How do you get inspired? There are several resources of inspiration that I pull from regularly, but my most challenging source is the runway. Why so challenging? Because there is a lot of imagining what a runway look would look like on a fuller body, but talk about being a pain in the neck! Wouldn’t we all just rather see it that way without all the hassle? So, I’m starting a new series called Runway Translations where we dissect runway looks and put together an outfit from online shops directly inspired by the original look using plus-size pieces.

Let’s explore two looks inspired by Doo.ri’s Spring 2008 collection. Doo.ri is all about keeping it basic. She goes for simple yet impeccable designs. Both looks here showcase that idea.

The first set, top above, was inspired by Doo.ri’s a-line strapless silk white bubble hem dress topped with what looks to be a cummerbund with straps. I think if I were to do this set in real-life I’d probably make my own version of the cummerbund piece (cummerbund and suspenders, perhaps or an altered fitted black t-shirt with sewn on straps?).

Finding a white strapless dress should be easy to do right now. I’d hit up Macy’s or Nordstrom. I bet they have something comparable to the dress as seen in our inspiration piece. I picked this sleeveless white dress with eyelet details from Dillard’s.com and the black vest is from Evans.co.uk.

The next set was inspired by Doo.ri’s puff sleeve royal purple top and high-waisted, crisp white shorts. While the inspired look does not have a puff sleeve it does have a lovely flutter sleeve that draws the eye toward it. The shorts I picked are longer and they don’t have the high-waist that is visible in the inspiration piece, but I think we achieve the same color effect as the inspiration. Again, in real-life I’d probably look harder for a more similar pair of shorts. But be careful with high-waists on a plus-size frame. You can end up all tummy and hips rather quickly.

My rule for finding a good pair of high-waisted shorts would be about proportion and balance. So, if you have a bit of a tummy and thicker hips, then go for shorts that hit you right at the belly button and fall about an inch above the knee and of course, try everything on before you commit to buying.

The runway is certainly a great place to look for wardrobe inspiration, but it’s not without its own special set of challenges for women of size. If you’ve seen a look or have a question about how a runway look would translate into real-life terms, leave a comment or drop us a line.