In 6 steps your own modemoodboard
In two weeks, the recordings of Holland's Next Top Model will begin. My ticket (to a still secret location) is booked and two suitcases are allowed to be flown in.
So I decided to treat myself to a real stylist. I want to look my absolute best next to all those tall, ceiling-tapping model kids, you understand. And because TV is merciless and stylists know much better what makes you look good on the small screen, I speed-dialed Anouk.
Anouk van Griensven has been working for Marie Claire for years and takes care of the looks of Ilse DeLange. And Ilse, she is the best-dressed woman in the Netherlands. Anouk had to be the one for me because she has the best taste and is also incredibly fun. She asked me for a small mood board so she had a direction to look within. I posted that on Instagram and then many readers asked if I could guide them in making a mood board. Because that helps a lot. Even if you don't have a stylist.
Look at who you like
Take screenshots of Instagram accounts of people you really think look great. In my case, those are Olivia Palermo, Carine Roitfeld, and Rachel Zoe. Start by collecting images of different looks from these style icons. Print them out and hang them up so you can see a line in their look. Do they always wear ballerinas, for example? Or is the jumpsuit a recurring fashion theme? Don't do anything else, just look and let it sink in.
Find the vibe that suits you best
If you love fashion, you'll find a lot to like. I can really enjoy the somewhat grungy understated style, but it's not my look. If you want to create a style mood board, you need to choose a direction. Then it's either the exuberant dresses of Roksanda Ilincic or the more subdued Max Mara.
Consider the occasion
Think about what you want to achieve with your look. Remember that your clothing is your ‘career canvas’, with which you can fill in what you want to achieve. Do you want to come across as businesslike, very fashionable, or rather feminine and cheerful? It's important to determine that. This is of course closely related to the occasion. Are you making a mood board for a wedding look or for a business trip?
Find the basic items
Once you have all those inspirational images hanging together, you'll see a few items that form the basis of the look. Is it the flared jeans, those floral sneakers, or is it in that fringe bag? Also, look at how others a spice up their look with details. A belt around your coat gives an entirely different effect, for example, just like a bow that you tie around the collar of your blouse.
Golden tip
Even Kate Young, one of the top stylists in New York, has several mood boards hanging in her closet. For example, she takes a photo of herself when she thinks she looks really great. She hangs it on the inside of her closet so that in case of little time and no inspiration, she has a good look to fall back on.
Stick it on foam
The most fun is to stick a mood board on a real foam board like art directors do. Available at luxury stationery stores. Also, get a bottle of spray glue, then you're completely professional. Are you sharing your photo on Insta? And mention me, then I'll check it out.
