How to Put Together an Outfit Like Designers on Project Runway

Make it look seamless

Every week, the Bravo network presents the reality show fashion designer competition "Project Runway" and, every week, someone fails miserably at their challenge. How can you avoid the fashion don'ts that haunt the eliminated minions? Here are some tips and tricks to wow the likes of Heidi Klum and company.

Instructions

1. Use cheap materials that you scored on the fly. While shopping, think color, texture and, of course, price. You must be a good editor as well, considering how that flash of acid orange that stands out at the fabric store will be overpowering for a whole ensemble. In the workroom, whatever you do, don't use pattern books. This is what got Keith Michael's kicked out of the competition in season three. Instead, consider Romi's favorite solution to avoid too much time on the pattern-making process: drape, pin and sew.

2. Incorporate nontraditional elements. It would not be "Project Runway" without forcing designers to work with such bizarre items such as furniture, recyclables, grocery store inventory, food and flowers. Be wary of getting too fetishistic about your nontraditional item. In the words of design mentor Tim Gunn, "It looks too costume." Your goal, to use winner Christian Siriano's favorite word, is to be fierce.

3. Involve celebrities. it may just be a little black dress until it's released as part of Sarah Jessica Parker's new affordable couture collection. Your celebrity may be movie star material, such as Brooke Shields, or a big name in designer fashion, such as Banana Republic or Diane von Furstenberg.

4. Work with grace under pressure. The designers on "Project Runway" must shop and design under budget and time pressure. They typically complete a design, from concept to fitting, in half a day to three days. Somehow, in that crunch time, they must create something that reflects their signature style. However, depending too much on a signature look can also be a contestant's downfall. Remember judge Nina Garcia's advice to move beyond your comfort zone and take risks.

5. Develop a thick skin--whether you're on "Project Runway" or the runway of JFK, your ensembles will be judged. Onscreen, it's Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and fashion designers from Vera Wang to Roberto Cavalli. Out in the real word, everyone thinks they are a fashion expert.

Tips & Warnings

• The devil is in the details--cut loose threads, check for even hems and make sure the fit is divine.

• Being bitchy while under designer duress never won anyone the viewer's favorite award.

Resources

• MadTV spoofs "Project Runway"