The 10 Best Runway Looks of 2013

Design Lists

Each year, designers parade look after look while fashion editors scramble to decide which minute details will be the “it” trend of the year. Sometimes their predictions are are spot on—blue eye shadow on the runways probably inspired Beyonce’s looks in her surprise visual album. While other trends—ahem, pleated trousers for men—are still too much for the average person.

Of course, blue eyeshadow and pleated trouser trends have been seen before. They’re actually something younger people still see as leftovers from our parents’ wardrobes. So which trends work best for us? We compiled some of the most prevalent—yet accessible—trends that sashayed down the catwalks. Looking at men and women’s runways as well as beauty trends, here are some of our favorite moments from Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 fashion weeks.

10. Mid-length Skirts
As seen at: Miu Miu, Proenza Schouler, Dior, Christian Siriano, Alice + Olivia

A throwback to classic dress, the mid-length skirt came in full a-line and pencil tight versions. Working the proportions of a skirt that hits mid-calve can be difficult. Celebrities like Diane Kruger paired the odd-length with crop tops and skin-hued pumps to add length and prevent the skirt from overpowering her frame.

Wear this royal blue silk midi skirt with with sparkly heels for the holidays, then easily transition into the spring by pairing with lightweight blouse and flats.

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J.Crew $248

9. Burgundy for men
As seen at: Calvin Klein, John Galliano, Margiela, Jil Sander, Burberry

Rich and warm while still maintaining a boldness often lacking from men’s wardrobes, the inclusion of dark red on the runways was a welcome addition. Less vociferous than a true red, burgundy has subdued notes that flatter all skin tones and hair colors… making things simple for guys who’d rather not agonize over the details. Plus, it’s the namesake of our favorite fictional news anchor who also made his big 2013 comeback.

Up your wardrobe game by pairing any of your basic neutral shirts or tees with a pair of sateen burgundy skinny chinos and your favorite leather shoes.
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Topman $80

8. Full Brows
As seen at: Isabel Marant, Zac Posen, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone

Long gone are the days of Faye Dunaway’s Chinatown pencil thin brows, in are the bushy eye sweaters of Cara Delevingne. Today, girls are chucking their tweezers and going for that natural look… if your idea of “natural” is equal to that of a Ralph Lauren model. At least facial nerve endings all across the States can breathe a sigh of relief.

If you’re still trying to grow out your Gwen Stefani circa Return of Saturn eyebrows, try e.l.f. Studio Treat & Tame. The gel side is a serum that stimulates hair follicles for accelerated growth while the color side fills in sparse patches while you wait.

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Eyes Lips Face $3

7. Fringe
As seen at: Calvin Klein, Junya Watanabe, The Row, Emilio Pucci, Derek Lam, Rodarte

Far from the full-on flapper dress and beyond, designers used bits of fringe to embellish tops, skirts and dresses. Designers kept it fresh by using fringe with heavier, more complex detail. At Miu Miu and Rodarte, Woodstock-inspired fringe was paired with structured shoulders. Marc Jacobs mixed trends by creating an embellished sweatshirt with sequins and fringe. This year the look was less about stage costume and more about adding subtle movement to an everyday look.

A simple grey sweatshirt is amped up with fringe detail around the shoulders making it more accessible for everyday wear. Perfect for those who aren’t ready to go completely Great Gatsby with their wardrobe.
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ASOS $90.75

6. Wide Legged Pants
As seen at: Rochas, Alexander Wang, The Row, BCBG Max Azria, Trina Turk

After a few years of skin-tight pants and jeans, a wide-legged trend was due for a comeback. Especially with the increasing popularity of the crop top and the crisp Oxford, the bohemian feel of a flowing cuff is a welcome contrast that is also comfortable. Most versions are also coming in higher-waist cuts, making it a figure-flattering alternative that can be dressed up or down.

These wide-legs from Langford Market also make good use of the still popular tribal print. Pair with a large floppy hat, sunnies, and a blazer for a perfect brunch look after a fun Saturday night.
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Langford Market $49.90

5. Floral for Men
As seen at: Prada, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Meadham Kirchoff

There’s something about the juxtaposition. Maybe that’s why it’s so refreshing to see artists like Tyler the Creator spit fierce while wearing the print preferred by Monet. While floral prints are often characterized as “soft” there’s really nothing that embodies natural strength and virility more (you know what a stamen really is, right?).

The black base and suede brim of this floral cap make it accessible for winter, so it can be perfectly broken in by the time spring rolls around.
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Urban Outfitters $42

4. Golden Eyeshadow
As seen at: Jason Wu, Donna Karen, Alexander Wang, Christian Dior

Gilded lids are so much more accessible than chunky gold jewelry. The best part? Gold looks great on all skin tones. For an intense nighttime look, go for a product with glitter and define lashes with a stark, black eyeliner like they did at Jason Wu. Rock the look with a more subdued gold with hints of complimentary color to your own eye color. Blue eyes? Find a shadow with a bit of orange in there. Greens look better with pinkish hues underlying the gold. And brown eyes pop with a bit of green in there.

Highlight, define and glow with this palette that combines a good, basic gold with other neutral necessities for everyday wear.
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Maybelline $9.99

3. Pop Art
As seen at: Prada, Céline, Chanel, Jil Sander, Kenzo, Prabal Gurung, Philip Lim

Can fashion be high art? That’s a debate for another day. However, fashion can certainly be enhanced by taking inspiration from great artists, and designers looked to the pop-art movement of the 20th century this year. More Kahlo than Katy Perry, the looks took potentially cheesy iconography and turned it into practical, aesthetically pleasing pieces.

Evoke the pop-art spirit of Warhol with Uniqlo’s take on his classic Campbell Soup can print.
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Uniqlo $19.20

2. Round Glasses
As seen at: Desigual, Opening Ceremony, Charlotte Ronson, Rachel Zoe, Rag and Bone

Wayfarers and aviators will always be stylish, but sometimes you need to add a little spice to your basics. On those jeans and tee shirt days, what better way to add interest than a pair of inexpensive and trendy shades? From 1960s tiny to oversized Carrie Donovan style, round glasses make a statement while maintaining the simplest of design.

Instead of investing too much in a trend, try it out with an inexpensive version like these from Forever 21 and spend the rest on a great pair of classic jeans.
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Forever 21 $5.80

1. Sequins
As seen at: Tom Ford, Marc Jacbos, Prada, Marni, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Fendi

While sparkles and glitter are often seen on the runways, this year designers decided to up the ante by showcasing a variety of shapes and textures that are far from Studio 54. For instance, Tom Ford opened his show with a peacock hued dress decorated with square sequins, and the result was much more futuristic than pageant-worthy.

IInstead of a basic shift, try a pair of separates in a geometric print like the Dolce Vita Geometric Maz Top and Skirt. The best part? They both get double duty as separates.
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Nasty Gal $98, $88

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