Refresh Your Summer Style with Styling Tips from the 2014 Runways

Sometimes straps are applied as a decorative element. And sometimes, you just want to show off your top (like the structured sleeves on the Chloé shirt, pictured in middle) while toting around a roomy bag. Carry your handbag clutch-style and allow the straps to swing free.

Runway inspiration (from left): Reed Krakoff, Chloé, Maiyet

Maybe a crop top isn’t for you. Take the safe-and perhaps more sophisticated-route to nailing the trend and layer your abbreviated top with a sheer cami.

Runway inspiration: Salvatore Ferragamo

A peek-a-boo hem gives a ladylike pencil skirt a bit of a sexy edge. Simply slip into a breezy skirt of a longer length and then top it off with a pencil skirt. If you want to up the ante, use this styling idea as a way to work in a pop of color.

Runway inspiration: Wes Gordon

Draping your blazer over your shoulders evokes an effortless look. To add an unexpected element, hang a shoulder-strapped bag just under the lapel of your jacket.

Runway inspiration: Lanvin

Sheers work wonders in the summer. The airy material is the perfect fabric to show off chic separates.

Runway inspiration (from left): Maiyet, No°21, Narciso Rodriguez

To get more wear out of a piece with a deep-diving neckline, wear a bralette underneath. For added interest, look for a style with a print that contrasts the dress.

Runway inspiration: Roberto Cavalli

Here’s a new way to show off your midriff and retire your crop top. Seek out a button front top and only purpose the very top button. You’ll be covered up but show just the right amount of skin.
Tip: This screams a day-to-night transitional outfit. Wear the top buttoned up for day and unbutton a few loopholes (OK, maybe not as many as Alexander Wang did) when you’re ready for a night out.

Runway inspiration: Alexander Wang, Fendi

Sometimes too much of one thing is a good thing. If your dress (or shirt, or skirt) is embellished with a jewelry-like element, add to it. Have no fear of being too matchy-matchy. Just keep to like colors and your outfit will be complete.

Runway inspiration: Balmain

Pouches are undeniably having a moment. The roomy style is the most versatile accessory for summer; carry your essentials in it for day and remove them for night, freeing up space to fold it over for a refreshing interpretation of an evening bag.

Runway inspiration (from left): Burberry Prorsum, Philosophy

Mix your prints. No matter how delicate or graphic they are, go for it. But, the key to nailing this look is to make sure that there is one common color found in the two. And as proven on the runway, three’s a charm. So add in a small dose of another print to really drive home the look.

Runway inspiration: Honor

Anchor your look with matching bracelets worn on both arms. The pair gives your look a crisp and cohesive edge. To keep the look going, leave your other accessories at home. This pairing speaks volumes on its own.

Runway inspiration (from left): Cédric Charlier, Chanel, Jil Sander

Play on hyper-pigmented pastels with bright colors. The key piece fit to complete this juxtaposition? Sneakers. Team them with delicate pastels for added contrast.

Runway inspiration: DKNY

Look for an elongated blazer, perhaps even a blazer-style dress to take this look from the runway to the street, and button it all the way up-you don’t want to show too much skin as this look is already a bit racy. Lastly, slide into a sheer slip skirt. If your look feels somewhat unfinished, add a statement-making necklace.

Runway inspiration (from left): Balenciaga, Christian Dior

Here’s the solution to wearing your favorite strapless top to places where shoulder-baring is just not appropriate. The trick to perfecting the look is to seek out a tank with wider straps-you don’t want it to look like your bra straps are showing.

Runway inspiration: 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Pair a simple cut, sporty sweatshirt with a breezy skirt of a longer length (steer clear of miniskirts for this expert pairing). The two together creates a balanced, wear-anywhere look.

Runway inspiration (from left): Christopher Kane, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

To add an unexpected element, wear a top under a dress. You can go for a sleeveless option, as shown on the Peter Som runway, or a short sleeve of any length. Look for a well-crafted top; you don’t want to dress down your dress.
Tip: If one of your favorite dresses is a bit too revealing for work, try this trick to make it more office-appropriate.

Runway inspiration: Peter Som

Avoid hiding your timepiece by wearing it over your sleeve. To really make a statement, wear a watch in a contrasting color.

Runway inspiration (from left): Ralph Lauren, Nina Ricci

Shirting is a hot trend this season. If you’re looking to add a new style into rotation, go for a short sleeved style with exaggerated sleeves and pair it with a skirt of any kind. The sleeve shape mimics the trumpet-like form of a skirt, making a chic and consistent look.

Runway inspiration (from left): Peter Pilotto, Thakoon, Prabal Gurung

A sleeveless blazer adds a dose of sophistication to a crop top while maintaining that playful, laid-back look.

Runway inspiration: Tibi