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5 Ways to Make Tricky Trends Look Good IRL — With Jeans

Why street style pretty much always trumps runway chic.

Headshot of Nina JudarBy Nina Judar

You know those runway looks that even Queen Bey herself couldn't pull off in everyday life? Before you write them off completely, see how fashion and beauty blogger Sazan riffs on the who-would-wear-that? trends, blending high-fashion wattage with comfy denim. Easy fall wardrobe update? Done.

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Is your next stop the red carpet? No? Then leave the frills-and-lace collage for the runway. Real-world talk: Dark-wash jeans relax a tux-inspired outfit, so it's dressed-down enough for dinner and dressed-up enough for a club. Choose a tailored top that shows some skin, like this fitted vest-cape combo, and amp up its sex appeal with a chain necklace.

AEO Sateen X Jegging in Indigo Shadow, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, $49.95; Renee Jacket, RO&DE NOIR, $198; Hoops Pump in Red Shiny Leather, JIMMY CHOO, $950; Gunmetal Body Chain, CHAN LUU, $125.

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The swingy '70s trend is so fun to wear, but it can feel like a lot at first. "If you're not sure if fringe is for you, ease into it with accessories," Sazan says. "Start with a fringe earring, then try a bag. Work your way up to a fringed bootie. Then try a shirt, like me." A sheer textured top keeps the tassels from feeling heavy; light-blue cuffed jeans lighten things up even further.

AEO Denim X Skinny Jean in Glacier Crush, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, $49.95; Ronja Fringe Sweater, RONNY KOBO (Available at Intermixonline), $310; Silk Flair Balcony Bra LA PERLA, $332; Raven Metallic with Studs Heel Sandal, REBECCA MINKOFF, $275; Sterling Silver Cuff with Leather and Mystic Semi-Percious Stones, CHAN LUU, $170; Crystal Cluster Earrings, CYNTHIA RYBAKOFF, $98.

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Pretty beadwork isn't just for black-tie events. For every day, don't wear it head-to-toe (or head-to-knee) — too fussy. Instead, start with a playful statement piece (like this eagle-backed jacket), and balance the fancy factor with a casual tank and fitted olive denim. So young and fresh.

AEO Sateen X Jegging in Nightfall Green, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, $49.95; U Neck Tee with Raw Edges in Caper, MICHAEL STARS, $58; Golden Eagle Embellished Jacket, HAUTE HIPPIE, $2,595; Amya Sandal in Burnt Umber Suede, VIA SPIGA, $225; Multi Strand Semi Precious Stone Cuff Bracelet, CHAN LUU, $245; Gold Wrap Ring, CYNTHIA RYBAKOFF, $58.

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Um, hi. Judging by the fall runways, #FreeTheNipple has gained major momentum. To tone down the flag-on-Instagram look, layer a lace piece under a sheer top, and add PG come-hither appeal with soft, nude-toned denim. (Bonus: These stretchy, comfy American Eagle Outfitters jeans are the next best thing to PJs — with way more #AEOstyle.)

AEO Sateen X Jegging in Buff, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, $49.95; Petit Macrame Bodysuit, LA PERLA, $848; Sheer Top, MISSONI, $1,035; Redmond Sandal, VC SIGNATURE, $265; Teardrop and Diamond-Detail Earring with Pink Sapphire, PASCALE MONVOISIN (Available at House of 29, 914-861-2928), $1,755; Lumiere Necklace, $545, and Gold Dust Lariat, ARIEL GORDON, $325; XL Pave Flower Rink 18k Pink Gold and Pink Sapphire, AS29, $6,786.

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Done wrong, multiple prints can overpower. Stick to solid black denim plus one focal print, like this orange and white top. Then sprinkle in smaller slivers of prints (a tank underneath, a headband). "If you keep all the prints in the same family — like the geometric ones here — the combo will work no matter the color scheme," Sazan explains.

AEO Sateen X Jegging in Black, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, $49.95; Yas Top, $320, and Wilhemina Top, RONNY KOBO (Available at Shopbop), $278; Phoebe Black/White Basketweave Leather Scarf Knot Headband, EUGENIA KIM, $240; Melissa Sandal, DUNE LONDON, $139.

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