how to use photos and tear sheets to inspire your outfits

Getting dressed isn’t simply the items we choose to wear, it’s also how we wear them. In order to help me decide what to wear each day I like to collect photos that inspire me. I look for outfits that fit my style, looks that I like that include items similar to what I own, and photos that generally just inspire me and remind me of something I might like to wear.

@lieslandco

How to use photos and tear sheets to inspire your outfits Getting dressed isn’t simply the items we choose to wear, it’s also how we wear them. In order to help me decide what to wear each day I like to collect photos that inspire me. I look for outfits that fit my style, looks that I like that include items similar to what I own, and photos that generally just inspire me and remind me of something I might like to wear. I collect those photos on Pinterest, on Instagram, in actual folders if they’re tear sheets from magazinges, and on my phone so that, when I’m getting dressed, I can easily browse them to find something that inspires me for the day. Sometimes I print collections, mood boards, that I post inside the door of my closet as a reference. That way, if I’m in a hurry, I can quickly find an idea to base my outfit on. Sometimes I use inspiration images very literally, assembling a similar version of the outfit shown. But often I use these images as looser inspiration, or as a starting point, and I try to make my own spin on it, using what I have and what I love to wear. I might just be inspired by the color combinations, by the silhouette, or by the type of items being worn together. Occasionally when I see something that I like but have nothing similar it might also inspire me to sew or buy something new, but only if I keep coming back to that look and feel like it’s my style and could be the basis for a lot of other looks. For example, the bias Garibaldi Skirt was inspired by photos I was seeing and collecting. Once I knew it was my look and it would fit into my existing wardrobe I was ready to give it a try, and in the end I made that skirt in four different colors that I continue to wear on a regular basis. When you find images you like, pay close attention to how the clothes are styled. Frequently the addition of a belt, pushing up the sleeves, tucking in a shirt a little bit to define the waist, all these details can take an outfit from basic to cool with just a few adjustments. If you are always on the lookout for photos that inspire you, you might be surprised how quickly you assemble a collection that you can use. Keep a folder on your phone where you can collect photos and easily browse them, or make a Pinterest folder you can easily add to when you see something you like. And a mood board or collage is always helpful if you take a few minutes to assemble it. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t help you answer that “what should I wear?” question and help inspire you to wear the items you already own and love. #lieslandco #ootd #whattowear #moodboard #inspirationphotos #sewmystyle #sewinginspiration #indiepatterns

♬ original sound – Liesl + Co.

I collect those photos on Pinterest, on Instagram, in actual folders if they’re tear sheets from magazines, and on my phone so that, when I’m getting dressed, I can easily browse them to find something that inspires me for the day. Sometimes I also print collections, or mood boards, that I post inside the door of my closet as a reference. That way, if I’m in a hurry, I can quickly find an idea to base my outfit on.

Sometimes I use inspiration images very literally, assembling a similar version of the outfit shown. But often I use these images as looser inspiration, or as a starting point, and I try to make my own spin on it, using what I have and what I love to wear. I might just be inspired by the color combinations, by the silhouette, or by the type of items being worn together.

Occasionally when I see something that I like but have nothing similar it might also inspire me to sew or buy something new, but only if I keep coming back to that look and feel like it’s my style and could be the basis for a lot of other looks. For example, the bias Garibaldi Skirt was inspired by photos I was seeing and collecting. Once I knew it was my look and it would fit into my existing wardrobe I was ready to give it a try, and in the end I made that skirt in four different colors that I continue to wear on a regular basis.

When you find images you like, pay close attention to how the clothes are styled. Frequently the addition of a belt, pushing up the sleeves, tucking in a shirt a little bit to define the waist, all these details can take an outfit from basic to cool with just a few adjustments.

If you are always on the lookout for photos that inspire you, you might be surprised how quickly you assemble a collection that you can use. Keep a folder on your phone where you can collect photos and easily browse them, or make a Pinterest folder you can easily add to when you see something you like. And a mood board or collage is always helpful if you take a few minutes to assemble it.

Give it a try and see if it doesn’t help you answer that “What should I wear?” question and help inspire you to wear the items you already own and love.