How to get fashion advice from other people/Pinterest/magazines without copying outright and maintaining your own sense of style?

I ask myself what I like about the outfit specifically:

  • color(s)
  • item cut (note the details – e.g. it's not just a sleeveless top, it's a cami v-neck button front boxy cut top)
  • outfit silhouette
  • fabric(s)
  • styling (particular accessory combo, particular style of layering, etc)

Then ask myself if that aspect is something that

  • fits with my lifestyle
  • fits my body in a way that I am comfortable with (e.g. does it require a strapless bra or no bra? Then I shouldn't try to integrate this look because I know I will be uncomfortable)
  • is something that fits in with my existing wardrobe (can I immediately think of 4 or 5 outfits I could wear an item with)
  • or if I would be willing to acquire more items so that there isn't just a single outfit that the thing goes with (I try to avoid this to avoid closet overflow)

I also try to ask myself if I like the outfit itself or if it's really the lifestyle portrayed in the photo that I'm really drawn to. It's easy to get charmed by a pinterest photo that portrays a rustic boho or edgy office exec lifestyle or whatever, but if that doesn't really jive with your own life then perhaps you can save it to a themed board, but not your personal style board.

Seconding coffee_for_dinner's advice and observations about regularly taking photos of your own outfits.

/r/femalefashionadvice Thread