Fashion,  Lifestyle

My Top 5 Style Inspiration Sources

February 20, 2017 / 34 Comments

I believe style is a very personal attribute. And it’s one that constantly evolves under multiple influences as you grow.

Since style development is the main subject of my blog, today I’ll be sharing my top 5 style inspiration sources! I hope they’ll help spark your sartorial inspiration as well:

my top 5 sources of style inspiration

Books

I’ve been an avid reader since I can remember, and often picture the characters in my mind as I read. I imagine their looks, their wardrobes, their personalities and behaviors.

Poignant leading ladies in the 19th & 20th centuries are among my favorites. Their lavish gowns, elaborate hairdos and exquisite accessories are simply swoon-worthy…

Just think of the sassy Scarlett O’Hara of Gone With the Wind for example!

I feel that her many sumptuous and oftentimes outrageous dresses that matched her provocative nature to a T.

Or Anna Karenina, who becomes unforgettable in her black velvet and guipure dress.

Or all the leading ladies of the 19th century New York set Luxe series, one more impeccably dressed than the other. Yes, their luxurious, beautifully crafted garments from a by gone era would definitely be impossible to wear nowadays.

But that’s just makes them dreamier to me!

Movies

When it comes to picking my favourite style icons in the cinema world, I tend to gravitate towards the sensational femme fatales of film noir. And to me the most outstanding is Rita Hayworth in Gilda.

Sleek, sultry and mysterious, she is the embodiment of sensuality, and her wardrobe matches her role perfectly.

The iconic black, treacle-like dress that hugs her body is surely the most memorable of her attires. But let’s not forget the embellished crop top & maxi skirt, the pinstripe travelling suit, her beautifully detailed evening coat.

And the best part is most of her outfits (or at least elements of them) could still be worn today.

style inspiration movie sirens film noir..jpg

And while we’re at the film noir section, I’d like to give a little shout out to their men’s fashion! The classic trench coats, crisp suits and fedora hats are all defining elements of that brooding, sleek style that heart throbs like Humphrey Bogart have made famous.

Go ahead and borrow from the boys, make these items your own and really step-up your style game!

 

Music

Thinking of music and style, it’s easy to see how they influence each other. From rock’n’roll to rap, pop and everything in between, each music genre tends to favour very palpable key style elements.

And what has my heart in this chapter is definitely rock. There are so many brilliant literal rock starts well worth looking to for inspiration!

Some of my favourites, Eagles of Death Metal, Buckcherry, Def Leppard, and the grunge rebels of Nirvana have influenced and innovated the rock scene.

And their style has massively translated into fashion.

Some of the pieces that I’ve adopted from the rock fashion hall of fame include leather pants and jackets, flannel shirts, smudged eyeliner and big, messy bedhead hair.

And another great rock-based style that I absolutely want to mention is rockabilly.

Based on 1950’s rock’n’roll, this genre is more of an American mix, with country and blues influences. And Elvis, of course, was the poster child for it.

I so love this style and often adopt its typical elements. Pinup girl silhouettes, flared dresses, red lips & winged eyeliner are high among my top 5 style inspiration sources.

style inspiration pinup

Fashion bloggers/vloggers

I clearly could not miss mentioning some of my favourite bloggers and vloggers here! They’ve been such an inspiration to me in the past few years.

I grew up reading fashion magazines and later on, their websites, but when fashion bloggers appeared, they changed the game. I love reading and watching them, getting tidbits of inspiration from their latest styling tricks and beauty tips, constantly learning.

There are so many gorgeous ladies in this industry that it was hard for me to choose just one, so in the end I went for:

Jess from NotJessFashion  for her bold and sexy ensembles

Wendy from Wendyslookbook for her cool and daring style

Andreea from AndreeaBalaban, personally my all-time favourite vlogger (she vlogs in Romanian, but her Instagram is total eye candy no matter what country you’re from)

My mom

And having saved the best for last, I have to say that my first source of style inspiration was my mom. I admire her for so many reasons, as she is an extremely elegant, kind and wise lady. All features I believe are perfectly reflected in her style.

She was the one who taught me the importance of always looking and being your best, for yourself first and foremost. She educated my taste in clothing, make-up, perfumes, books and films.

And  she impressed on me the value of being well-read and well-spoken, and above all, a strong, confident woman. So I’d just like to offer a small thanks to you mom-and sorry for destroying a few of your favourite lipsticks during my first attempts at makeup…

So everyone, these are my top 5 style inspiration sources!

As you can see, they have helped me define a style that centers around powerful, dramatic femininity. And some delicate, ethereal influences thrown in the mix for good balance.

Thank you for reading, and be sure to let me know in the comments who or what has been your greatest style inspiration. I would absolutely love to learn what your style is and where your inspiration for it comes from!

P.S.: If you haven’t by now, make sure you join The Style Club to receive your free personal style printables and get the most stylish updates directly in your Inbox!

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