Is anyone else absolutely addicted to Pinterest? I definitely am. I have a board for everything but some of my favorite boards are my clothes, shoes, and accessory boards. Although I pin dozens of things on these, I don’t think I actually use Pinterest to plan my wardrobe. While my Pinterest boards display gorgeous baby pink dresses and stilettos, I find myself still wearing my favorite sweaters in rotation, black leggings and my most-worn boots.
I’m in a bit of a fashion rut and maybe you are, too. Or maybe you just want to take your style to the next level. So, pull open your Pinterest and let’s get started. Here’s how to use Pinterest to plan your wardrobe.
1. Calculate risks you’re willing to take and sort them.
This might seem strange, but if you’re someone who isn’t much of a fashion risk taker or someone who often wears the same things, decide on what you’ll realistically wear. It might be smart to create a “Style Goals” board for your more realistic trends and a “Style Envy” board for the things you love but know you won’t wear either because it’s not something you feel is flattering on you or it’s something you admire but would not want to wear yourself.
For example, my style envy board might include sequined thigh high boots or extremely high white platform stilettos that have no practical place in my life. It might also include the blush pink fur coat I’m absolutely obsessed with but know that if I wear it I’ll look like a miniature pimp crossed with a flamingo, but that’s another story. These things inspire me, but they are not looks I might like to recreate.
My style goals board might include things I would realistically wear or even items I own. In fact, I have recreated the striped tee and caramel cardigan look before. I also wear shoes similar to the ones I’ve placed here and love wearing bodysuits with fun skirts, as seen in the red Buffalo Check skirt and black top.
2. Raid your own closet before you shop.
Is there anything in your closet that matches or is similar to items in your pins? If so, make a point to utilize these pieces and use them in more outfits. If possible, get rid of pieces that no longer fit in with your style goals or pieces that no longer fit. If they can’t be DIYed or upcycled, donate them or toss them.
3. Create a personalized style guide for yourself.
Time to do some research on this one! Have you noticed the same colors popping up in every other pin? Do you find that your board is all about spikes and rhinestones? Use this to create a little guide for yourself. While you are using Pinterest to plan your wardrobe, you also want to use your current wardrobe. There’s a reason you’ve worn what you have worn thus far, right?
Note your favorite silhouettes or styles and note patterns that come up often in your actual closet and in your pins. Take note of your most loved and most worn pieces and pairs of shoes and factor that into your style guide. Note why you love them so much. Are they comfortable? Versatile? Unique?
4. Know which colors flatter you the most.
Black is universally flattering, so I always suggest marking that as one of your shades. Are there some colors you hate with your skin tone or hair color? Are there colors you absolutely love on you? Is there a certain color that brings out your eyes? Instead of just choosing your favorite colors, choose the colors that make you feel the most bad ass and gorgeous.
Also be sure to consider the colors you really like but do not like when you wear them. For me, this is blush pink. I love blush pink but it looks awful on my fair skin, so I’ve decided to use it for decor or for tumblr instead. It’s also important to consider warm vs. cool vs. neutral colors. I look best in cool and neutral colors but not warm colors.
Here’s my color chart so I know which colors make me feel my best and which make me feel my worst.
5. Follow Pinterest boards with similar fashion aesthetics.
This means you’ll have a constant flow of fashion inspiration! I like to search up a particular item that I love, like “Dalmation Boots” and see which pins pop up. This might involve a bit of creeping to find some great boards, but it shouldn’t be too hard. It’s also helpful to note celebrity style icons you may have and find boards about their style (I’m sure some exist!).
6. Notice patterns and repetition in your pins.
Have you pinned fifteen outfits involving denim jackets? Perhaps you’ve found at least six pairs of black thigh high boots on your board. Does almost every pair of shoes you’ve pinned have dalmatian print on them? Consider investing in pieces you find over and over on your boards.
7. Don’t forget about accessories.
I have an entirely separate board for accessories, which includes purses, sunglasses, necklaces, hats, rings, bracelets and earrings. A simple glance at my accessories board unveils that I’m more of a silver jewelry girl and I love delicate pieces of jewelry. I’m not a fan of statement necklaces or dangly earrings, and so I can use these delicate pieces as inspiration.
8. Delete pins and add new ones regularly.
As your style evolves and changes, make sure you update your boards. Every month or so I scroll through my fashion related Pinterest boards and remove items that no longer reflect my personal style.
Also, be sure to check out 8 Ways To Refresh Your Style for some extra help updating your closet!
What are your tips for using Pinterest to plan your wardrobe?
