6 steps to making your own fashion mood board

In two weeks time we start recording Holland’s Next Top Model. My ticket (to a secret location) is booked and I’m allowed to fly in two suitcases. Therefore I decided to treat myself to a real stylist.  You understand that I would like to look my very best beside those twiggy, ceiling-reaching model-babies. And, as TV is ruthless and stylists know what makes you look better on the small screen, I speed-dialed Anouk.

Anouk van Griensven has been working for Marie Claire for years and arranges the looks for Ilse Delange, the best-dressed woman in the Netherlands. So it had to be Anouk for me. She has the best taste and is the most fun. She asked me to put together a small mood board so she would know in which direction to look. I posted it on Instagram and many readers responded by asking me how they could make their own mood board. It’s really helpful, even if you don’t have a stylist.

Check out who you like

Make screenshots of Instagram accounts of people you really like the look at. In my case: Olivia Palermo, Carine Roitfeld and Rachel Zoe. Start with collecting images of different looks. For example; are they wearing ballerinas? Or is a jumpsuit a returning fashion theme? Don’t do anything, just look and let it sink in.

Find a style that suits you

If you like fashion, you like a lot of things. I can really get into a grungy understated style but it’s not my look. When making a mood board you have to choose a direction. You either go for elaborate dresses by Roksanda Ilincic or a more subtle Max Mara.

What’s the occasion?

Think of what you want to achieve with your look. Think of your clothing as your ‘career canvas’ this way you can fill in what you want to achieve. Do you want to look business-like, modish or just feminine and cheerful? It’s important to determine this. It coincides narrowly with the occasion. Are you making a mood board for a wedding or a business trip?

Find the basic items

Once you’ve brought your inspiration images together you see that a few items determine the base of the look. Is it the flared jeans? Flowered sneakers? Or is it that fringed back? Study how others spice up their looks with details. For example wearing a belt with your coats creates a whole different effect, just like tying a bow around the collar of your blouse. 

Golden tip

Even Kate Young, one of the top stylists in New York, has mood boards in her wardrobe. For example: she takes a picture of herself if she thinks she looks good. She hangs it on the inside of her closet so she has something to fall back on in case she’s feeling uninspired.

Stick it on foam

It’s the most fun if you make you mood board on a foam board like art directors do. You can buy these a luxury office supply stores. Add a bottle of spray glue and go professional. Are you sharing your picture on Insta? Mention me and I’ll take a look.