5 runway looks you already have in your closet

please do try this at home

Apr 24, 2024

It’s common knowledge, at least between you and I, dear readers, that I indeed want to shop straight from the runway. As I think one should! Follow your dream outfit, save up that money, support small designers and go for the real deal. But not today! As I committed to buying 5 things only, we first gotta work with what is already here. So this week, a desperate browse through past seasons and everything I had screenshotted, led to a review of my current closet. I tried to redirect my viewpoint. No rushed purchase is to be made before I have turned over every single fiber in there. It’s called styling, I think. But also literal retail therapy. Would it have helped if I had washed my hair and put on make-up for the following fits? Probably. But we can’t have it all. Also I just did all this lifting and coloring, so here you are, dear face. Enough talking – please enjoy, recreate, laugh with me and do tell, which one is your favorite?

I’m on the right, in case you are wondering. Source Image: BALENCIAGA instagram

1. capri means business

When you hear COPERNI, maybe you think of their ethereal bags. But do you actually remember all their full looks? Me not so much, but this one hit differently. I appreciate a blazer thrown on some sweatpants more than anything. Feels natural, feels unbothered, might set you back a couple of hundred in this case.

Coperni, Frühjahr/Sommer 2024 Gorunway, Source: VOGUE.de

Going into this, I could have gone rogue and cut off my sweatpants. But then what do I do when I need long sweatpants again? Right, can hardly spend 1/5 purchases on SWEATPANTS. So instead of shortening, I went more toward tight capri.

If I start explaining how I fiddled the shirt through this jacket and how my arms are not even in there to create seemingly longer sleeves, we might reach the end of the substack universe.

Wearing BOBKOVA silk blazer (an actual runway look and one of my most beloved pieces, so smooth and just stunning. Comes as a whole suit) with NIKE workout leggings. Shirt is WEEKDAY (I like this one on vinted), lace bodysuit is very beautiful and delicate and sustainable - from ANEKDOT. Mules are UTERQUE from circa 2016, bag is BYREDO, one year later.

Breeze White Bodysuit by Berlin based ANEKDOT

RATING: 9/10 I can see myself wearing this! Others might want to add little socks, could be cute too.

2. Anyone asking for athleisure grunge?

Literally nothing cute about what’s coming next, but that’s also what I love so much about the BALENCIAGA winter 24 looks. This one is perfect for when you just want to mind your own business. It’s giving zero fucks.

BALENCIAGA winter 24, source BALENCIAGA instagram

Which is how I would like to identify sometimes, so I redid the whole narrative. In a slightly less exaggerated, more waterproofed way.

Wearing ARIES x FILA nylon tracksuit trousers (similar, on sale, one in M left here), COS shirt, very very old ASOS silk scarf as tie and COS cashmere hat. Some rain jacket from a Brussels secondhand shop. bag is TELFAR, shoes VAGABOND. JOHANNA GAUDER ring no 17

RATING: 6/10 So silly but actually so comfy. I’d add a grey blazer instead of the jacket to give it a little more structure, this is rather lose, not in the best way. But always great to go inkognito re hat.

3. if you must suit, go all the way

Apropos BALENCIAGA winter 24, so much good stuff about to happen! Ridiculously oversized is my love language and so are suits.

Never really thought about a tie before but now it’s not even worn in an ironic way.

Actually I do love this! I never felt closer to Sex And The City’s Miranda than this. Double pink is also a big YES. Only complete with headphones of some sorts.

Wearing LITKOVSKA suit (actually for the first time since giving birth, which feels special <3 ), trousers are still available here. SAMSOE SAMSOE shirt and Arthur’s tie. AEYDE Kate Cowboy boots (loyal to them since 2018), BALENCIAGA linen bag, APPLE airpods, JOHANNA GAUDER small hoop earrings no 28 (as worn throughout)

RATING: 10/10 Surprise! Feels very me.

4. A rare romantic moment

On a more romantic note, I revisited the TIBI spring 23 collection and for all the puristic folks out there, you might wanna do the same. This is the freshest pairing of shirt and skirt I have seen in a long time.

TIBI Spring 23 collection, source TIBI.com

I thought I could do something smart here and add a pop of red, as one is supposed to do right now. Don’t mistake this for an easy look.

Wearing vintage silk skirt (SÉZANE has a skirt that could work in a different but nice way here), but actually I am OBSESSED with this TIBI combo. And RICHERT BEIL shirt made from upcycled bed linen (amazing stiffness). Plus vintage FENDI bag, Arthur’s red knee socks (maybe Ralph Lauren? They have some small animal stitched on them for sure.) AEYDE sandals.

RATING: 2/10 Ja, no. Hard no. I think it is something structural. Maybe with thin black tights and if I wear the shirt OVER the skirt, I’d give this a go. Really love the elegance of the TIBI look. So clean and reduced. But it does take a more fitted version. This might be for someone else, skirts are just not my home base.

5. A fine tuck-in

TIBI is on a roll here – I also bookmarked this look when I first saw it after the same show and still think it’s so so bang on. Blue and denim are just incredibly good together.

I even went deep into my phone to find this photo from circa 2022 for you.

Secretly shot in a cafe in Berlin (as one shouldn’t do), when I admired this person’s very good ensemble. Another vote for blue and denim. It does take some commitment to tuck a whole blazer into a pair of jeans, but I think the reward is pretty cool.

I forgot the belt!!! Oh well. I actually like both ways, but a belt gives a nice emphasis on the waist, especially when the trousers are as lofty as the TIBI ones above. Also love the high sandal plus sock, give it a try! Or pair with some mules for a more solid vibe.

Wearing BASLER Men’s Blazer (found on the street) with upcycled and screenprinted patch from AVENIR’s recent workshop (more on that here). H&M jeans via vinted, JÉROME STUDIO bag (there’s a pocket card holder in the same shade at least), JOHANNA GAUDER necklace, VIU Charlie glasses and VAGABOND mules.

RATING: 8/10 I mean, I’m missing the damn belt.

This how far I’ve come for now. But I’m thinking we might have a new series on our hands. I feel reminded that runway looks do look great because they are. Often it does make sense to go for the actual piece, for its shape, material, color and fit will be unlike any copy. The original for the original feelings. But if you go for the one investment item you might still have 20+ looks on your wishlist or on your mind. So maybe when you open your closet as wide as your perception of it, you might be pleasantly surprised. Or know which designer garment you really really do want (and need). As for me, will I wear all of these outfits? Maybe two out if five. But I do have some new ideas of how to combine my belongings and a newfound respect for the BALENCIAGA styling. Might add a tie here and there. Don’t take it all too serious. What more could I ask for?* See you next time xoxo

PS, do let me know which ones you like or wanna go for x