Sometimes we look at our closets full of clothes and can’t seem to put an outfit together that excites us, it happens and when it does, it’s time for some inspiration!
There are many ways to find inspiration to coordinating outfits such as Pinterest, celebrities, TV shows and friends. I’m not talking about how to do high-fashion either (unless you want to), I’m talking about taking inspiration to coordinate outfits that make you look good and therefore, feel good.
Before you dive into this process, you should figure out your body type as this will help you conduct better research to find your celebrity reference and gage whether you can pull of certain looks. If you have a rectangle body type for example, you will have a TON of celebrity inspo to choose from since most models have this shape which is characterized by long straight lines down the sides and angular facial features. Another example is, if you have a triangle body type, your celebrity reference will be the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Step 1. Google "celebrities with [your body type]" and make a mental note of a two or three that speak to you.
Step 2. Google your celebrity reference that shares your body type and add “street style” after the name and click “image” on the type of search e.g., “Jennifer Lopez Street Style.” This will generate hundreds of images of JLo shopping, after she’s finished a workout, strolling around with A-Rod, etc. This search will give you a good idea on what JLo wears on a regular basis—looks that are feasible to emulate (as oppose to red carpet looks). Study these looks and take note how she dresses her natural body shape, when she changes her silhouette to visually shift her proportions and when she, unfortunately, gets it wrong from time to time so you can learn what NOT to wear. There's a lot to learn from this too.
Step 3. Start a Pinterest board and pin your celebrity’s street style looks. To this board you are going to add the results of the following searches (feel free to conduct additional searches):
· Season e.g., “2020 fall fashion”
· Style e.g., “business casual”
· Age e.g., “fashion outfits over 40”
Step 4. After you’ve cleaned your board up, look at them all and make note of the commonalities like, many of the looks have blazers, booties, wide leg pants, etc. Start to visualize what outfits you can recreate from your closet and what items you may need to purchase. For example, you really liked the way culottes (wide-leg pants) look with booties and you’ve already been rocking these pants all summer with sandals and a simple tee. This search has given you the idea on how to extend the use of these pants through the fall season simply by changing up your footwear and adding a sweater. You look through your closet and you have sweaters so all you need are booties—put these on your fall shopping list.
BTW, when you are coordinating outfits from inspo looks you do not need to copy them exactly—you just want to emulate the look and feel and make necessary style changes so it fits your body type and personal preferences. So maybe you have the same type of pants as the pic, but in a different color and while the woman is rocking a thick cropped sweater, with your body type you may find that a lighter knit with fabric that properly drapes over your body is best for you.
This four-step process is how we recommend coordinating new outfits from inspiration to spice up your closet. It will also help you define, or redefine your personal style, understand how to dress your body type and create a shopping list so that you shop and dress with intention. As you shop and pick up new pieces, you should also ask yourself if you can make at least three outfits with your existing clothing from your closet before purchasing. This will ensure that your new purchase will be well utilized, whether it’s a closet basic or a statement piece.
As for TV shows such as Project Runway, Making the Cut, Next in Fashion--these are all great sources of inspiration that you can learn from as well. You can study these shows for up-coming trends and distill how they would translate to everyday outfits, for us that live normal lives and not on a fashion runway. You can also learn about fabrication, proportions when styling, details such as ruffles or gingham patterns and color trends.
And lastly, be careful how you take inspiration from your friends as you don’t want to show up to the party dressed exactly like them (LOL), but you definitely want to give them credit for inspiring your look. Better yet, invite a friend (who's fashion sense you admire) over to our house and have her make outfits for you. A different eye on your clothes will yield new outfits you hadn't even thought of or she might surprise you with how to style your clothes differently.
Wherever you decide to draw inspiration from, you want to ensure that the silhouettes you are emulating fit your body type and personal style. You want to make sure that when you open up your closet, that everything fits you well and that you have options to coordinate the outfit you need to slay your day and that brings you happiness when wearing it!
A Personal Wardrobe Stylist can help you determine your body type and silhouettes that flatter your body, contact us at info@thecloseteditco.com.
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