The Styling Tricks I Am Stealing Straight From The Milan Runways
The next evolution of the layered button down, all the waist details, and so, so many versions of the scarf.
I’ve been keeping pretty up to date on the runways as fashion month comes to its end - much to the dismay of us regular people watching from home, and probably the joy of editors and designers and attendees who just want a good night’s sleep. I’ve promised before to avoid delivering straight up trend reports through this newsletter because we can already find those plastered over all of the magazines (though I did finally get my first real byline, and it was about trends, but it was for a magazine so that’s valid, right? Read it here). But in staying true to my word I won’t post that here - I took a look at my trend report and in an effort to lean into the mindful consumption of fashion content that I have been preaching since the inception of The Dressing Room, I took a closer look at what stood out to me in some of my favorite looks, and more specifically, the absolutely flawless styling.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Remember that one article Leandra wrote about the styling trick Victoria Beckham used that spent us all spiraling and digging through our own closets to share our own take on the turtleneck-button down-sweater-jacket stacking combo? I was in fact a willing participant, and will be using this method for the rest of my life. But spring is also rapidly approaching, which means so many layers will be unnecessary. Fashion might trump function, but there are only so many layers one can wear before the whole thing is ruined by pit stains anyways.
TOD’S showed what I am calling as the next spring iteration of this layering adventure. Much more wearable for warm weather - layered button downs and collars. Add a trench (and honestly, this dark teal color is stunning) while the weather is still warming up, but once we hit consister 60 degree days, opt for the double shirt. I personally love the tone-on-tone method, but this is also a really easy way to add a pop of color.
Next up: the itty, bitty, teeny, tiny belt, combo’d with a slim waist - knitted panels, sheer panels, corsets, and uber-high waisted pants. I will be recreating the Sportmax look as soon as I can figure out how to accomplish this with pieces in my closet. In the meantime, I absolutely love the overarching styling direction of the super skinny belt at the natural waist. We don’t typically think to belt our waist if the waistband of our bottoms hit at the hips, but it’s definitely time we change that.
I gave it a little whirl, and while my attempts are definitely not going down a runway any time soon, it was a fun exercise in going outside of my comfort zone.
For number three: The most practical and probably the piece that I would get the most wear out of - a good ol’ duster coat. So, so many shows had these styled as the focal point of the look - the coat was the look.
I just thrifted this vintage Pendleton floor length coat in the most perfect cherry red from Unearth Vintage for $100. I literally could not pass it up. I surprisingly didn’t see belted styling on the runways, but I’ve been dying to try a long belted coat. And the runways are inspiration - put your own spin on it! I felt a little ridiculous going out for a cup of coffee (that’s actually all I did in this coat - I walked one block, got a latte, and went home) but I was too excited and just had to put on a good fit.
Let’s talk scarves - they were everywhere. Sadly it’s a bit past prime scarf weather, but there were some good alternatives to your standard wool winter-wear. Fendi made me realize the tied over the shoulder sweater styling trick isn’t the only way to utilize knitwear, and when I’m not exhausted I plan on trying their draped cowl method with a crisp white button down. With my new red coat I am definitely going to do a red scarf & coat moment before it’s a little bit ridiculous (it’s been in the 50s this week). And I have a weird leather scarf square panel thing, descriptive I know, but I’ve been struggling with styling it. I love the Del Core shirt version but the whole point of this is to gain inspiration, not a shopping list, so I’ll settle for a seperate Bottega layering moment instead.
My fabulous photographer friend Will spent the week shooting street style and shows in Paris (follow him he’s great and he deserves love in exchange for not sleeping all week) and got this great photo of Zina Charkoplia arriving at Hermès. As a trench lover (I think I own 6 at this point, which is a bit excessive) I think this is the optimal way to style this drapey cowl scarf moment.
And lastly, at least in this edition of Kendall Takes On Runway Styling (considering starting a series?), I solidified my absolute need for an hourglass blazer. Blazers are my holy grail wardrobe item, and I’m not letting go of my big boxy options any time soon. There was a lot of minimal styling on the Milan runways, and I love Del Core’s modern suit set. And Gucci gave the micro mini belt a go paired with the blazer - I love this look. It just doesn’t look the same when I try it with my big blazers, and I know this would be an investment piece that would become a regular in the rotation.
Side note - over-the-knee boots are back, and I don’t know how I feel about it. Please tell me I’m not alone in having flashbacks to my college Stuart Weitzman days. I did feel this way about ballet flats at first, so maybe I’ll come around, but I can’t get the image of wiggling into skin-tight denim and then huffing and putting to squeeze into those suede sky-high sausage casings (often requiring the assistance of at least one person to take them off).
And with that I leave you to ponder your own favorite styling moments and challenge you to use the runways as inspiration rather than a place to start your next need-to-buy list. I’ve scheduled this post so you’ll get this in your inbox at a more reasonable hour, but on my end it’s definitely time for bed. Until next time!
that red coat is stunning!! love
Great job!