Have you ever been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, and an outfit someone else is wearing catches your eye? That’s the power of finding sttyle inspiration and copying other people’s outfits — except of course, when they’re just shockingly bad. With fashion influencers and trendsetters everywhere, inspiration is all around. But here’s the thing: we’re often made to feel that copying someone else’s look is wrong, uncool or unoriginal. And that’s why I want to challenge that notion. Because, not only is copying other people’s looks completely fine – you abso-lu-tely should do it.
I know, I know, now you’re thinking, “Well, then what’s the point of individuality?” Before you leave this page, hear me out.
Fashion is a Shared Language And Not Just a Personal Expression
Fashion has always been about borrowing and reinterpreting other people’s styles. From Coco Chanel’s revolutionary designs to modern-day street style, fashion has always evolved through shared inspiration. If you follow the work of fashion historian Valerie Steele, you’ll know that fashion isn’t just an individual act – it’s a shared language. As she puts it, “Unlike art, the consumption of fashion is not based primarily on knowledge or education but through visual awareness—a type of sensuality and perfection of the corporeal self.” And essentially what she’s saying is that, when you copy someone’s outfit, you’re not just imitating – you’re responding to that same visual awareness. You’re saying, “I like that idea, and I want to make it my own.” And the truth is, each time we adopt a trend or recreate other people’s outfits, we add our own unique twist. In the end, shaping fashion in the process.
Copying Others Reduces Decision-Making Fatigue
Life is busy. With work, social life, and everything in between, deciding what to wear every day can be exhausting. This is where borrowing outfit ideas from others becomes a time-saving, stress-reducing hack. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every morning. By replicating a look you love, you’re streamlining your wardrobe choices without compromising style. You can keep things simple, yet chic.
So, next time you’re stuck in a style rut, instead of agonising over what to wear, tap into your inspiration or mood board – and voilà, outfit sorted!
You Learning to Curate Your Personal Style
Exactly. Copying other people’s outfits is a great way to explore and refine your own individual style. When you’re experimenting with looks you admire, you learn what works for your body type, personality, and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours, cuts, or accessories you’ve never tried before just because someone else pulled it off. Fashion should feel fun, not stressful. And when you try to recreate outfits, you actually open the door to discovering new ways of self-expression that you might not have otherwise considered. Remember, even the most celebrated fashion icons started by taking inspiration from those they admired. Kim Kardashian, often hailed as a trendsetter in her own right, has recently been paying homage to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic style. And you too can.
Copying Others’s Style Is a Compliment, Not a Crime
Can I actually start by saying that, flattering someone’s style by emulating it is the highest form of admiration? So, when you copy somebody else’s look, you’re essentially saying, “Your style speaks to me.” And as long as you’re not presenting someone else’s creativity as your own original concept, you’re in the clear. Because remember, fashion is meant to be shared and celebrated. So, if an outfit inspires you, wear it with confidence! But just keep in mind that, it’s not about creating a carbon copy, but about adapting the look to express your unique personality. Because what looks fantastic on one person might have a slightly different vibe on you. And we don’t want that, do we?
Inspiration is Everywhere
Social media, magazines, fashion blogs (like Chic Chui, of course!), and even the streets are full of endless style ideas. Why limit yourself when you can tap into a world of creativity? Let’s be honest, many of us turn to these sources for inspiration because we’re looking for ideas that work. So, instead of reinventing the wheel, why not trust the style experts and influencers who have already mastered the look?
Imitating someone’s style doesn’t make you unoriginal. It makes you savvy. You’re saving time, maximising your wardrobe, and keeping up with trends without the guesswork.
Now see? What did I say? There’s no shame in copying other people’s outfits that you think just work well. In fact again, doing so helps you streamline your wardrobe and stay fashion-forward without the stress. As the saying goes, “Good artists copy; great artists steal.” So when it comes to fashion, borrowing ideas is just part of the creative process. So go ahead, replicate that look, rock it with confidence, and make it yours!