7 Best Sources of Fashion Inspiration

Making a style statement requires creativity, but most people are far from being endless wells of fashion ideas. Without inspiration to get your creative gears moving, it’s easy to feel stuck, and this is true for all ardent followers of style. No one is immune to creative blocks, not even the most renowned designers and stylists, but how exactly do fashion experts get their flair for fashion flowing again?

Like most creatives, they tap into various sources of inspiration. Fashion magazines and runways are obvious sources, but thanks to the Internet, a massive world of inspiration has opened up to the masses. From social media and blogs to fashion video channels and TV shows, global fashion is at everyone’s fingertips and readily available. Whether you’re designing your next fashion collection or just wondering how to shop socks that you can pair with your leggings, here are the best sources of fashion inspiration.

Street Style

And I mean that in the IRL sense. Look at what real people wear where you live, scan the coffeeshop for outfit ideas, go for a gallery on Saturday to see what the art people wear.

When it comes to fashion at the cultural level, nothing is more telling than street style. Where better to see a diverse range of outfits than on the streets, where people are on their way to work, to a party, or just grocery shopping?

Princess Polly USA

Plan some time for people-watching. Take a leisurely walk through your city and get ideas for your next outfit, paying close attention to unique pieces and how they are paired. Did that woman just wear a button-down blazer with ripped jeans?

Take mental notes and see how you can make the style your own. Street style is known for its authenticity and uniqueness, and it’s a great way to get inspired by other people’s styling genius.

Social Media

With the rise of Instagram and Pinterest, social media has become a wellspring of fashion inspiration. Plenty of bloggers and fashion influencers take to online platforms to show their unique style, which can offer inspiration for your own outfits.

Bella Hadid off duty

Those looking to put their finger on the pulse of the latest fashion trends should be social media savvy. The most prominent celebrities as well as upcoming designers all have social media accounts, which they use to share behind-the-scenes content, including sneak peeks of upcoming fashion events, collections, and photoshoots.

Princess Polly USA, Central jacket

Additionally, social media is also the perfect place to engage with fashion communities. Consider joining groups or communities dedicated to fashion where users can showcase their outfits and ideas and get feedback on their personal style.

Museums

Some museums have exhibits showcasing fashion from different eras, which can give you an idea about the types of clothing and accessories during different periods.

But you don’t have to take inspiration just strictly from fashion only. If you’re creative, you might enjoy pulling interesting color combinations from paintings or prints too.

Take inspiration from these designs and see how to integrate them into your personal style.

Print via cultsketch (Etsy)

Movies and TV Shows

Whether you’re watching a movie or a TV show, film can be a great source of fashion inspiration. Look into the cast’s costume design to inspire your own creative looks.

The two-piece above is classic but for instance, movies set in different eras, like the decades from the 1920s to the 1990s, can offer styling ideas for vintage or retro-inspired fashion. With Y2K fashion making a comeback, you might finally get ideas on what to pair with denim leggings!

80s style jacket with padded shoulders, complete with retro colors and accessories

Fashion Blogs or Vlogs

Fashion bloggers and vloggers offer a wealth of style advice for anyone looking for inspiration. To become frontrunners in their niche and generate engaging content, bloggers must be in tune with recent and emerging styles.

The best bloggers can show you how to wear a particular trend while providing tips on mixing and matching textures and colors. If you’re looking for something new to wear, some bloggers have content focused on reviewing clothing and accessories. Learning from these bloggers will help you discover potential additions to your wardrobe.

Vintage Stores

Vintage stores can give you a sneak peek of fashion from different eras, allowing you to discover styles that have stood the test of time.

BAZHANE (Etsy)

If you’re looking to exercise your styling creativity, consider buying clothes from a vintage store and see how you can pair them with everyday items from your wardrobe. For instance, you can pair a vintage dress with a leather jacket and ankle boots for a unique twist.

Fashion Shows and Magazines

Fashion magazines and runways are always reliable sources of the latest fashion trends. They can inspire you to create new looks by giving hints on mixing and matching different clothing items, accessories, colors, patterns, and textures. While runways often feature outrageous designs, they can provide inspiration on how to integrate complex pieces into your everyday outfits.

Princess Polly USA, Western jacket

Final Words

Fashion inspiration can come from various sources, and it’s essential to find those that are convenient to you. Whether it’s street style, social media, movies, or vintage clothing, each source can provide a different perspective on fashion. Next time you’re stuck in a style rut, try to explore different sources of fashion inspiration so you can develop your personal style and stay on-trend.