3 Runway Looks for Less: Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear
Three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and disagreeable weather during Fashion Week. While illustrious fashion editors à la Anna Wintour and golden fashion bloggers à la our very own Zephyr are zipping around the Bryant Park tents, the rest of us fashionistas are sitting at our desks, anticipating the latest image uploads onto Style.com. Luckily for us, the internet updates fast – and we get to escape the dreary weather that has befallen New York City.
At first, the minuscule runway looks sitting upon our computer monitors may look far too unattainable for the average college student. However, after walking around the Columbia University campus for the past two weeks, I’ve discovered that high-end looks can easily be created on a college student’s budget (thank you, my stylish schoolmates!).
Here are three looks straight from the Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear collections that can be emulated affordably — and worn to class:
Look #1: BCBG Max Azria

Photo Credit: 1
As always, the eighties vibe is in — but without the flashy embellishments and DayGlo. Consider a revamp of your classic little black dress with daring cutouts, mesh coverups, and slinky silhouettes.
BCBG Max Azria, already the parent company of Hervé Léger, continues its preference for body-conscious shapes this season (see photos of the BCBG Max Azria Spring 2010 RTW collection here). Pair the dress with a metallic clutch and platform heels for a look worthy of a night out. Add a sharp blazer and switch the platforms for oxfords for an edgy look for class. The key to making the cutout mesh dress appropriate for class is to cover up the essentials. Bebe and Guess are selling mesh dresses this season.
A more daring alternative to the mesh cutout dress is the Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Long-Sleeve Mini Dress from American Apparel. Just wear some opaque coverups (a flattering black camisole and a pencil skirt, for example) to make it slightly more school-appropriate!
Look #2: Jason Wu

Photo Credit: 1
Sweater sets are no longer just the wardrobe staples of your mother and grandmother! Jason Wu, known for his American sportswear and a well-regarded favorite of Michelle Obama, dives into his quirky side this season with bright knits worthy of any college student’s wardrobe.
Knit cardigans and sweaters can be kept young and fresh by veering away from pastels and opting for deep and bright shades and tones instead. Urban Outfitters and Anthrolopologie are selling colorful cardigans and sweaters to spice up your wardrobe.
Pair the bright sweater with a dressy pair of shorts and ribboned wedge heels for dapper look for class! Stunna shades are optional.
Look #3: Charlotte Ronson

Photo Credit: 1
Combining floral prints with rockin’ studs is not a new concept — but it’s a great way to combine various trends together.
Taking tips from Charlotte Ronson’s show this season, edgy accessories can sharpen a classic pastel floral skirt, while still maintaining an air of femininity. Arden B. and Urban Outfitters currently have a variety of pretty floral print skirts to choose from.
With a look like this, you’ll be wearing florals throughout the school year—while recycling your old metal studs and chains.
What do you think?
Though shopping on a college student’s budget may prevent you from purchasing pieces straight off the designer collections, you can still look like you walked off the runway—and into the school hallway.
What are some of your favorite Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear looks so far?
Posted on on September 15, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: BCBG Max Azria, Charlotte Ronson, Inspiration, Jason Wu, Outfits, Runway Looks for Less, Shopping, Spring 2010, Spring 2010 RTW



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Maria
I love the bright-colored sweaters! I love bright color – they add youth and attitude to your looks immediately. I also like the idea of combining floral skirt with studs, but i don’t think i’d wear studded belt like Charlotte Ronson’s model… studded heels are more like it! :)
Giselle
great post, but eek i’d never wear a LBD to class..the others i would definitely do. :)
Sarah
Awesome…I have a totally hot lbd with mesh on top. Very cool that I can wear it aside from evening :)
Kristina - University of Arizona
I love the second colorful Anthro cardigan…looks like I’ll have to save up for that one!
My favorite Spring 2010 collection was definitely Luca Luca. I loved the high waist trouser look with soft, silky blouses. I also thought their evening gowns were the prettiest of all the collections I viewed.
I thought the L.A.M.B. collection was very wearable, but it kind of reminded me too much of Balmain’s Fall 2009 collection…so I wish it was a bit more original.
Great post!!
Jess
I like. Great post. I love all the post everyone is doing. I been getting great ideas and have been dressing up everyday.
I love the skirts, something I would definitely wear to class.
Melanie
That last look is sort of how Ive been dressing for school.
I love it!
Great post!
Carly
I’m in love with that Charlotte Ronson look!
Cara
The red-and-black cardi is to die for; the rest is nice but not inspiring. The Charlotte Ronson model looks cute, but I suspect a mix of such very far-flung elements could easily look a bit schizo in real life.
Kalpesh
Awesome…
I’m seriously in love with that Charlotte Ronson look!
I love it!
Great post!