How to Score Runway Style Without the Debt

Wear the runway this summer with designer items from Raf Simons and Saint Laurent—and their lower-priced counterparts.

June 3, 2016

None

It's true when they say that there ain't nothing like the real thing. The designers who show their collections at fashion weeks around the world represent some of the best in class when it comes to quality, creative vision, and the kind of dope 'fits that will instantly up your style game. The guys at the top—like Raf Simons, Hedi Slimane, and Jun Takahashi of Undercover—make the case for clothing as an investment; their stuff is expensive, but it will last, and, if you're willing to let go of it eventually, will appreciate in value on the uber-competitive resale market.

That's all well and good, but if you need a little immediate style boost this summer and don't have the funds to drop big bucks on your wardrobe, you can still take some inspiration from top-tier talent without putting as big a dent in your checking account. Here's how to wear the runway this summer with some of the season's best looks and their more affordable counterparts.

Saint Laurent

The Saint Laurent jacket of the season may be sold out online, but there’s more than one way you can adopt the L.A. rocker vibe that designer Hedi Slimane does so well.

1. Souvenir jacket by Upscale, $198. Available at us.wconcept.com. 2. Sneakers by Vans, $60. Buy it Now. 3. Jeans by Nudie Jeans, $220. Available at nudiejeans.com.

Dior

The embroidered flowers on Dior’s bomber jacket give this otherwise polished, understated look a little something extra.

1. Jacket by GUESS, $148. Buy It Now. 2. Sneakers by Article No., $160. Buy It Now. 3. Chinos by Topman, $50. Available at us.topman.com.

John Elliott

If there’s one thing John Elliott does best—other than designing the hoodies and pants that everyone needs—it’s mastering the art of layering.

1. Sleeveless hoodie by Nike, $65. Buy It Now. 2. Sneakers by Nike, $130. Buy It Now. 3. Sweatpants by Zanerobe, $120. Available at zanerobe.com.

Ami

You probably haven’t thought of tucking in a track jacket underneath a pinstripe suit before, but Ami makes the case for why you should start thinking about it now.

1. Wool suit by Topman, $370. Available at us.topman.com. 2. Track jacket by adidas, $70. Available at adidas.com.

Raf Simons

An oversized jacket and a gingham hood, plaid shorts, and Stan Smiths; no one makes off-kilter look as good as Raf.

1. Jacket by Soulland, $422. Available at goodhoodstore.com. 2. Sneakers by adidas, $75. Buy It Now. 3. Shorts by J. Crew, $75. Available at jcrew.com.