With Season 6 of Game of Thrones airing tomorrow on HBO at 9 p.m. ET, fans can probably expect to see another round of furry, elaborate fashions on the silver screen. Although you may not be able to sport the intricate costumes on a regular basis, you can always incorporate elements of Game of Thrones style into your wardrobe. In honour of a new season of the hit series, try taking your sartorial cues from our Wildlings story (which was originally published in Real Style Magazine’s Fall 2015 issue).

By: Afiya Francisco 

Since its premiere, just over four years ago, Game of Thrones has intrigued viewers with ever-twisting plot lines and epic battle scenes. But the fashion set is tuning in with equal fervour to witness the theatrical and larger-than-life costumes.

The costuming in Game of Thrones knows no limit. An abundance of characters, settings and budget make for perfect fashion exploration. Take, for example, the very literal influence seen on the runway at Manish Arora. Told though a kaleidoscope of colour and print, the collection paid homage to the series with “Winter is Coming” – the title of the show’s first episode – written across several tops in the collection.

There’s also beautiful, dramatic and feminine Daenerys Targaryen, perhaps the most readily referenced character on the show and an obvious fashion influence on the runway, resulting in gorgeous gowns, rich palettes and flowing fabrics. This season alone, two couture shows immediately come to mind for which the Mother of Dragons could have served as muse: Valentino and Atelier Versace.

Valentino’s wildly lauded fall couture show didn’t cite the show, but rather Rome, as the influence for its collection. And yet with the styling of Alessandro Gaggio’s gold pendant necklaces, woven headpieces and ancient symbols seen throughout the collection, one couldn’t help but imagine that each piece would perfectly complement Khaleesi.

Similarly, Atelier Versace also featured headpieces, this time with a boho twist. The sheer details and unfinished edges were the perfect raw elements to evoke an image of the popular character.

And while these collections captivate, there is a new, equally engaging, style story emerging from the show through a series of unexpected characters: the Free Folk. The coarse, semi-nomadic Wildlings seem an unlikely fashion source: they dress to survive, and there—upon first inspection—seems to be little attention paid to, or interest in, any particular dress code. But while the core wardrobe elements may not necessarily scream “fashion!” they have perhaps informed the biggest takeaways of the season: layers upon layers and the blend of plain with beautiful, practical with ornamentation.

Though the city streets are decidedly less treacherous than the White Walkers of the show, we too have to battle the elements and maintain some semblance of style. The fictional hunters face severely harsh climates in heavy fur, skins and woven materials, but leave room for a little bling via wood and bone.

Ralph Lauren offered his upscale take in spades. Imagine Ygritte or Karsi plucked north of The Wall and dropped into a modern city of your choice–this is what they would wear. Super chic, monochromatic and oh so functional. Because of Ralph Lauren’s commitment to abstain from fur products, the resulting patchwork shearling lent a wild feel that works for the modern woman looking to channel her inner Wildling.

Dries Van Noten’s collection seems to be an imagining of what the Free Folk women, in their new surroundings, would wear to dress up for an occasion. Brimming with intricate embroidery and tapestry, this is next level upscale luxe–yet paired with utilitarian chino cotton. It is functional, nonchalant and fitting for these strong women.

While we may yet occasionally have the opportunity to dress like Daenerys, this season, it’s Ygritte and Karsi— the Wildlings—who will see us through winter.

Photo: Ralph Lauren 

How To Get The Wildlings Look

Blame it on our love affair with Game of Thrones, but the memo for Fall 2015 is clear: “Winter Is Coming.” Dress accordingly.

• Fur, fur, and more fur. It doesn’t have to be real to make a strong statement. Everything from hats to skirts to scarves –one piece at a time works nicely.

• Mix unexpected materials. Hardworking chino paired with intricate pieces is a modern way to dress.

• A monochromatic colour scheme works well. A palette of browns, from khaki to wet sand, is especially sophisticated.

Originally published in Real Style Fall 2015