Pinterest Inspired Outfits
One of the most interesting psychological results of this lockdown is the realization that I require a lot more visual and social stimuli than I ever imagined.
In a “normal” day going out in the world, we have so much accidental access to things that pique our interest, from aggressive drivers to flowering trees to head nods and hellos in the hallway. While I have tried to bring some of that back through walks, art experiments, and furniture arranging, it is difficult, when your world has been intentionally limited for your own survival, to bring back those hits of dopamine and brain teasers.
For the first month of social distancing, I became a rabid connoisseur of Ebay and other resale sites, looking for something to inspire me. But that quickly became unsustainable – too much consumption, too little money – so I moved on to tracking down outfit inspiration on Pinterest.
Outfit One
Unless you’re open to any kind of content, I would recommend doing outfit photo searches based around what you already own. This will help you stay inspired by what you already have in your closet, too.
I went back over my Spring/Summer inspiration content, then tracked down additional photos of pieces that spoke to me. This outfit, for instance, came about as a result of tracking down photos that included Converse high-tops (mine were a nearly-new Ebay purchase). I have a cheetah print skirt, but it’s sort of a bubble-style that hits at the knee, so that wouldn’t do. I made my look slightly less edgy with a vintage cotton floral skirt.
Outfit Two
Funnily, I have a burnt orange t-shirt, which would really connect the outfit to its inspiration, but for whatever reason, I decided to wear blue. If I attempted it again, I would either switch to orange to pick up the warm tones in the mules or switch to black shoes.
It’s still too cold to wear sandals here, but I have a pair of glove flats that would work.
While I await the day that various diversions and stimuli come rushing back into my life, I am trying to find simple, non-consumerist ways to bring my mind both interest and peace.
Between Pinterest, bi-weekly dress-up sessions, and experimenting with new recipes, I am giving myself at least something to learn, something to do, and something to hold onto. It’s ok to acknowledge that your brain needs movement and language and imagery.
See my Spring/Summer Inspiration post
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.
Jenkr
Tuesday 28th of April 2020
That thrifted skirt is gorgeous! I've been horribly addicted to cottage-core type florals lately and am so tempted to get something, but I'm generally not a floral person. It's always so pretty to look at and admire though.
Leah Wise
Tuesday 28th of April 2020
Thank you! I was really attracted to the color more than the pattern, but I think it's a good way to lean really cottage-core/feminine without feeling fussy. I have a soft spot for vintage cotton skirts, even when they don't align with the general style of my other items.