Now that the Fall 2015 Couture shows have come to a close (and it’s Bastille Day…yay for French things!) I thought we could learn some lessons from these collections. We’re not all part of the lucky few who get to actually wear these works of art, but we can get some inspiration from them…and just pretend like we’re couturing ourselves for a minute, right?
RIGHT.
Some of these lessons are quite simple and very wearable. Others you may have to think twice about. But one thing’s for sure…we have a lot to learn. So let’s get to it.
Alberta Ferretti says SHOW ME SOME SIDE BOOB. And I’m totally cool with it. I’ve mentioned in red carpet posts and even on Fashion Friends that I love a little side boob (especially if said boob is on the little side). Of course you don’t have to wear Alberta Ferretti to make it happen. Just find a simple maxi dress with low sides and you can be casual and couture at the same time. Bonus? This style is always extra flattering on the arms!
Chanel’s all like YOU’RE SUCH A TULLE. Not exactly the easiest fabric to pull off, but if you’re feeling fun and just want go full-on girly then get yourself a tulle skirt or dress. Keep in mind that although this was shown in a couture collection, this material can easily look cheap (especially if it is) so pair with luxe fabrics like silk or leather and no one will ever know how much your tulle costs (whether it was $20 or $2,000).
Take note from Atelier Versace and channel your inner festival girl with a flower crown. I’m not all that into the accessory for music festivals specifically, just because they’re so cliché, BUT worn for any other occasion, I’m in. You can go DIY with this, buy a bunch of inexpensive styles and switch them up (ASOS has a great selection) or you can get super fancy Jennifer Behr style (still cheaper than couture!)
Speaking of flowers, if crowns aren’t your thing Fendi encourages you to pin up…with a BROOCH. These accessories have come a long way since your grandma’s bejeweled frog she wore on her St. John knits. This is one piece you can get really creative with — pin on a lapel, a cinched dress, a belt, add to a necklace, or even get some flair for your hair! The possibilities are endless…
Giambattista Valli can see right through you with those sheer pants 😉 Probably not something you’d wear everyday, but it just adds a unique aspect to your typical trousers. Most styles come with built-in shorts underneath, so being too exposed is something you don’t have to worry about. You can go extra couture-y and do a dress with [sheer] pants…as nothing says couture like a DRESS WITH PANTS.
Although off the shoulder is really big right now, Armani Prive wants you to do the total opposite with some shoulder pads. Sort of perfect as Chicago is technically the city of big shoulders, but also not so perfect as not everyone wants to be reminded of the 80s (leg warmers, anyone?) Vintage pieces with shoulder pads almost always look outdated but designers have made a more refined strong shoulder that won’t make you look like you’re in a John Hughes movie.
I know I’ve told you many times I love a good cape and clearly Dior feels the same way. The outerwear from this couture collection was so on-point, mostly because it was very drapey…and capey. A cape says instant chic and who doesn’t want to be INSTANTLY CHIC?
The accessory I always forget about (and Alexandre Vauthier is reminding me I need to up my game in this category) is a belt…specifically a statement belt. I don’t know why I never wear belts, and if I do it’s strictly for practical purposes (gotta keep those pants up!) There’s many ways we can take our outfits to the next level with one simple piece — a hat, a statement necklace, a funky shoe, etc. But a belt can do the same thing…it’s just not the first thing that comes to mind. So dare to be different and make a statement with a belt, a la Mr. Vauthier!
Although it’s July, it’s never too early to start thinking about outerwear…at least according to Margiela (plus, that’s pretty much my life 9 months out of the year anyway). A floor length coat isn’t the most practical when there’s a foot of snow on the ground but on those ice cold days where the ground is actually bare…you’ll be happy you have one of these. You can also compromise and go for a just-above-the-ankle length, as to avoid any snow to coat contact.
What says luxe / expensive / couture like an all gold look? NOTHING. Valentino does this oh-so-well…but if a gold Valentino couture dress is out of your price range, a gold dress with gold accessories will get you pretty damn close.
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Now I wouldn’t just share with you all of these wonderful lessons with absolutely no direction…come on now! You can shop all the looks here. And be sure to tell me your favorites / what you’ll be trying this season in the comments below.
Images via Vogue & Style.com
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