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| Buckler |
As all of you readers know, I love doing a high-end look for a lot less money by shopping at department stores, local retailers, thrift stores, vintage shops and everything in between. So I thought it would be fun to take a look from MBFW that I recently saw and do my own approximation of it. Let’s take a gander at the inspiration pictures from the Buckler production on the street in Soho, figure out the elements that made the outfit unique and knit together our version. Using items I purchased while in New York City and some things from my own closet at home, I think I did a pretty swell job, if I say so myself! You can, too, with these straightforward tips.
The modern man likes his clothing comfortable AND stylish. At the (Andrew) Buckler show I attended during Fashion Week, the guys definitely looked cool. In my runway picture, the simplicity of pulling together a cool outfit like this is made clear. This way of looking at an ensemble can work for men or women because it’s an uncomplicated theory. The key is combining the texture of the geometric black and white-striped knit shirt with the bright color of the yellow for impact, and then pairing black neutrals that we might just already have in our closets at home with them. So in essence, I will pull together the three elements that make this a fashion-forward style.
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| Henley and Marc Jacobs belt |
Texture
I was on the hunt for pieces that could mirror the look on a shopping trip to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, while in NYC. I found a long-sleeved, black and white-striped Henley that would fit the bill pretty well at Buffalo Exchange for $17. Tip: Buy a long-sleeved striped knit and I guarantee you’ll wear it as a foil to many other items in your wardrobe.
Bright Color Impact
Integrating the bright color doesn’t have to be as brash as wearing bright-hued jeans, so I opted for some patent leather trainers that I found at Beacon’s Closet resale, one of the largest vintage
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| Patent leather trainers |
and designer resale stores in NYC. They were only $20 and oh-so-very cool that I felt confident they would be a more low-key interpretation of our original look. I also include here a fabulous Marc Jacobs belt that was a Christmas gift from a dear friend who had recently visited Paris. This could be worn with the shoes without being too much, and if it is. I can always take it off.
Neutrals
Since most of us have black in our wardrobes somewhere, emulating those pieces wasn’t that hard. I have some slim black jeans from H&M that I will use as well as a black knit cardigan sweater from Zara Man that will be my “jacket.” If I had a black hooded sweatshirt that could work in this situation as well, or make it dressier with a fitted blazer. It’s all about options people!
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| Total look |
My Look For Less
The day I wore this ensemble, I got compliments from a lot of people. Why? Because the interplay of the bright yellow color, stripes and the neutrals hit just the right note. A worker at the Public Market said he thought my kicks were “pretty sweet.” Success!
As you know, my mantra is that grand style and fashion is all about ideas, and easily interpreting these ideas to accommodate your own approach to dressing is the key. Look at pictures of outfits that you like in magazines and really break them down like I did into the fundamentals that make them great. Then head to your favorite local retailers to pick up the pieces you need to “fill in” with the items your already own. And most of all, have fun reinterpreting the top fashion looks in your own inimitable way.
Tell me what you think of how my version looks, or send me some pictures of looks that you’ve put together that emulate their high-fashion counterparts!
