How to Make Runway Style into Everyday Style

Fashionistas everywhere look for ways to incorporate designer fashion trends into their wardrobes. But designer clothes can be hard to come by, and trends can sometimes be a little bit scary to try. However, spending life in the same old frock can be even scarier. Here, you'll learn how to take a brand new trend and work it into your routine.

While you're looking for just the right pieces, remember to have fun. Fashion isn't meant to be stuffy!

Evaluate your current style.

This means you have to go through your closet first. Evaluate your style. Are you on the cusp of every new trend, or the gal who wears hip clothes before they're even hip? Are you classic and elegant? Or are you professional chic? If you're having trouble pegging your style theme, ask some friends or family. They might offer a new perspective. And sometimes, they can give you a more realistic view.

Pick a look that fits into your style.

Trends are trends for a reason. They usually don't last too long, and they're not meant for everyone. While some of them are easy to fit into your normal style routine, others are bound to make you feel uncomfortable. (Think those little pleated skirts that were popular a couple springs ago).

Whatever you're wearing, you want to feel comfortable and confident. So choose something that complements the fashionable and classic pieces you already have hanging in your closet.

Find a fashion template.

There are plenty of places to go in order to find designer threads that have strut down a runway. Magazines are a good place to start if you want looks that have been chosen by professional style editors. But if you're feeling ambitious, check out some Web sites that offer more options.

Good places to go are magazines' Web sites. Many offer hundreds of photographs of runway looks that couldn't be crammed into the pages of the magazine. You can find other photographs from different fashion weeks by using your favorite search engine.

Shop for the right pieces.

Now that you have the designer look to use for inspiration, you might be tempted to buy the real thing. (Or not). With designer clothing price tags running into the high thousands, it's not always easy to purchase the exact piece you covet.

The best - and cheapest - way to get the look you want is to find pieces similar to those in your runway template. To do this, bring along a picture while you're shopping to keep your fashion goal in focus. Or skip the mall and shop online at one or more of the many discount retailers.

Remember to skimp on some trendy pieces, as you will not be able to wear them for very long. But pieces you wear a lot, such as the little black dress, great shoes, or a nice purse, feel free to splurge if it's something you really love.

Buy the right fit.

While trendy pieces will make you look in the moment, ill-fitting pieces will make any trendy piece look tragic. When you're shopping, remember that your mom was right: Try things on! The pieces you're buying should accentuate your good features and flatter your body type.

If a trend doesn't work with your body, don't try to make it work. (This is a good tip for any kind of clothing you're buying). Anything that throws your proportions out of whack or makes you feel less-than-confident isn't worth purchasing.

Wear it with a smile.

Whichever look you decide on, wear it with a smile. Nothing's better looking than a smile and a confident woman wearing a beautiful ensemble she feels good in.