Starting from few seasons ago, while doing my fashion watch - no matter browsing on fashion shows, social media posts, doing online or physical shopping in retail shops, I pay more attention to how the looks are styled rather than clothing itself.
Not only because the trend keeps repeating itself in the past years and there's rarely newness in design, but also I realise it’s a great way to save money from buying new items. I can merely use the inspirations from the catwalk to create new looks with what I already have in the wardrobe.
Power of Styling On The Catwalk
Designers may own the credit to a collection. What you may not know is, the stylist who puts together clothes and accessories into different looks on the catwalk is equally important to determine the success of a collection- both in media review and in actual sales. Take Miu Miu for example. This then little sister of Prada turns a main event nowadays has demonstrated incredible growth in year-on-year revenue since 2021. As of the first half of 2024, Miu Miu has recorded +93% revenue growth when the fashion industry stagnates and struggles in sales.
The breakout success story of Miu Miu has to thank Lotta Vokova in part. Her styling injects a youthful excitement, rebellious attitude, and intellectual soul into Miu Miu's catwalk looks. The styling is the storytelling that motivates consumers to buy the full looks eagerly for the vibe rather than individual pieces. While looking at individual pieces, one will find them quite basic and may have them in the wardrobe.
So, what styling elements on the catwalk can we learn to elevate our daily dressing? I believe that creating "contrast" and "being unconventional" are the key ideas to spice up one's look with an attitude. Below I will explain the idea through some of my favorite looks from the recent Spring Summer 2025 shows.
Play Colour and Pattern Contrast
Wearing a shirt under knitwear. Pull out collars, sleeves and top hems for a richer detailing
This is a common styling on the catwalk, and it works every time both for men and women!
Colour and pattern are the easiest elements to play contrast on one's appearance. How colours are combined reveals a person's personality and inner status. For example, a higher contrasted colour combination looks more powerful and energetic, whereas a lower contrasted or tonal colour matching softens and makes the person more accessible and relaxing. Personally, I love to use colours a lot while helping my clients formulate their dressing strategies for different occasions!
If you're a minimalist, it's a good idea to keep outfit colours simple and place colours on accessories. The funny socks, candy-coloured shoes, and playful bag charms on the Miu Miu looks below are the keys to a youthful vibe.
And don't be a good girl or good boy- pulling out collar, sleeves and/or top hems will enrich your look with details and make you look effortlessly chic.
Play Fabric: Hard & Soft; Heavy & Light
What can be better to look both sharp and still loving in one look? Pairing "harder" and "softer" fabric enriches your look.
Under global climate change, transeasonal dressing has become a trend worldwide. It means that a seasonal wardrobe revamp may not be necessary. Rather, knowing how to mix and match your light and heavy items in the wardrobe will be smart and trendy.
Play High and Low
Looking so wrong but feeling so right: breaking the cliché
Want to wear your evening dresses or dress-y pieces more in your daily life? You don't need to become a socialite to do that. Just wear them with some casual items to keep the statement in a more tone-down manner. The looks below demonstrate how those seeming wrongly matched can turn to such right pairings- it's all about breaking cliché and creating surprises!
Be Unconventional While Playing Accessories
Using accessories is a wise way to change your look quickly without spending much
A pearl necklace can only match classic outfits? The answer is definitely NO if you look into these looks below. Everyone, men and women, can wear pearls! A pearl accessory can easily elevate and add an elegant touch to a casual look. Moreover, finding a creative way to wear it can totally revamp an ordinary look. Silk scarves can serve the same purpose too to be worn as a part of your clothes- just be creative!
Nowadays pearl necklaces have become a styling choice for trendy men.
Image: (up) Mikimoto; (down) pagesix.com
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