Who on Earth Would Wear That? How to Reconcile High Fashion and Real Life

Challenge yourself this season to look at couture in Vogue magazine or on sites like style.com and try to predict how these fanciful costumes will trickle down to the local mall or even (gasp!) Walmart. If you pay attention to the basic shapes and lengths you see on the runway you can imagine how they will translate into everyday fashion. You can shop at the average priced store and not look like a fashion victim if you use top designers' shows as your inspiration, not your pattern. I studied the spring 2007 women's collections to decide what elements the average person could add to her wardrobe.

Armani PriveŒ's hats have a decidedly 1920s feel. If you have short or bobbed hair one of these little flapper hats would give you a fun, rebellious look. Of course you don't want to look like you're going to a costume party, but elements of twenties style worn a couple of pieces at a time could include the hat and a long string of beads, or a knee length a-line dress and pointed toe shoes.

One thing that frightens me about the Armani collection is the generous use of lameŒ; I fear that we will see women looking like they're wearing silver spacesuits. I've always thought of lameŒ as more of a winter holiday party look but if you wear one piece as opposed to full body shine you should be okay. Those who live in very warm climates should remember that sweat will stain metallic fabrics.

The Chanel models all wear opaque black tights which make anyone's legs look amazing. Just remember that if you go with a shorter skirt, the hem should fall below the widest part of your thigh. And please check the look from behind before you leave the house.

Most of the Chanel models wear one of the best 1980s retro looks: large hoop earrings made of colored plastic. Although the earrings are traditionally a casual look, here they are shown with daytime suits as well as sexy evening dresses. These fun earrings look great on anyone especially if you are wearing your hair up. They're a welcomed alternative to silver hoops. The brave fashionista could try the wrist length gloves from this line in mesh or lace with a pretty suit or dress.

Christian Dior is all beautiful Asian themed makeup and clothes. Take from this the bold eyes and lips in cool colors. The kimono cut dresses are best for anyone of average height and taller; however, anyone can steal the large sash in the form of a wide belt.

The bold flower prints in this line can be risky in the real world. Choose either the blouse or the bottom in the floral to avoid looking like Grandma's garden. To make a statement, buy a parasol with flowers instead of the same safe, boring, black umbrella.

Christian Lacroix makes use of ruffled dresses beautifully. Pair a ruffled skirt of any length and an open waistcoat with a simple shell underneath for a romantic look. If you want to augment your chest, wear a ruffled top instead. Monochromatic is best with a busy texture like ruffles. Another great element of this collection is the long armband bracelet. This is the piece where you could use a few sequins to accent any outfit.

Elie Saab's is my favorite collection. Although all the looks are formal, anyone could incorporate the colors and hairstyle seen here into her life. The flowing, shimmering gowns are all in baby blue, grey-green and muted silver. Wearing these colors will soothe you, making you feel as if you are floating peacefully through the day. The center piece of the bangs on all the models is pulled straight back with the sides and back left down; this is a style that will flatter any face.

Givenchy's show combines the conservative with the dramatic. From this collection you could try the knee length shorts with ankle boots of the same color. Or wear a long menswear inspired vest with an ankle length a-line skirt. Most of the models wear their hair straight and loose with a defined center part, recalling a bohemian look. If you have curly or wavy hair, get out the straightening iron. You'll be surprised at how your appearance is transformed.

Jean Paul Gaultier's models all wear haloes. Pare this down into a wide headband with some sort of fabric or metallic embellishment. Another great look here is the suit coat with flowing trousers and strappy sandals. Again we see eye makeup in vibrant colors which will be fun for you play with. Here's the best idea from this collection: the next time you wear a black dress, accessorize it with red shoes. That way you can add a purse in almost any color.

Valentino's collection uses 1960s mod inspired eye makeup with white dresses. Try a tuxedo coat over a pretty dress at the beginning of the evening (instead of at the end like you did at the prom.) Steal the hairstyle on these models: an elegant bun on top of the head with straight bangs falling to eyebrow level all the way across. Get that swing coat you've always wanted, in a color that doesn't necessarily go with everything you own.

The only rule about fashion this year is that you dress for your body type in clothes that fit. Forget about the size on the tag and concentrate on what makes you feel comfortable. Be creative. Don't buy an entire outfit as it is laid out for you in the store. Experiment with things that traditionally don't go together. Hit the thrift stores as well as the mall, since the accessories for this spring are from different eras. You have to wear clothes; shouldn't it be fun?