Translating Fall 2011 Trends: Do you know the Runway to Real Way

Have you ever seen photos from Fashion Week and wondered, “Who would actually wear that?” While looking at the Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear collections on Style.com, do you think that the collections are, well... not ready to be worn? Runway fashion might seem too avant-garde for you to wear to class or out with friends, but it can be a great source of inspiration if you view it with a critical eye. I’ve picked three of the hottest trends from the fall runways - leopard print, knee socks, and military - and translated them into completely wearable outfits. From runway to real way, Her Campus has you covered!
Leopard Print

Runway
This bold, sassy print has yo-yoed in and out of fashion several times in the past few decades. (Confession: I wore a faux fur leopard print vest over a matching suede dress with a matching scrunchie for my third grade yearbook photo.) But it’s currently a hot trend for fall! Moschino (pictured), Rebecca Taylor, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Jill Stuart, among others, all prominently featured leopard print in their fall collections. The most common interpretation of this trend was in fur coats with a glam Old Hollywood vibe. While the coats were beautiful inspiration on the runway, they aren’t quite wearable for college students! Fortunately, this eye-catching trend easily translates into the real world.
Real Way

Leopard is everywhere this season, printed across the coolest apparel and accessories. If you’re wary of leopard print overload, try adding just a pop of print to basic pieces you know and love. I chose to pair leopard print flats with a simple cranberry dress. If leopard print flats don’t appeal to you, try wearing this print on a scarf, a belt, or a headband. Just a small printed piece goes a long way! Alternatively, if you’re totally comfortable wearing this trend, look for high-impact pieces like this gray leopard cardigan. The key to this look is to let the print take center stage by keeping the rest of your outfit understated and clean.
While I generally advise against splurging on trendy items, leopard print is bound to come back into fashion again and again. In this case, I think it’s okay to spend a little extra!
Knee Socks and Over-the-Knee Socks

Runway
Knee socks aren’t just for Rachel Berry and school uniforms anymore. As an extension of the popular over-the-knee boot trend, knee socks and over-the-knee socks have appeared on countless runways this season, including Cynthia Steffe (pictured), Prada, Rag & Bone, Donna Karan, and Alexander Wang. Unlike some recent runway trends (ten-inch heels, anyone?) knee socks and over-the-knee socks are more wearable than you might think. With a little bit of styling savvy, you can smoothly incorporate this trend into your existing wardrobe.
Real Way

Afraid to go all out on this trend? Not a problem. One of my favorite ways to wear tall socks is to let them peek out from the tops of boots. Here, I layered a pair of cream over-the-knee socks underneath a pair of knee-high suede boots. This styling trick is a simple way to ease into this trend. If you’re feeling bold, skip the boots and show off your socks with flats. Since knee socks tend to create a shortening effect, pair your socks with a matching color shoe for the most flattering, leg-lengthening look.
Military

Runway
A-ten-hut! Military-inspired looks have taken the runways by storm, including those by Tibi (pictured), Fendi, Moschino Cheap & Chic, William Rast, and Burberry. Military-inspired trench coats, lace-up boots, shades of olive green, and brass buttons have been trendy for a few seasons now; this trend isn’t dying out anytime soon! The key to the look is to incorporate military-inspired pieces into your look without going overboard and actually dressing like a soldier. Put down the camo print and let me show you how to wear this trend with style!
Real Way

Incorporating this trend into your wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to eschew your own style! If your style is very girly and put-together, you can still wear this trend. A posh cardigan and dress combo gets a dose of military chic in utilitarian shades of navy and olive; the brass buttons on the dress are reminiscent of the Tibi coat. If your style is on the sporty side, pair a military jacket with your favorite jeans, and accessorize with a gold chain and lace-up ankle boots. Whatever your style, you can find military-inspired pieces that fit with the rest of your wardrobe seamlessly.
Sources
All runway photos from Style.com
All collages made by author on Polyvore