Affordable Fall Pieces Inspired by Paris Haute Couture Week

With summer coming to a close, it’s time to look back on July’s Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2018, where posh designers from around the world shared innovations in design. Italy’s Giambattista Valli, Paris’s Maison Margiela and China’s Guo Pei stand out as three fashion houses with their fingers on the pulse. They have inspired fall trends that are edgy yet wearable, capturing a high-low balance. For those not be able to afford looks straight off the catwalk, these pieces from H&M deliver similar styles on a budget.

Giambattista Valli debuted several ruffled short-long evening gowns this season. Although the short-in-front, long-in-back silhouette trend dates back to the ’90s, you can keep the look current by opting for a knit top with a short-in-front, long-in-back silhouette.

Fine-knit sweater, short slits on sleeves with an elongated back, $19.99.

Under the creative direction of John Galliano, Maison Margiela took haute althleisure to the next level at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2018 by layering several puffer coats of various sizes for dramatic effect. For most, one puffer will suffice, but draw on Margiela’s color palette and opt for a bold primary hue. When it comes to the silhouette, create a defined waistline by choosing a puffer with an adjustable drawstring at the hips.

Short padded jacket, drawstring at waist, $39.99.

Silk is an ideal fabric for fall, when the air loses its humidity. At Guo Pei, the designer channeled nostalgic romanticism with embroidered silk separates. On its own or beneath a blazer, a silk blouse is an easy way to elevate casual denim.

Silk blouse, premium draping silk with ruffle collar, $129.

At Giambattista Valli, the designer favored long sweeping hemlines with dramatic gowns. Capture the same mood with a pair of wide-leg trousers for fall. This silhouette is all about fluid lines that elongate the body. To make the look wearable, choose casual trousers in a muted hue, which will help you transition from summer to fall flawlessly.

Wide-leg pants, straight leg to the ankle in woven cotton, $34.99.

Guo Pei’s highly architectural collection was all about structure. From body-conscious piping to bodices, her fall/winter couture collection emphasized the curves of the female form. Draw on this trend by adding corset detailing to basic pieces. The subtle corset waistline embellishes a pair of leggings and nips the waistline in without the discomfort of a traditional corset.

Leggings with lacing, corset lacing at the waistline, $14.99.