Sheek Magazine

Finding Inspiration

Every now and again, I find myself in a style rut. It seems surprising that one of my favorite activities (personal style) would be subject to boredom. But it happens, especially when I’m getting sick of the current season (typically due to the long winters, but right now it’d definitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) Thankfully, I’ve found ways to find inspiration during down times like this.

Reorganize your favorite pieces

Sometimes you can just remember what you love to wear, other times tracking the exact wear count of items helps. Whichever method, decide what your favorite items for the current season are and lay them out.

Seek out looks that feature those items

My favorite source of inspiration is Pinterest but you could look on Instagram as well. The point of looking for outside inspiration is to challenge your creativity with the pieces you already have. You could make boards for certain seasons or categories. I used to have just one main style board that I always went back to when I felt uninspired, but I recently made one specifically for Spring.

Browse through stylish people’s posts

Take some time to look through your favorite people’s outfits. Even if they live in a different climate or have a different lifestyle, chances are you’ll like a way they put something together and can translate it to your own wardrobe.

Play & Plan

With those favorite items for the current season, try on different combinations and take note of which looks make you feel good. Once you find a few, that may help you get through the slump without necessarily feeling the need to shop for more.

Look ahead

If you’re in the transitional time between seasons, now would be a good time to think about what’s coming up. Take an inventory of your closet to see if anything needs to be mended or purged if they no longer fit comfortably. Follow the above 3 steps, but this time I’d suggest you make a moodboard for the next season as well. This can help you create an overall feel for what you’d like to wear soon.

If you find that you’re missing a few items or need to replace some of those purged items, make a wishlist. You don’t have to have specific brands in mind, but I do suggest being as specific as possible on details of the item so that when you do go shopping you won’t settle. Try to compare items from different places before buying. Read reviews and look for recommendations in the community. This may save you time & money down the road by avoiding lower quality or ill-fitting items you won’t enjoy wearing.

Until next time, stay Sheek!

-Shekinah