News Awards & Events Fashion Week 10 Runway-Inspired Outfit Pairings = Fashion Gold By Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers all things fashion, celebrity style, beauty, and trends. She was previously the Digital Fashion News Editor at InStyle. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on March 22, 2014 @ 10:30AM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) We're no mathematicians, but even we know there's only a finite number of outfit permutations out there (think: tops and pants, tops and skirts, tops over dresses), all of which we've exhausted to no end. But the spring/summer 2014 collections are chock-full of sartorial gems that have us considering (and reconsidering) styles for fresh, unexpected pairings. We turned to the runways, like those of Preen by Thornton Bregazzi(pictured, above), Rag & Bone and Jason Wu, for ideas and struck fashion mathematics gold. To wit: A sweatshirt + graphic asymmetric midi = the perfect solution to tricky in-between season dressing. Minimalist overalls + cropped cami = a chic new take on the dungarees trend. A basic shirt + shimmery pencil skirt = a way to elevate a closet basic, or to ground an overly showy piece. This spring, breathe life back into your wardrobe with 10 runway-inspired pairings. See our gallery! 01 of 10 Sweatshirt + Graphic Midi ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway Inspiration: Preen A sweatshirt (HampM, $25; hm.com) and a graphic asymmetric skirt (Rachel Comey, $495; rachelcomey.com) seem like an unlikely union, but the unexpected combo works in a chic, casual-cool way. 02 of 10 Overalls + Crop Tank ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Rag amp Bone The '90s are back! Reminisce in overalls in a fresh shade of white (Frame Denim, $150; nordstrom.com) paired with a cropped top (Topshop, $12; topshop.com). If exposing skin isn't your thing, a cami works just as well. 03 of 10 Floral Top + Vest ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Peter Som Florals for spring isn't groundbreaking, but layering moodier petals (Dorothy Perkins, $44; dorothyperkins.com) under a crisp white vest (By Malene Birger, $575; net-a-porter.com) is. 04 of 10 Varsity Jacket + Little White Dress ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Victoria Beckham Drive home the sporty 'tude by teaming a varsity jacket (J. Crew, $118; jcrew.com) with fresh tennis-inspired whites (Band of Outsiders, $645; lagarconne.com). 05 of 10 Long-Sleeve Top + Metallic Skirt ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Jason Wu A basic long-sleeve tee (Madewell, $55; madewell.com) can be found in everybody's closet. Dig it up and let it take the spotlight with the help of a shiny skirt (Jonathan Simkhai, $563; matchesfashion.com). 06 of 10 Trench Coat + Full Midiskirt ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Derek LamIntegrate outerwear into your outfit by topping off a voluminous ladylike midi (O'2nd, $325; farfetch.com) with a classic utilitarian trench (Mango, $100; mango.com). 07 of 10 Printed Shift + Printed Maxi ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Celine Double up on dresses with varying lengths to achieve an intriguing effect. Layer a shift or tunic dress (Whistles, $325; whistles.co.uk) over a flowy asymmetric maxi (Mason by Michelle Mason, $475; intermixonline.com) for the perfect print-on-print action. 08 of 10 Crop Top + Pencil Skirt ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Lela Rose Rock a crop top at work! Here's how: Pair a loose belly-grazing tank (Wilfred, $110; aritzia.com) with a high-waisted pencil (River Island, $44; riverisland.com). Try the combo in pretty pastel shades and abstract prints. 09 of 10 Slouchy Cardigan + Lace Skirt ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (3) Runway inspiration: Burberry Prorsum Mix winter and spring textiles with a knitted shawl-collared cardigan (Joie, $158; joie.com) and a lace pencil (Topshop, $76; topshop.com). Instead of overdosing on lace with matching separates, we recommend a striped tee (Sea, $185; net-a-porter.com)-bonus points if it hints at lace detailing. 10 of 10 Utility Jacket + Flirty Dress ImaxTree; Courtesy Photo (2) Runway inspiration: Tibi Fun, playful dresses are the hallmarks of spring, but this season, take a different approach by countering a too-girly dress (Sandro, $315; sandro-paris.com) with a no-nonsense, no-frills cargo jacket (American Eagle, $90; ae.com).