image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

The modest hemline and soft blush shade make for a classic piece. Wear it to the office with a fitted blouse.

 

Linea by Louis Dell'Olio skirt, $39; qvc.com
linea blush skirt image
Courtesy of QVC

Victoria by Victoria Beckham

Color blocking is all grown up with a simple palette and chic sweetheart neckline.
victoria beckham colorblock dress image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

The strategically-placed color blocking has a slimming effect. Plus, the A-line skirt and scoopneck back lend some oomph.

 

Kenneth Cole dress, $160; kennethcole.com
kenneth cole dress image
Courtesy of Kenneth Cole

Rachel Roy

This just in: floral prints are cool again. Start digging through grandma's attic.
rachel roy floral pants image
Courtesy of Rachel Roy

Real Way

The abstract bird print is busy but still elegant, and the cut, slouchy-chic. Pair these with a brightly-colored tee to be the best-dressed gal running errands this weekend.

 

Rachel Rachel Roy pants, $99; macys.com
rachel roy bird print pants image
Courtesy of Macy's

Rochas

The ultra-feminine color gets some attitude with the help of snarky cat-eye frames and a trench-length coat.
rochas pink suit image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

Wear this uber-flattering pencil skirt with a menswear-inspired shirt in a contrasting color—it'll keep the pink shade from being too sugar-and-spice.

 

J.Crew pencil skirt, $180; jcrew.com
jcrew pink skirt image
Courtesy of J.Crew

Balenciaga

Red pants are the star of this look, but the extra black-and-white touches round out the Parisian feel.
balenciaga red pants image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

These are truly versatile: they can be worn with everything from a slouchy tee to a collared blouse, and they look great in a bright color (we love coral or hot pink) or simple black-and-white.

 

French Connection pants, $44; asos.com
french connection red pants image
Courtesy of Asos

Anna Sui

Paired with a simple silhouette, this busy pattern adds visual interest and hides flaws.
anna sui print dress image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

A retro floral pattern and waist-cinching silhouette flatters everyone and anyone.

 

London Times dress, $68; londontimesfashion.com
london times floral maxi image
Courtesy of London Times Fashion

Nina Ricci

Subtle ruching gives this red sheath an ethereal quality. Plus, the neckline and belted waist help cut a striking silhouette.
nina ricci ruched red dress image
Courtesy of Style.com

Real Way

A bold red dress is universally-flattering on every skin tone, and the detail on the waist creates a slender shape.

 

Calvin Klein dress, $70; macys.com

 

Snag the signature looks of celebs like Halle Berry and Sarah Jessica Parker—for less!

 

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calvin klein red dress image
Courtesy of Macy's

First Published Mon, 2012-02-06 13:17

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