Sep 17, 2014 01:55
by Natasha Saroca

Hands up if you’ve been glued to your computer/tablet/smartphone over the past few weeks clicking through every single gallery dedicated to New York or London’s Fashion Week? Pretty much everyone, then? Don’t worry; we’re not judging – we spend a fair chunk of time each day checking out the latest looks to hit the runway, as well as what all the fashionably-clad mag editors, bloggers and buyers are wearing to each of the shows, too. Speaking of which, it’s probably time for catwalk catch-up session right about now…

Although we love Fashion Month, it’s hard not to feel a tad disgruntled when looking at all of the runway snaps. Why, you ask? Because not only do we have to wait patiently for six months until the pieces finally hit stores, but by the time they are available, for us folk in the southern hemisphere, autumn is already here, which means we won’t have much of an opportunity to wear any of the fresh, summery wares anyway. But that doesn’t we can’t steal style inspo from the shows, try our favourite trends and recreate runway looks using new-season pieces that you can snap up right now, which is exactly what we’ve done below.

Here, we’ve chosen 10 looks from London Fashion Week (which wrapped up earlier this week) that we heart, and hunted down similar pieces that have proven to be suitable substitutes for the real thing. While they’re not exactly the same, they’re pretty damn close, don’t you think? If these outfits aren’t really your style, browse through the other runway looks online until you spot one that you’re keen to adapt using items in your closet or new-season buys.

1. We love this Marchesa eveningwear look – it’s pretty and elegant but bold, too. Our take on the outfit has a more casual vibe, thanks to the skirt’s higher hemline. This look is perfect for a spring wedding or to wear to the races.

Shop the look:

SHEIKE Tigerlily Top, $89.95; Manning Cartell Neo Couture Skirt, $899; Tony Bianco Ajana Heels in Stone Kid Suede, $139.95; Model Co. Lip Lacquer Lip Gloss in Viva, $24.

Runway image: Indigital via Vogue UK.

2. A blazer can easily dress up a laid-back ensemble, as this chic look by designer David Koma shows. If you don’t like to flash too much skin, ditch the crop top and short shorts, and wear a cami and a pair of longer shorts instead.

Shop the look:

New Look Parisian White Textured Blazer, £22.99; Bardot Leatherette Bralet, $49.95; French Connection Casual Cotton Shorts, $59.95; Tony Bianco Keiki Stiletto Heels in Canary Moda, $159.95.

Runway image: Indigital via Vogue UK.

3. This colourful ensemble by Markus Lupfer is equal parts cool, edgy and fun – it’s a great party outfit to wear out on the town on a Saturday night.

Shop the look:

Choies Orange Pocket Loose Lapel Kimono Coat, $33.29; White Suede Neoprene Crop Top, $229; Marc By Marc Jacobs Mini Skirt from FarFetch, $401.91; The Mode Collective Vinyl Triple Strap Heels in Black Alligator with Clear Vinyl, $269.

Runway image: Indigital via Vogue UK.

4. All-white ensembles were everywhere on the catwalk at LFW, but this J JS Lee outfit offers a hint of colour in the form of a striking blue and white floral cape. We think the graphic-print cape from SHEIKE on the right is a pretty good substitute for the real thing, don’t you agree?

Shop the look:

SHEIKE Smoke Screen Cape, $149.95; French Connection Long Sleeve Boxy Shirt, $99.95; H&M Tuxedo Trousers, $29.95; SENSO Ida I Sandal in White Printed Croc, $239.

Runway image: FirstVIEW via Vogue UK.

5. Designed by Saloni, this punchy, clashing look is one that can be worn all spring or summer long. Rather than featuring two clashing geometric prints, we’ve thrown in a bold botanical pattern to mix things up a bit. Swap the sandals for heels to transform this casual outfit into one that’s suitable for the office.

Shop the look:

SHEIKE Pop Art Top, $99.95; Topshop Leaf Print Spliced Midi Skirt, £38; Siren Shoes Seek Black Leather Sandals, $129.95.

Runway image: Vogue UK.

6. Sports luxe takes on a feminine look this season, as you can see by looking at this chic ensemble by Temperley London. The pastel pink silk trench on the right by Australian designer Michael Lo Sordo is a near perfect match for the light spring coat worn on the catwalk. We’ve paired it with relaxed-fit MGSM trousers in a similar hue and an oversize top from Topshop.

Shop the look:

Michael Lo Sordo Silk Trench in Pink from David Jones, $599; Topshop The Other Side Hi-Lo Floaty Top by Jovonna, £45; MGSM Loose Fit Cropped Trousers from FarFetch, $261.33; Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Sneakers in White Monochrome, $90.

Runway image: Indigital via Vogue UK.

7. Now, this Topshop Unique look is a bit preppy, a bit sporty and a whole lot of fun – we love the playful combination of the tomato red ruffled shorts and striking patterned sweater in navy and sky blue. Since it’s way too hot to even consider wearing a sweater during summer in Australia, we paired a pair of red skorts with a breezy, palm-tree patterned top in our version of the ensemble instead.

Shop the look:

Gorman Palm Top, $169; Choies Red Skorts with Petal Overlay, $38.95; Miss Shop Nelly Red Sandals, $49.95; Country Road Veronica Bowler Bag, $249.

Runway image: Indigital via Vogue UK.

8. Here’s another outfit that you could easily wear for work or play. Part of the latest Topshop Unique collection, the ensemble exudes cool, preppy appeal. We’d probably add a statement necklace to the outfit for an extra splash of look-at-me style.

Shop the look:

Country Road Bold Stripe Silk Shirt, $149; Minty Meets Munt Royal Skirt in Black Vegan Leather, $139; Mollini Jalla Sandals in Aqua, $189.95; ASOS Leather Soft Boysy Backpack, $123.58; ROC Eyewear Morgan Sunglasses, $79.95.

Runway image: Indigital via Vogue UK.

9. Sigh. Isn’t this look from Bora Aksu’s new collection simply dreamy? We love how the ultra-cool kicks give the elegant ensemble a fresh, modern edge. In our take of the outfit, we’ve swapped the flats for a pair of trendy mules.

Shop the look:

H&M Lace Jacket, $59.95; Topshop Compact Roll Up Tee, £40; Ghost Makayla Lace Skirt from John Lewis, £95; Tony Bianco Avenal White Capretto Mule, $179.95; Quay Eyewear Kitti Sunglasses in Pink, $40; Forever New Destinne Bauble Rope Necklace, $39.99.

Runway image: Christopher Dadey via Vogue UK.

10. A nod to the sports luxe trend and classic nautical style, this Topshop Unique ensemble oozes sleek sophistication – it’s an ideal outfit to wear when you’re heading out to dinner or to a bar. Want to make the look more office appropriate? Swap the strappy sandals for a pair of pumps and the crop top for a striped blouse.

Shop the look:

H&M Jersey Jacket, $39.95; Bardot Sailor Stripe Crop Top, $59.95; Manning Cartell Silver Strands Pant, $399; The Mode Collective Multi Strap Sandal in Red Suede, $299, Portmans Hinge Solid Bar Belt, $34.95.

Runway image: Indigital via Vogue UK.