When we saw Dries van Noten's eclectically dressed models march down the S/S 10 runway, our gypset hearts immediately took flight. Sparking our globetrotting fancies, his delicious prints and fabrics pulled from a melting pot of far-off, exotic locales—like China, Japan, India and Uzbekistan—resulted in a highly curated bohemian look we were quick to get on board with. Everything from the eye-catching
Darcy Dress ($959) to the diaphanous
Candy Silk Blouse ($700) to the
Pearl Embellished Silk Jacket ($2283) had us lusting after Dries' textural palette that conjured up images of iconic figures like Peggy Guggenheim and Marchesa Luisa Casati. We could easily see these admired eccentrics with an appreciation for a smorgasbord of the finer things in life lusting after this rich, multi-dimensional collection and opting for a cropped jacket-and-trouser combo or seamlessly slipping into an eye-catching, sari-inspired knee-length skirt.
Yet, while our inner daring dresser was immediately drawn to the collection's mixture of bold patterns and luscious textures, even the most conservative fashion fan can adapt this look to their personal taste. These savory prints can readily be coordinated with some of spring's most essential neutral pieces, like a rolled khaki or a boyfriend sweater, as seen in the runway photos above. When choosing to do so, just take a note from Noten and punctuate your more laidback traveler look with ladylike accessories, such as two-tone pumps, thick pearls, and structured handbags, for a dose of polish.
With dreams of this jet-setting lifestyle in mind and a springtime desire to fully ditch our all-black winter outfits, we set out on a sartorial expedition for the best pieces to encapsulate this winning collection. So whether it's a pinch of pattern with a
Suzette Skirt ($394) or the full-on spice of the beaded waist
Pontiac Pants ($659) that's captivated you, consider this installment of
Inspired By your very own Dries van Noten in-flight entertainment!
1. Zero + Maria Cornejo Ibit Top ($380)
Girls-night-out tops are always one of our favorite items to invest in, particularly when they're as striking and versatile as this emerald green version. Not only does this silk top serve as a dressed-up basic to pair with patterned trousers, it's also the ideal choice for adding a dose of sophistication to a pair of rolled khakis.
2. RGB Cosmetics Oxblood Nail Polish ($14)
Lately, we've been pushing a nude nail, leaving darker manis in the time-out corner, but when we saw nearly noir nails make their appearance on the Dries runway, we quickly changed our minds. The anachronism of a dark hue with springtime prints was enticingly subversive, and we were doubly excited when one of our favorite purveyors of polish, RGB, created an equally enticing vampy hue. Ground your wanderlust prints with this deep burgundy tone that adds yet another layer of depth to your ensemble.
3. Tuleste Market Braided Pearl Necklace ($150)
The models on the Dries runway were bedecked with a multi-strand, pendant-laden
Pearl Necklace ($1,177), so we thought it particularly fitting to include Tuleste Market's Braided Pearl necklace in today's post. We like how a classic, double strand of pearls grounds the vagabond spirit of a more festive outfit, lending it a refined air.
4. Spiegel Two Tone Pumps ($34)
With such colorful clothes, keeping accessories toward the neutral end of the spectrum is a definite must, which is why we included these simple heels from Spiegel. These two-tone Mary-Janes-meets-slingbacks resemble the patent pairs seen afoot on the Dries runway, while the nude and tan tones are always flattering, as they elongate the line of your leg.
5. Wren Aya Cropped Blazer ($385) in Gold
Melissa Coker always catches our eye with her adorable blazers and this cropped, metallic piece is no exception to the Wren rule. The rich hue echoes the metallic brocades used in the Dries collection while being surprisingly versatile. Style it as the hero piece to an all-black or nude outfit, or opt to be a bit adventurous and pair it with ikat pants.
6. Anna Sui Cloaked Tiers Skirt ($158)
Anna Sui has always been a pioneer of gypsy chic, so we knew to reference her patterned styles when attempting to recreate Dries van Noten's rich, bohemian aesthetic. This shorter A-line skirt is an ideal translation of Dries' long sarong-like skirt from the runway; it takes what could be an overwhelming piece and makes it wearable for everyday.
7. Max Studio Aimee Sunglasses ($90, 1.888.334.4629)
A jetsetter can never leave home without the perfect pair of sunnies and between Proenza Schouler's
Square Sunglasses ($310) and Dries van Noten's oversized runway frames, we are craving whiteout shades for spring. This Max Studio option is quite a steal and fulfills our lust for an ivory pair.
8. Topshop Pleat Shorts ($60)
Since trading in your denim for rolled khakis has become a de rigueur fashion move, the natural next step is to swap out your usual cut-offs for some tan shorts! Not only do these pleated walking shorts seem as though they were ripped straight from Paris Fashion Week, they also offer your daytime ensemble a more polished feeling while still appealing to a casual, nomadic spirit.
9. Kate Spade Eaton Square Joleen Bag ($295)
This ladylike chain strap purse echoes the bold black and tan iterations seen on the Dries runway and offers a structural contrast to the flowy tops and bottoms that made up a majority of the collection. Additionally, we like how the color palette of the bag remains stark, so as not to compete with the noisier prints.
10. Old Navy Lightweight Boyfriend Sweater ($24.50) in Medium Heather Gray
Perfect for transitional weather, this lightweight sweater is ideal to pair with your printed skirts à la Dries. Additionally, we could see a stylesetter like Ashley Olsen mixing it with patterned pants and teetering heels for an effortless cocktail look.
11. Loeffler Randall Knotted Print Pant ($250)
While at first glance, a pair of printed pants in blush and black may not seem like a wardrobe essential, this light-colored pair is surely a spring necessity. Not only are these silk bottoms clearly Dries inspired, they are extremely adaptable and can be paired with anything from a contrasting print (a look we've been ga-ga for all season long) to a simple burnout tee.
12. Mango Foulard ($14.90)
A colorful scarf is a great way to add intrigue to your ensemble, and we adore this bright red floral version. Use it to perk up a more neutral outfit or tie it around your purse for a daily dose of vagabond chic.—Liza Kaplan
Runway Photos courtesy of
First View.
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TAGS: Inspired by,
Ashley Olsen,
Anna Sui,
Dries Van Noten
.
