On-trend Shopping for Spring

I know I've been posting a lot of runway trends this last week, which are inspiring but sometimes hard to translate to real life. So, I dug up a couple of retail examples of what went down on the Fall runways. These are pieces that will work from now all the way through next season. Most of these are really expensive, but they're just examples of how these looks are in stores instead of on the runway. You could use these as a guide and walk in to Forever 21 or H&M and find similar looks for much less.

Alexander Wang Stretch Netting Embroidered Skirt, $755 at shopbop.com, Pencey Studded Pencil Skirt, $257 at shopbop.com, Rory Beca Layered Skirt, $299 at shopbop.com. That Alexander Wang skirt combines sheer, high-waisted mini, and funky geometric patterning, all things seen on the recent runways. The Pencey skirt is simple, but the three-stud detail edges it up a bit while keeping it from boring, and that Rory Beca skirt combines three trends: high-waisted mini, tiered ruffles, and magenta. To find these looks in stores, you want a high-waisted mini, preferably pencil/straight but a-line works too, with on-trend detailing such as: studs, tiers, zippers, sheer/cut out panelling, neon, or whatever look you're feeling right now.


Pencey Shad Bully Blazer, $432 at shopbop.com, Vince Boyfriend Chino, $195 at shopbop.com, Phillip Lim Zipper Dress, $895 at bergdorfgoodman.com. This blazer combines the boyfriend blazer trend from Spring and the sharp-shouldered look from Fall. You want a slightly cropped blazer with small shoulder pads. Try to keep away from oversized blazers with shoulder pads--it starts to look like you're taking the '80s comeback way too literally. It's no secret that boyfriend pants are huge right now. You can dupe this look at Madewell, J. Crew, or Forever 21, just keep in mind that the trousers should be slightly cropped (right above the ankles, preferably with a rolled hem), have a baggy but not oversized fit, and not have a super-low crotch (no one looks good in harem pants). Zippers are going to be huge and sheers already are. It will be next to impossible to find a cheaper dress with this ruffle zipper detailing, so look for an above the knee dress with lots of gold/silver zippers and some sheer paneling. You'll look of the moment and ahead of the curve at the same time.


Image Sources:
Vince pants: shopbop.com
Pencey Blazer: shopbop.com
Alexander Wang skirt: shopbop.com
Rory Beca skirt: shopbop.com
Pencey skirt: shopbop.com
Phillip Lim dress: bergdorfgoodman.com