When I shop, I always focus on fashion classics that never go out of style. However, fashion and my style constantly evolve, so I look for inspiration to wear those items in modern ways. Looking through any issue of Vogue always allows me to glean ideas from the world’s best photographers, stylists, designers, and makeup artists. Inspiration is free, and I am an eternal student, always seeking to learn something new.
Remember that the catwalks and fashion magazines show you the artistic editorial version of forthcoming fashion trends. I witnessed the trickle-down effect every season when I worked in retail for twenty years. What we see on the catwalk is watered down tremendously when it reaches our hometown malls. It is my second nature to whittle down those dramatic, over-the-top ads and editorials to focus only on what appeals to me.
The images below are snaps of the pages of my well-worn copy with my notes on what resonates with me. I am not in any way connected to, nor is this post sponsored by Vogue. Here is the link to subscribe to Vogue.
I noticed the use of a black turtleneck sweater in ten photos in the September issue. I’m glad I already have a few of them in my wardrobe.
Wearing classic pieces in a nonchalant, “I just threw this on” sort of way feels lived-in and real. I roll sleeves, leave the top buttons open, and, in general, make whatever I’m wearing my own. Being comfortable is an important part of my style.
Sneakers continue to be worn to tone down more dressed-up looks.
Hi Susan,
I love this idea of thinking about how I would interpret the runway looks. Might have to pick up Vogue!
Your comment about working in retail reminds me of Meryl Streeps scene in The Devil Wears Prada where she talks Anne Hathaway’s sweater.
Have a great day,
Barb
I will subscribe to Vogue because of the great inspiration you have received!! I remember several years ago you commented when you walked in a room that yes everyone looked at you because you were dressed so nicely in a complete outfit but that you considered it a badge of honor to look nice and put together. I have really tried to improve my wardrobe lately and I recently had an opportunity to dress up a little. It’s amazing when you are dressed well that you stand taller and have a sense of confidence in yourself. Thank you for all your great advice and inspiration.
You have already inspired me with the grey sweater over white neutrals yesterday! Red accents, which I have, completed my look for a casual porch party. Perfect!
I love turtlenecks on others but am uncomfortable wearing them. I feel it makes me look like I have a double chin which I don’t really have. Any suggestions on styling or should I pick another option. I love this post and can’t wait to see how you interpret these looks. Thank you Susan.
I also look better in a lower-neck sweater, but on the coldest days, I’ll wear my cashmere turtlenecks, which aren’t too tight on the neck.
Susan,
Looking forward to this series and how you apply the magazine inspirations.
Thank you
thank you for sharing your Vogue inspirations!
What an interesting, informative, and fun post!! Over the years, I have flipped through the pages of VOGUE and thought, “Wow! Those are way-out styles!’, yet, as you emphasized, the styles featured in VOGUE become more subdued by the time I see them in local stores. Thank you for taking time to share the process of finding and choosing styles which fit our own clothing preferences.
Looking forward to your next post !
Thank you very much, Susan. This is very helpful!
Thank you so much for investing your time to draw these common elements from trends and distill them for us. You’re giving us gifts each time you post a blog…..thank you for being so generous!
Thanks for sharing.
I’m looking forward to seeing what outfits you put together. For some reason I have trouble taking what I see in these magazines to an outfit I would want to wear.
VERY interesting, and informative. I regularly get overwhelmed by what I see in high-fashion mags, so thank you for demystifying and breaking the trends down into something I can understand! I so look forward to your explanations and thoughts about really what the Vogue photos are attempting to transmit/show us ‘mere mortals’. Again, I really really enjoyed this article and look forward to your personal interpretations!
Hi Susan, I appreciate your comments about being an eternal student always looking to learn and be inspired. So many of us get that benefit by reading your blog. You are a great role model that inspires all of us. Thank you for helping us feel more confident in getting dressed and putting an outfit together that looks modern while using the clothing items we might already own.
Thank you for your comments, Deborah Z. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and it makes me very happy when readers tell me they find value in my posts.
Thanks for another great and informative post Susan. Pleased to hear red accents are coming back. Love red.
I love what you’ve done here! This distillation of the overall feel of the trends is so helpful to me!
Always appreciate your attention to details and sharing! It truly helps me get dressed and feel happier when I’m comfortable in select choices. Black and camel is a fav! Thanks so much!
I look forward to seeing how you ‘shop your closet’ with inspiration from the catwalks of Vogue. I hope its not too black as black and I are not friends. But I know you’ll do it well and with understatement.
I’m a fan of rollnecks and turtlenecks in winter. A very simple and chic way to look good without piling on masses of scarves, jewelry etc.
I always remember Coco Chanel’s dictum ‘Less is more’ and the advice that before leaving home, go back to the mirror and remove one thing. It pays dividends, that’s for sure.
Take care and enjoy the week.
I found your take on this very interesting. I can’t wait to see how you tie it in with your current wardrobe. I’m going out to buy a couple of black turtlenecks. As my hair is silver grey I’ve always thought that black up against my face too harsh and I’m not into scarves a lot. Any suggestions?
Patricia
Wear a softer color near your face such as navy, dark gray, olive, or brown. Any dark colors will serve the same purpose.
Oh my goodness, Susan! What a wonderful teaching moment. I never thought of picking out the parts of a magazine model’s outfit and applying it. Like others have stated, I can’t wait until your next post and seeing your outfits. Thank you for teaching us how you do this. Many hugs.
Great post as always. Btw I’ve said before you seem to look younger each year instead of aging…… you’re my role model
I love turtlenecks! They always remind me of the iconic photos of Audrey Hepburn in a black turtleneck. It’s hard to get more classic than that.
Hi Susan. I have a question. A couple of years ago you showed a dark wash denim jacket. The buttons were large. The cuffs on the sleeves were wide and also had the larger buttons. I believe it was more fitted. Do you remember it? If so, would you tell me the brand? It was unique. Thank you. Vikki Pandit
That sounds like the jacket I bought from White House Black Market.
Can’t wait to see your interpretations!
I have enjoyed this post very much and look forward to reading the next one with your interpretations. Thank you for all your great inspiration.
Susan, You’ve opened a new way to look at fashion magazines. I used to look at the pages and think, “How lovely but never my life style.” I never thought to break down the recurring elements that the models wear and interpret them to use in my lifestyle. My eyes have been opened and I’ll start to examine trends rather than just looking at the extravagant outfits.
You have such a gift of taking the extreme runway look and interpreting it to fit our daily lifestyle, as well as occasional dressier events, without breaking the bank. I know it’s a lot of work to do this and I appreciate your research. It’s time to think about early fall outfits and I was hoping you’d touch on that topic.
I’m also happy that you’re back to blogging more frequently. I really look forward to reading your friendly, positive and ad free blogs. Thank you for sharing your unique talents of showing that true, affordable style is for everyone.
Thank you for the lovely comments, Carol C. I imagine, I am feeling the way a woman must feel when someone compliments her children.
Great idea. I have always enjoyed devising outfits from what I have in my closet & using the color combos of outfits from fashion magazines. I will now use your idea also. Thank you
Hi Susan. This was such an interesting post and I found it a wonderful way look at Vogue and all the high fashion. I’m looking forward to reading your next post. As I have aged, black no longer works for me although I do love it on others. Any suggestions on how to anchor an outfit with lighter colors? Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us, it’s great inspiration when I look at the clothes in my closet and have no idea what to put on.
Charcoal gray, brown, olive, and navy are great options for dark colors to use as anchors.
Good ideas on how to look at high fashion. I used to ignore those looks as too far out for my taste. I look forward to your interpretations.
I love these ideas! Thanks!
I have the new issue of Vogue and am still working my way through it – so many pages!
Have you noticed the color trends rotate and resurface every few years? Like this fall I am seeing burgundy, camel, black and gray. I remember buying items in these shades in my younger years and in similar cuts and styles. Does it look like the trend is for more classic style?
Yes, more classic and minimal.
So helpful. Your gentle kindness is so inspiring as we look at our closet in a new way.
Well, thanks for this! I have avoided Vogue since I thought the style was so over the top, but your dissection of high style makes sense! Thank you!
Ellen Wagner
This is great! I took a course years ago and this is what she said to do! Unfortunately my eye isn’t discerning enough to make connections the way you do. I tend to get caught up in the pretty, (or bizarre) photos and miss out on the trends. Guess never to old to continue learning (trying).
Love this information. Thanks. I have always used the Vogue magazine for inspiration for each season. Looking forward to your next post.
Great tips!
I love this idea! I look forward to more. Thank you for all you do.
Susan, I am so glad YOU are interpreting the styles from Vouge for us. I’m not sure I could figure out what I was looking at besides the overall picture presented of which I could not wear. Pointing out the various items and what to look for in the styles sure is an eye opener at least for me. I am still learning, thanks to you.
Blessing to you,
Clara from Iowa
Good morning, this is great, can’t wait to see your post on how you interpret these into your wardrobe. I’m seeing a lot of red accessories, which is good because I already have some in my closet.
Susan, I rarely comment, but I do read every single post. Just dropping by to thank you.
Thank you Susan! I so appreciate you breaking this down. It inspires me to adapt this to my very casual lifestyle. My goal is to look classic, stylish and comfortable whether I am exercising, gardening, running errands, going out to eat or just relaxing at home.
Many thanks to you for sharing your wealth of knowledge!
Excellent commentary. I never looked at high fashion in a way that could be transformed to every day clothing looks. Thank you for a new approach.
Thanks, Susan! Your comments are very welcome. I look forward to see how you apply this to your current wardrobe.
Best wishes,
Helen
Your newsletters are always so varied, fresh, and interesting!
I subscribe to Vanity Fair and saw some of these same ads in this month’s edition. I look at them and think they’re beautiful, but not for me (even if I could afford them!)
However, you’ve pointed out some things here that I had not considered. The black turtlenecks, which I also have several of, and the color black being used to anchor neutrals–my favorite colors to wear!
I’m looking forward to your column about how we can use inspiration to devise modern ways to wear the classic pieces in our closet! Thanks, Susan.
Loved your analysis. Really helped translate high fashion into practical use.
Enjoyed this post and looking forward to follow up.
Oh…this is fun! I’m excited for your next post. I love that you say that seeing styles in a magazine is not an invitation to buy more. Good point. I sure don’t need more! Can’t wait to see how you use what you have.
Great article! Thank you!
Susan, thank you. I love every post and your great style! Crista
Love your analysis of current trends!!! good read.
Wonderful post! In fact the past few posts are among my favorites. It is very educational to see how you pinpointed elements in these photos to adapt to your personal style. I loved seeing this process. Can you please explain the term “dimensional layering”? Thank you.
The layers are a combination of textures as well as lengths. It gives ensembles a lot more dimension when you add fluid, feminine pieces to structured masculine elements.
So enjoyed reading your notes on the pics! Can’t wait to see how you style your own items. Thank you for your help as we try to style ourselves.
What an ingenious post! I love you sharing high fashion photos from vogue and giving us your thoughts. Plus, magazines are expensive these days and I appreciate you sharing your copy with us!
Oh, Susan. Loved your deconstruction of the catwalk looks. I’ve bought a few pieces for fall/winter, but I don’t need much! I couldn’t resist (and didn’t try very hard) buying a camel sweater blazer to wear over black top and pants. A favorite combo. Love your posts. Thank you so much for sharing your style and insights. Best to you.
Love this format – please make it a series
It’s fascinating how you distill the looks! I would just look at the magazine and think “Nope, nothing for me”. Thank you for showing me how to look through different eyes!
Thank you so much for this lovely guide to shopping my own closet inspired by current fashion.
Thank you! Besides teaching me ways to wear the same items multiple ways, you’ve taught me to break down pictures rather than just look at it as a whole. Appreciate your input.
Great post! As a plus-size woman, I’ve played this fashion game all my life – but I sure appreciate you taking the time to give your slant on things.
I’m glad to see camel & black – I always feel so elegant when I’m wearing that combo!
Pamela
Congratulation for the great idea of showing how to do a “critical reading” of a fashion magazine. This is a very smart approach in my opinion, so we can “filter” appropriate hints and not be over confused by the over the top images, as you nicely put it !!
Thank you , kind regards
Paola
Florence, Italy
I learned SO much! Thank you, I started to see a little of what you were noticing. I would love to have this as a regular feature, you are such a great inspiration!
I love how you distilled the essence of your examples into simple-to-understand terms. That is so helpful! And I noticed that a few of your featured photos showed models with facial expressions. One of my dearest lifelong friends has spent her lengthy career as a high-fashion photographer in the US and Europe. We have often discussed why models rarely smile or show emotion in print photography. They appear angry or disaffected, which turns me right off. Her explanation is high fashion is always about the clothes. That’s one of the reasons I like your blog so much and have used your links to buy what you’re wearing. You always smile and look pleasant. To me, that makes the outfit. Or, as the song says, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile!”
Love this concept and looking forward to seeing how you’ll incorporate these ideas while “shopping” your closet!
Susan,
This is inspirational. I enjoyed the way you analyzed the pictures. It really gave me a different way to look for style and what is being worn.
Thank you,
Mary
Thanks for this post and deconstructing fashion magazine looks. I usually look at them and think “great on young models but not on grandmas.” You helped me to look with different eyes. Will definitely look for a black turtleneck even though black isn’t a great color for me (I’m a summer). And some pops of red.
Very interesting article. Please keep interpreting these for those of us who look to you for reasonable current style guidance.
Great idea to use these as inspirations and then give your own take! Brings these looks down to earth for us mortals.
Love your notes on classic attire. Have a classic day.
I very much enjoyed “Distilling High Fashion” and it took me right back to my teenage years when I had school exercise books full of my precious “Beauty Notes” . You described the way these fashion mags are used with most people thinking that these are items are ones we would be wearing in the coming season but, as you imply, by the time they are distilled into street wear it comes down to the brief notes you made on their pages. How very useful these notes are and it has made me look at “fashion” in a new way. I too like classic pieces, at 87 yrs old my wardrobe is full of them and I have a lot of fun putting together my “look for the day”.
Audrey
Hi Susan thank you for your post. I would like to say I am one to associate the glamor in a magazine with outings however you have given me a new perspective and inspiration to wear these styles casually as well. (at home)
All us ladies over 60 need to feel good about ourselves which I’m sure everyone will be in agreement.
God bless
Elizabeth sa
Good morning Susan, Even though my daughter is not yet 60 and I’m 80 …. your style sense is “Timeless and Ageless”. I’ve forwarded your email on to her and hopefully she will do the same for her friend who was very much interested in your site when I showed them. I need to sit down and go over all you’ve shared and Clean House as to my wardrobe. Yes I’m 80 … 81 to be exact …. but I have a closet that is Bursting with Unused clothes I don’t wear and really don’t like. I want that Neutral starting point you talk about … and then add a pop of the “Season’s Color” here and there to be current. Thank you Susan for all your help and taking us on your Fun adventures. Sincerely, Georgieanne Scott Ross.
Thank you for sharing my site with others and for your lovely comments, Georgieanne. I really appreciate you!
I love this! Thank you for sharing !
As always, so very helpful!
Sometimes after I’m already dressed for the day, I’ll read you, be inspired, go back and shop my closet, and a slight change or two adds a little more oomph to my day.
Thank you, Susan!
Susan, I enjoyed this article SO much! While I used to love to flip through Vogue when I was younger (especially the September issue!), the clothing was sometimes so over the top outrageous, and the body types of the models so much different than mine, that I haven’t done so in years. Your article reminded me how much I have missed browsing through these magazines, and has given me a new perspective on what ideas I could glean from them. Of all the blogs I subscribe to, yours is the one I read first and have learned the most from. You are a beautiful and inspiring woman, and thank you so much for sharing your fabulous tips, as well as a slice of your life with Mr. Mickey, with us. All my best and thanks from the bottom of my heart!
Oh my gosh, I love this Susan. I’m behind in reading your blog. I can’t wait to see the next one!