14 Creative Ways to Find Fashion Inspiration

How do you find fashion inspiration?

Limiting your outfit inspo to just the fashion industry can stifle your creativity. Great artists don’t just find inspiration in other works of art. They draw upon nature, animals, people, architecture, literature, music, emotions, psychology, history, and more.  

The same holds for fashion. True style isn’t just about following the latest fashion trends; it’s about finding inspiration from different avenues and influences to cultivate a look that feels like you.

Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or just beginning to explore your style, here are some fresh and unexpected sources to help you curate an enviable wardrobe that showcases your unique style and sense of self.

1. Social media

In today’s digital age, you don’t even have to leave your couch to get inspired. Visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are treasure troves of ideas, both within and beyond the fashion world.

There are tons of niche fashion influencers who can help inspire your looks. But don’t limit yourself just to fashion accounts. Explore profiles dedicated to travel, art, interior design, or even marketing. For instance, following an interior designer whose home aesthetic matches yours can spark new ideas about colors, textures, and brands in your clothing, too.

2. People watching

Take “social media” to the real world with good old-fashioned people watching. Sit on a park bench, stroll through downtown, or grab a seat at a local café. Observing everyday fashion in different settings can ignite fresh ideas. Pay attention to interesting patterns, textures, layering techniques, and outfits you can adapt to your own wardrobe.

While out and about, don’t be shy about complimenting a stranger’s style. Let them know they look incredible and ask about their favorite designers and sources of inspiration. This is a fantastic way to leverage the knowledge of people in your community to discover new avenues of creativity.

3. Fashion blogs and websites

There are thousands of fashion blogs and websites, each dedicated to a unique niche or aesthetic. Whether you’re into high fashion, street style, or sustainable wear, these blogs are useful to find emerging trends in different parts of the fashion world.

You can also join online fashion communities and forums. These platforms are great for sharing ideas, seeking advice, and discovering new trends with like-minded fashionistas.

4. TV and movies

Look to your favorite characters for fashion inspiration. TV and movie costume designers are masters of style, using clothing to tell a story and define a character. Each costume is methodically crafted to convey a specific meaning. If there’s a TV character or setting you love, emulating their style is a fantastic way to bring elements of their personality into your everyday wardrobe.

Find inspiration here – Fashion and Film: Iconic Outfits From the Big Screen

5. Books and novels

Much like visual arts, literature is another rich source of fashion inspiration. Let the vivid imagery and descriptions from your favorite novels broaden and spark your creative fashion choices. For example, the detailed and romantic settings in Edith Wharton’s novels might captivate cottagecore lovers, while the dark, eerie atmosphere of a Stephen King book might fuel your edgy and rebellious side.

6. Friends

Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from our friends. It’s been said that “you’re the summation of the five people you spend the most time with” – and that applies to fashion too! Observe your friends’ styles and ask them about their favorite pieces or fashion philosophies.

Shopping together is a fun way to discover new trends, encourage each other’s style evolution, and experiment with new looks you may not have tried on your own. Try consignment shopping with your bestie to see what hidden treasures you’ll unearth! 

7. Consignment stores

Speaking of consignment, you’re sure to feel inspired after stepping into a consignment store like Current Boutique. Secondhand shopping lets you find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces you can’t get in the big box stores. Consignment boutiques offer a wide range of high-end designer items that are hard to find anywhere else, making them a goldmine for gorgeous and timeless fashion. Imagine finding a vintage Chanel dress or a perfectly worn-in pair of Levi’s to add that special something to your wardrobe.

8. Events and festivals

Music festivals, art fairs, and cultural events are ideal spots for eclectic and innovative fashion. The diverse crowd and creative energy at these events often result in bold, imaginative outfits. Attending a festival is a great opportunity to experiment with new, unexpected fashion elements.

9. Local markets

Local farmers’ markets and craft fairs are teeming with inspiration. The vibrant displays, handmade goods, and artisanal products can spark ideas for your wardrobe. Plus, these markets are a fantastic opportunity to support local artisans sharing their creativity with the world.

10. Travel

Exploring new places exposes you to diverse cultures, beliefs, and fashion styles. Whether it’s the chic minimalism of Scandinavian cities, the vibrant hues of an Indian market, or the effortless elegance of Parisian street style, travel expands your horizons and provides a fresh perspective.

Bring back unique pieces from your adventures, like a leather jacket from Italy or a handwoven scarf from Morocco. Or use “online travel” to your advantage by finding specialty pieces through international online boutiques, Etsy sellers, or consignment stores. This will help infuse your wardrobe with global influences and curate a look that’s uniquely you.

11. Museums and historical sites

History is a rich source of fashion inspiration. (Just look at how Regency-era styles have surged in popularity thanks to Bridgerton.) Exploring museums and historical sites will inspire you with the fashion of different eras, which you can adapt and modernize to your contemporary wardrobe. For example, you might fall in love with the intricate beading of 1920s flapper dresses or the sophisticated structure of Victorian corsets.

12. Floral and natural elements

Nature’s beauty is unmatched, so draw inspiration from the colors, textures, and shapes found in the natural world. This could mean adding more floral elements to your look or trying a more boho aesthetic that mirrors the organic shapes of nature. Nature will never go out of style, so let Mother Earth be your guide for timeless inspiration.

13. Personal hobbies

Incorporating your hobbies into your fashion style is the perfect way to put you into your outfits. Whether you’re passionate about knitting, painting, or cooking, the aesthetics of your favorite pastimes are already a part of who you are.

For example, if you love painting, you might incorporate patterns inspired by hand-painted or watercolor vibes. If gardening is your passion, opt for comfortable, practical, all-natural fabrics that resonate with your green thumb.

If crafting is your hobby, consider personalizing your wardrobe with DIY projects like sewing, knitting, embroidery, or painting. Transform a plain denim jacket into a standout piece with DIY patches and embroidery, or revamp an old cotton dress with a few alterations and a fresh dye job. These personal touches make your style one-of-a-kind, truly reflecting your personal creativity.

14. Mood boards 

If you have a bunch of ideas floating around in your head but aren’t sure how to pull them into a cohesive look, a mood board will be your secret weapon. Create a visual collage – whether digital or on a poster board – to bring your fashion visions to life.

Gather images from magazines, online blogs, and personal photos to map your style concepts. For example, you might include a photo of Audrey Hepburn’s classic elegance, a streetwear design you saw in NYC, and a color palette inspired by your home. Play around with it – there are no rules. You may be surprised with what you come up with!

Inspiration is out there

Fashion isn’t just about chasing the latest trends. Trends are simply a way to discover what you love wearing. At its core, fashion is about finding what resonates with you and then expressing that through your wardrobe.

There’s joy in the journey of discovering your style. Exploring new sources of inspiration will help you develop a fashion sense that’s uniquely you. And because your style reflects “you,” your wardrobe will never go out of style.

Discovering your style is a lifelong quest. True style evolves. It will grow and change with you, influenced by the people you meet, the places you visit, and the passions you explore.

Embrace the evolution. Embrace the journey. Let it guide you to a unique, fulfilling closet that makes you smile every time you get dressed.

Start shopping our “just in” collection to discover your next unique find…