Creating Beautiful Outfits Using Photography

A few years ago, I wrote a post showing how I created beautiful outfits using photography as the inspiration. It was very popular. As the summer fashion season is winding down and merchandise has been picked over, like a corpse that has been ravaged by buzzards, I find myself with little to write about until the fall season is underway. Recalling the popularity of this past blog post, I decided it was a good time revisit it again and show you some looks I put together using photography as my inspiration.

Starting next week, I am also going on blogging hiatus until Labor Day which means it is also a great time to run a contest. You may remember the last time I did a post like this, I included a photo as an inspiration for readers to create an outfit their your own. I chose ten finalists from all the entries and let you vote on the winner. The winner received a one hour virtual consultation with me. With a few weeks before I return, you can use this time to create your outfit and enter this contest. Be sure to check out the photo and entry information at the end of this post.

Using photography is a fantastic way to get some practice with combining color. This is an area that many women struggle with. It's hard to tell if colors work together unless they are seen together. Using photography is like using a map for guidance.

To get started, check out my the three outfits I created using photography to get some tips on how to make your own.

Creating Beautiful Outfits Using Photography

Outfit #1

Did I ever tell you I am obsessed with tugboats? Seriously, it's one of the cool things about living near the East and Hudson Rivers. They are always chugging about. I can't explain my obsession, but if anyone can get me a ride on one I'd be really grateful.

I love this photo, not just because of the tugboat but because of the colors. So pretty. That rusty orange, paired with the shades of blue and grey. Gorgeous.

To build the outfit, I not only looked at the colors found in the photo, but the levels of each shade. I also identified the neutral color for the base and what would be my pop shades. I knew I had to include the rusty orange. I found this sweater from Theory that I paired with the grey J. Crew pants and light grey coat from Reiss. Working with the shades of blue, I added these navy pumps, navy bag from Coach and ombré scarf from Max Mara. Lastly, for jewelry, I used these pearl earrings from Mizuki.

Outfit #2

I love this photo because it is so tranquil. You can't not be calm looking at how serene it is. What is important when creating these looks is to not worry about being too literal. This is about inspiration. I decided to work with the warm blues and shades of aqua, a touch of the grey and the soft blue.

I styled the outfit using a pair of waxed denim jeans from Lafayette 148, a basic 3/4 sleeve top from Boden, grey slides from Steve Madden, labradorite necklace that captures the photo so beautifully, and a mint green bag from Kate Spade.

Outfit #3

I was drawn to this photo because I loved the way the orange red top that the woman is wearing popped so brightly off the rugged landscape. There are so many beautiful, warm tones in this photo and that green is stunning.

I looked deep into the photo and started with black and used these pants from J.Crew. I love the way shades of camel and cognac look with black and, working with the tones of the photo, I styled the pants with this camel cashmere sweater from Theory and a cognac moto jacket from Reiss. I finished the look with these green pumps from Charles by Charles David, green scarf from Paul Smith, gold necklace from Banana Republic and orange tote from Madewell.

Your Challenge. Style a beautiful outfit from this photo

Now it's your turn to create a beautiful outfit using photography as your guide. Using the photo above as inspiration, create your own look. You can photograph an outfit from your wardrobe, use a site like Polyvore or any other format you want. Email your entries to info at bridgetteraes dot com by August 31st to be considered. I will post my top finalists after Labor Day and you all will vote for the winner. The winner will win a free one hour virtual consultation with me. I hope you will take advantage of this contest to not just win time with me but to really partake in this fun exercise.

Looking forward to receiving your entries!!