A lookbook is a pseudo-portfolio that can showcase works from many fields. Most people think lookbooks are just for designers, but it’s also fun to show off your style. And to make matters easier, you won’t need a cover or bio if you’re making one for yourself.
How to Create a Lookbook of Your Style
Creating a lookbook is to sell an aesthetic or personal feeling so that it can be the perfect medium for style enthusiasts. Here’s how to create a lookbook of your unique style:
Decide on the Lookbook you Want to Make
First, start by determining what kind of lookbook you want to create. Do you want to focus on a particular theme, such as formalwear, streetwear, or alternative attire? Do you want to create a lookbook just for yourself, or do you want to showcase the looks of your friends and family?
After considering your options, you may be so inspired by your collection of outfit ideas that you feel compelled to customize a photo calendar of outfits through the seasons. Sites like Mixbook allow you to customize your photo calendar before it’s printed and sent to you.
Put Together a Plan for Your Lookbook
Decide how many looks you want to feature and what photos you want to take. Having a friend or photographer help capture your look from different angles is a good idea. You can also create mockups and use Photoshop or other design programs to manipulate images.
Remember that you’re still in the planning stages and don’t have to commit to anything yet, so feel free to get creative. In this process, you may find that certain outfits work better with your concept or that specific photos won’t fit your theme. Make sure to stay flexible!
Pick a Mood & Color Palette
With your plan in mind, decide on a mood or a color palette for your looks in the lookbook. Choose clothing and accessories in colors that will stand out in your photos. Mixing statement pieces and bolder items is worthwhile to make your whole look pop from the page.
One great idea for a lookbook is to feature photographs in black and white before editing each image to showcase a specific color. For example, if you want to make red your prominent color, only colorize accessories or garments that feature red or are entirely rouge.
Lay Out Your Outfits & Complementary Accessories
Then, there’s the matter of styling—experimenting with different textures, patterns, and shapes to create unique looks. Take the time to accessorize and play around with different colors and styles. Start putting together outfits you want to feature first and foremost.
It’s in your best interest to build your other outfits around your “must-haves.” For example, if you have to have a specific pair of pants in the lookbook, start looking at different pieces that complement it. The purpose of most lookbooks is to showcase a logical style progression.
Take Your Photos & Start Creating
Finally, it’s time to take some photos. Set up a shoot in a place that matches the overall look of your lookbook, and have fun with it! To make sure everything goes smoothly, scope out locations ahead of time. Give your photographer a schedule that you can both stick to.
There are two ways to make your lookbook: digitally or physically. You can assemble a digital photo collage using photo editing software to piece together your lookbook. Or, you can print the photos yourself and start arranging and gluing them to a scrapbook or blank photo album.
