Shop Key Trends From the Fall 2012 Haute Couture Shows

6:00 PM, July 9 2012

By Elana Fishman

Though some might consider them inaccessible, irrelevant and outdated, the haute couture collections actually have a good amount of influence over the trends of the day. While the exact looks that make it down the Paris runways twice yearly might only be worn by a handful of lucky celebrities and private clients, the styles and silhouettes shown by these esteemed fashion houses often trickle down to the ready-to-wear collections—and, in turn, into stores and e-commerce destinations everywhere.

But you don't have to wait that long—many couture-minded looks are already available to buy right now, and for decidedly non-couture prices. Click through to learn about five standout trends we spotted at Fall 2012 couture week, and to shop some far more affordable iterations of each.

file — From left: Dior, Chanel and Armani Privé

Georgeous watercolors—and dusky, deeper shades as well—faded smoothly into one another on dresses and gowns. Click through to shop the look.

Unlike the bold, multicolored hothouse florals we've seen in the past, those shown at couture week were more subtle and tone-on-tone—but still embellished to the hilt. Click through to shop the look.

I see London, I see France...in France. The shows brought tons of peek-a-boo designs crafted from translucent (and often heavily embellished) chiffon. Click through to shop the look.