I dressed like Prada runway. Only as a 55 year old. Wearing an actual, not floating bra.
Runway vs. realway. Everything I wore this week.
With the job hopping among some really talented designers at some super high profile houses, I think more of us are looking at runways than ever before. It’s not obvious, though, how to translate them or if you’re even supposed to. Maybe they’re just “up here” (picture tete-a-tete btw Kelly Bensimone and Bethanny Frankel). Meant to be digested and discussed by people whose job that is. Shopped, styled and worn by whoever’s job that is. A dwindling group to be sure at these prices!
But I’m going to put a decidedly 40+ spin on it here: When taking runway inspiration, do whatever the F you want.
I mean the point, the bigger point, of fashion shows is FEELING ALIVE. Thinking about something, anything, differently than you thought about it before. Zing zing zinging of the synapses. (Or whatever fires things up in there.)
“Everything is so hardcore in the world right now,” Raf Simons said a Prada SS ‘26 collection that “is about reacting to the uncertain — clothes that can shift, change, adapt.” [via Nicole Phelps, Vogue + Miles Socha, WWD]
Time and again I hear folks detach from runways with a literal POV. We’re working our asses off (whether in the form of trad corporate roles or shepherding kids through next phases, caring for parents or both); we don’t have the time or inclination to explore bras that don’t work!
But I remind all of us at every age that we do have time for joy. And it’s necessary given the circumstances, in whatever slivers and shards we can find. So quit being so literal! Quit seeing yourself as “other than” and runways as irrelevant. You’re missing out! Use runway (and anything else!) as inspiration. And don’t worry about getting it “wrong.” The only wrong is seeing limitations where there are possibilities. The only wrong is standing still.
This past week, the Outfit Planning theme was Prada’s latest runway. I took from it color and shape play, shifting waist lines, suspender riffs and “uniforms.” I saw some of you took full skirting and other elements. We’re not writing the show notes here. These are just tools for play. Don’t talk yourself out of the good stuff.
First up, 5 things I took away from the week.
Watch runway shows! They’re short and they’re inspiring. There’s never been a more exciting time to take a peek.
When you look at a runway, lead with what appeals to you, rather than all your “I could never”s - take as much or as little as you want.
Get curious - are you trapped in the “flattering zone”? There is zero wrong with wanting to look and feel your best. But if that keeps you from experimenting, maybe push through and try moving a waist, wearing something oversized, a shoulder pad, an unusual color for you. Open doors rather than close them, because you can.
When in doubt, get the uniform out. This week when I had to pivot, the idea of a uniform was such a good fallback. Whether it’s a uniform personal to you, or one that’s actually military inspired.
Black lace bra is a tool. Twice this week, I went to the black lace under the thin white top. I really like this formula, it’s not overt, and I especially like a little bit of flirtation with all the oversized and trad masc stuff I wear.
MONDAY
day
What:
Tibi rolled sleeve Tunic (out of stock) options here worn over Alexis Cruz London shoulder pad top
Nitto Gelsa Skirt from Covet & Lou out of stock! I think I found the last one on the planet and a bubble boutique for you
pre owned Hermes Kelly (more here) — boutique has a range of 2 sizes, this one is a 40
past season Jil Sander flats - good ones this way; the key is the modern look, higher throat
Why: Home! Tons to do + walking a lot. Wanted to feel comfy but not like a slob. what I took from the runway was leaning into unexpected colors, and moving the waist line with a bubble-esque skirt.
Outcome: Love it, and glad I experiment. I wouldn’t say I felt lofted, but I am glad I did it.
TUESDAY
What:
AMI scarf collar shirt dress (here in white) past season (shirt and dress alts)
worn under Miu Miu pleated skirt, more here
Lizzie Fortunato camper necklace, past season (and more favorites)
Tod’s fringed loafers (past season, a few left) and other good options
Why: Doing research out in the world I like to look decent. I was inspired by the sort of “army” vibe of some of the runway looks. This dress always reminded me of some sort of officer or Eagle Scout. Tucking it in gave it that uniform look and also solved the practical - it’s a low skirt! The runway army look had the contrast of shiny satin gloves; Here my belt bag gives the friction.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
WEDNESDAY
What:
Miu Miu pajama top and bottom (more PJs we like for day here)
Miu Miu distressed leather tote and others .. again you have the option to distress your own : )
secondhand Prada watch and a boutique of statement watches
Tibi red flats (past season - good options here)
Why: Typically a meeting day, but my only meeting was with my partner. This pajama set was a splurge a couple summers ago and I wear it lots. But seeing the jumpsuit look of the runway made me want to try wearing it a different way, tucking the top to create a uniform-jumpsuit look. I wasn’t going to wear black gloves in MIA, but using the big black accessories gave me some of that unexpectedness. The red shoe brown bag also came from the runway colors and weren’t something I’d have thought of.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
THURSDAY
pre workout
What:
Alo Yoga black leggings and black workout tank — now I’d probably do these playsuits, which I cut to this length
Vintage unbranded sunglasses
Vintage cotton open work “third piece” (It just has a neck hole) from Tokio 7 and here are some interesting alts.
Prada baseball cap and more favorites
Louboutin flats (remember how I tried and returned a whole bunch?) and more for you
Why: This was just me, pre workout, doing errands. I do not enjoy ass-out for ME. So this piece just gives me a little slip on and go coverage. I am using the crap out of these shoes - they’re so comfy, and they give some “lady” friction to my workout stuff and masc bottoms. But the square toe feels special and modern. Verrrry happy with them.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
LATER
What:
Wood-Wood “Post-Europe” graphic tee, more for you
Old Celine navy zip up top (here’s a secondhand XS) - and here’s a nice alt.
Tibi Harold blazer (past season); the nylon Liam is a good comp
Secondhand Tiffany’s Paloma Picasso bracelets from Castanet Boston — and balngle boutique here
Hermes So Kelly bag (pay attention to the sizes here, 22 and 26. Mine is 26)
ribbed sheer socks from Matches (RIP)
Why: I had planned to wear this white suspender shirt to play with that runway idea, but our son confirmed he’d be at break the fast, so the night before I decided ot fly out to Boston, and that wasn’t going to work (I can see it now, those suspenders in an airplane toilet…). So instead I went back to the uniform idea and picked a dark color that wouldn’t show the dirt.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness
FRIDAY
morning
What:
Prada men’s striped tee. Jamie Haller l/s striped Tee (only 1 size left) here are more long sleeve stripes
Secondhand Nike sleeveless hoodie — graphic hoodie favorites here
skirt, blazer, bag, loafers as above
socks from H-Mart :-) Swedish stockings alt I own + love
Why: I didn’t pack anything (in fairness we have an apartment in Boston) and didn’t have time to think because I wanted to get to my parents’ for quality time, so I made a few tweaks but kept the gist.
Outcome: Comfy + cute. Maybe slightly Amish. No offense to the Amish.
evening
I realize now I should have worn the last Prada look I’d prepped! I totally spaced.
Ended up in this:
What:
Loewe ‘see u later’ shirt - it’s so old! And was secondhand. But relatedly this. And this!
Loewe cotton folded cropped trousers not really a comp but lightly touching the vibes here (stay tuned though because we will be seeing lots of sculptural
Old second hand LV belt. Perfect comp.
Why: We went to dinner at a new Italian place we wanted to try and I had about 15 minutes start to finish. Thanks to my friend
I start with a statement piece at a time like this! Let that do the work.POV: What if statement pieces are more useful than basics?
After a dinner we had just before I left Miami, my friend and style icon Christian shared her approach to dressing and where it came from in the most beautiful way.
So I took out the pants. And then I went to a trick of mine - sticking to one designer from multiple eras as a hack for a cohesive look. I got this Loewe shirt secondhand and I’ve had it since around 2019. Finishing touch = tomato, ofc!
Outcome: Lofted Settledness. A great date and the hosts said they liked my look :-)
SATURDAY
am
What:
secondhand men’s Balenciaga tee, my “uniform” pieces!
Tibi Wilder shoes, 37 here, the new tux style here and the animal print
Why: Headed out for “beauty stuff.” Need my laptop to write in the uber; it’s a good bag for this; the weight is well distributed.
Outcome: Comfy and me, but I think it didn’t come together and was too chaotic.
day
What:
John Elliot slub transparent tee like this with black lace bra
Miu Miu cotton midi skirt and other options
Margiela loafers also here if you prefer
Why: Headed to the Design District. I hadn’t worn this skirt in a bit and I wanted to. But I wanted to feel casual. So I used the transparent tee and vegetable leather belt. It’s a girlie skirt, so I wanted to counter that with a loafer. I put the black bra on because I wanted more dark up there versus very light top/dark bottom.
Outcome: Good! I think if I were doing this again, I’d do a stronger tee, like with a stronger shoulder for more balance.
Saturday night
What:
Phoebe Philo drop jeans, sold out. I would buy
‘s Georgia jean (I have it in blue) and size up by 2 for this look.Pucci lighter necklace but also this is stunning for less, too.
Secondhand Row Cowal blazer from VIP Consignment but this is a lot less and I’ve tried it on, and it’s every bit as good - just warmer.
Why: Going to dinner at a cute neighborhood pizza/wine destination with Jim (my hub) and his cousin who is visiting. I wanted to look fun and not too fancy. Another 15 minutes total to get ready. This time I went with Kitchen Sink neutrals. Gray, cream, black, taupe.
By request: The Kitchen Sink Neutral Formula
I am a lot. And sometimes my outfits are a lot too. I call my style DNA “Miami King” —and often I want to feel a lot of Miami. Bold, bright, maybe a graphic tee or an out -there shape. But sometimes after these very Miami outfits (and I’ve noticed this more in the past year), I crave something that still feels like my DNA, but expressed in a more minimal way. Something that makes me feel like my most sophisticated version of myself. And as I’ve taken a look at the outfits that do this for me, I’ve realized there’s a formula in there that I bet a lot of people will relate to, really like, and be able to execute with what you already own. I’ve been calling it The Kitchen Sink Neutral Formula. It was a big aha.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
SUNDAY
What:
past season Tibi pinky-lavender slip dress
Miu Miu bag (as above). This looks interesting! I’ve seen their clothes but not the bags.
Tibi red feather Grangers (you could also do the red furry flip flops)
Why: Chill Sunday. I went to write, run errands and research upcoming stories. This formula (slip dress, oversized tee, sporty/fun shoe) is one that always makes me feel settled.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
OUTFIT PLANNING
Dress like The Girlfriend. I’m dressing like Laura (also here), but feel free to do your version of Cherry!
And the following week: The Palette cleanse! Modern, clean, minimal elements, black white navy with texture.
Let’s get dressed.
XOXO,
Rachel
p.s. The Happi code again if you want to try. RACHEL25. Also feel free to ask me any questions!
Notes:
I am using affiliate links. In fact here’s a whole post on it. And another. Thank you for using these links to shop. Every little bit helps!
Our Market editor Wendy and I are in limited, special, and really particular ways working with a select group of partners and accepting gifts in order to inform you better, especially around attainably priced brands and pieces. Here’s something on that.
We are also starting to get promo codes from brands, and here’s an updated list; be sure and check weekly before purchasing. I grew up shopping Filenes Basement. Your girl loves a discount:
TREATS
HAPPI: 25% off first purchase with code RACHEL25
CLOTHES
FRAME: 15% off with code HMS15
CALLAS MILANO : 15% off with code HMS15
HEIDI MERRICK: 10% off with code HEYMRSSOLOMON10
LEFT ON FRIDAY: 10% off with code HMS10
SANCTUARY: 15% off with code RS15
LUISAVIAROMA: 30% off full price items with this link and code LOVEX30 (excluding Adidas & Salomon)
ASHER: 15% off with code RACHEL15
SANI: 20% off with code HMS20
SHOES
NOMASEI: 15% off with code HMS15
BEEK: 10% off with code HMS10
SCAROSSO: 20% off with code HMS20
JEWELRY
ATPRESENT: 15% off with code HEYMRSSOLOMON15
BEAUTY + WELLNESS
LAKE & SKYE: 15% off with code HMS15
URSA MAJOR: 20% off with code HEYMRSSOLOMON20
FRE SKINCARE: 25% off with code MRSSOLOMON
ST. ROSE: 20% off with code HMS20
UBEAUTY: 20% off your first purchase with code HMS20 through ShopMy link
WELLECO: 15% off with code HMS15
The Tibi red feather shoes are so appealingly eye-catching …. But the thought of those feathers making contact with the urban landscape …. 🤢 Did you just go for it or is there a way to trim the feathers somewhat? How do you do it! 🤣
Oh fun! Loved The Girlfriend! And your outfits are great, as always.