Most of the time, people will suggest starting a Pinterest board to develop personal style.
But often what we end up pinning is the vibe of the photo and not the actual outfit. Then we look at our style board and we’re confused because we’ve got pins all over the style map.
I’ve done this so many times. I fall in love with an outfit that feels SO ME … and then once I put the outfit together, it’s so NOT me. It turns out I was just in love with the photo.
We’re drawn to great design — even if it’s not our style.
But I’ve learned a little trick to help with this:
Separate the photo into three layers — (1) clothes (2) setting or location of the photo (3) styling or hair and makeup.
First, focus on the first layer — the actual clothes. Ask the big question: Do you still think the outfit is cute when you remove the location and the styling?
This single question usually clears it right up for me, but you can keep going: Have you ever worn pieces like that before? If so, how did you feel in them?Can you see the outfit working with the way you usually style your hair and makeup? Does the outfit only work in that kind of location or can you see it working at your office or home?
A perfect pin is a photo where the clothes + setting + styling come together just right. The vibes all match. This could trick you into thinking that you love the outfit, when actually, you just love the vibe that’s been executed flawlessly.