I have always been one to experiment with my style. I love veering away from the current mundane and oversaturated fashion trends and finding pieces that are unique to my own personal style. However, this requires me to look for inspiration, ideas, and muses in unpredictable places.
Fashion trends come and go. People constantly try to imitate what they see on social media, what celebrities and influencers are wearing, and what is on the runway this season. But, imitation grows repetitive very quickly.
If you aim to stand out with your fashion, copying current trends is not enough. When it comes to my personal style, I try my best to adapt trends to make them my own while simultaneously trying to cultivate my own, new trend in the process.
Check out my four favorite unexpected places to find fashion inspiration to spice up your style!
- Packaging Design
-
The next time you go to the grocery store, take a slow walk down the snack and chip aisle. This sounds funny but it works. I have gotten so much inspiration from color combinations on chip bags or different logos. Take a peek next time you go grocery shopping… you might just surprise yourself.
- Architecture
-
This one is slightly more common but often forgotten. I used to walk around New York City and just stare at the scooping angles, details of different archways or framing, and exaggerated proportions. Designers from Chloe to Abloh use this technique, why don’t you give it a try next time you’re out and about?
- People Watching
-
Growing up in New York City, I would spend hours on end just watching people stroll by the park bench I was sitting on. In a city like New York, you see an eclectic group of individuals. And since the city is filled with millions of people, each with a different story, life, background, and income, fashion inspiration does not stop. You don’t need to be in a big city to do this, either. All you need is a place to sit and people to watch (in the least creepy way possible).
- Patterns. Patterns. Patterns.
-
Patterns are all around you. I have gotten inspiration from my coffee table, throw pillows, tiles, doors, and so much more. I am always on the lookout for interesting designs that I could replicate in the clothes that I wear.
It takes a creative eye and an open mind to find fashion inspiration in these places. They may seem silly or ineffective, but the more willing you are to give them a try, the better outcome you will have!