How to Create a Personal Style Mood Board

In today’s post, I’m going to walk you through the steps needed to create a personal style mood board. One that is tangible, and goes beyond Pinterest. Nothing against Pinterest, I use it daily and LOVE it. Your mood board is going to be one you can hang up, add images to, and it’s your own realistic inspiration that you can use to incorporate and inspire your own wardrobe.

I’m suggesting you pull up your sleeves and take some time for yourself. If you are feeling uninspired by your wardrobe, want a new look, or are looking to improve your image, check out my post on How to Find Your Signature Style. Then get started with my tips on how to create a personal style mood board.

HOW TO CREATE A PERSONAL STYLE MOOD BOARD

STEP 1: GATHER MATERIALS

Before you start, gather your materials or make a list of the items you need to purchase for your mood board. When you are considering magazines branch out past fashion and beauty and look at interior design, art, and photography for color, texture, lines, etc.

• Magazines
• Glue/Double stick tape
• Scissors
• Fabric samples
• Paint samples
• Computer and printer
• Cork board / poster board

STEP 2: FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCT

MAGAZINES: As you look through your magazines, cut out images that you are drawn to in some way in regard to your style. Be realistic whether you would wear them. Think about colors, patterns, textures, accessories, jewelry, one item in an outfit, and entire outfits. Move on to non-fashion/style magazines and clip out images that inspire you.

ONLINE INSPIRATION: If you already have a “My Style” or “Style Inspiration” board on Pinterest, go to that board first. Look at your pins and print out the items that you would realistically wear. For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards by clicking here.

OTHER VISUAL STIMULATION: Fabric, ribbon, wallpaper sample, paint card, flower petals, and any other materials that create and stimulate inspiration.

STEP 3: ANALYZE

Take a look at all of your clippings and see if there are any clear patterns. Summarize the characteristics that show up in multiple finds: color themes, textures, patterns, and styles.

• Are there any color themes?
• Do you like monochromatic, multi-colored, neutral, bold colored outfits or a combination?
• What about patterns – do you love them, loathe them, or like them in small doses?
• If you like prints/patterns – which one(s) are present?
• Are textures present?
• If so, are the textures located in your clothes, accessories, shoes, or a combination?
• What styles have emerged?
• What words come to mind when you view the images?
• Has anything surprised you?

STEP 4: EDIT

Go through your clippings again and be ruthless. Your images should spark joy and excitement. They also should be realistic. Consider your lifestyle. Your wardrobe should reflect how you spend your time. One major cause for wardrobe issues is that there is a mismatch between your lifestyle and the actual contents of your closet. If you question the image, set it free to the garbage.

STEP 5: ORGANIZE & ARRANGE

Organize your clippings into color groupings, work looks from non-work looks, patterns, etc. Whatever makes sense so you can see your themes and it visually makes sense to you. Have fun arranging them on your corkboard or poster board. The end result is a board that represents you, your personal style, and the image you want to portray. Congrats on creating your own personal style mood board!

STEP 6: HEAD TO YOUR CLOSET

Head to your closet with your style mood board and take some time to evaluate the contents vs. the images you see.

• What words would you describe the images on your board?
• What words describe the contents of your closet?
• Is there a disconnect between the two?

Take some time to reinterpret some of the looks you have added to your board. Instead of heading out to shop, “shop your closet” and put together head to toe looks. Try them on and see how you feel. Assess if this matches the style and image you are looking to achieve. If you are missing key pieces to achieve your new look, be as specific as possible with your shopping list.

I’d recommend doing a style mood board for each season or group them – spring/summer and fall/winter. And, if you are looking to dig deeper with developing your signature style, I wrote a post on How to Find Your Signature Style.

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Have you ever created a personal style mood board? Comment below!