Moodboard: Inside My Head

And How to Translate Mood Board Energy Into Actual Real-Life Style

I’m always trying to think of new ways to dispense style advice because after 15+ years in the fashion industry, I’ve realized most people don’t actually need more clothes — they need clearer vision. Style becomes infinitely easier once you know what you’re drawn to and why.

I’m an incredibly visual person, so I thought it would be fun to share a little peek inside my brain through the mood boards currently living rent-free in my head. (Fair warning: it’s a slightly chaotic place up there. Equal parts chic French woman, exhausted mom, and someone who thinks buying another black sweater counts as a personality trait.)

One thing I think people misunderstand about mood boards is that they aren’t meant to be copied outfit-for-outfit. A mood board is a feeling. A direction. A visual shorthand for what you want your style to communicate. The goal is taking that inspiration and translating it into something wearable for your actual life — not cosplaying as someone who owns a villa in the South of France.

So here’s what I’m personally excited to wear this summer and how I’d bring each trend into real-life street style.

1. RED

Red has always been classic, but over the last few years it’s gone from “accent color” to full-on fashion power player. Once brands like The Row, Khaite, and Toteme started consistently using rich pops of red in their collections, it inevitably trickled down into mainstream fashion — because that’s how the fashion food chain works. The luxury brands whisper it first, then Zara screams it six months later.

I love red because it instantly makes an outfit feel intentional. It adds energy without trying too hard.

If wearing a full red sweater or pair of pants feels intimidating, accessories are the easiest entry point. A red sandal, bag, ballet flat, lip, or even a baseball cap can completely wake up an otherwise neutral outfit.

My favorite styling trick right now:

• Red + tan

• Red + chocolate brown

• Red + crisp white

• Red + pale blue denim

It’s one of those colors that somehow manages to feel timeless and modern at the same time — which is exactly the kind of wardrobe math I like.

My red moodboard inspiration:

Red pieces I’m loving to shop:

These, these (fave new pants and they offer different inseam lengths!) and these trousers

This and this sweater

This and this tee

These (JKB10) and these shoes

This and this bag

2. SLIP SKIRTS & LIGHTWEIGHT SKIRTS

The second temperatures hit above 75 degrees, my entire personality becomes “lightweight fabrics only.”

In the warmer months, I naturally gravitate toward easy skirts because they create that effortless movement that jeans just can’t compete with in summer. I’ve especially been loving:

• lace-trim slip skirts

• cotton poplin skirts

• bias-cut silky midis

• easy pull-on styles

The key to making skirts feel modern instead of overly precious is balancing them with something simple and relaxed on top.

Think:

• a tiny ribbed tank

• an oversized tee

• a lightweight sweater tossed over your shoulders

• flat sandals or sneakers

There’s always a temptation to over-style feminine pieces, but the magic usually happens when you make them feel a little undone. You want “cool girl grabbing an iced coffee,” not “bridal shower attendee.”

My skirts moodboard inspiration:

Skirts I’m loving to shop:

This, this, this, this and this

3. TAN DENIM & TAN/KHAKI TROUSERS

I genuinely think tan denim is one of the most underrated wardrobe staples.

A great beige or khaki pant acts the same way denim does, but it softens everything. It feels richer, more elevated, and somehow more expensive-looking — even if it absolutely was not expensive.

I love tan and khaki because they pair beautifully with almost every color:

• red

• navy

• olive green

• black

• butter yellow

• soft blue

• chocolate brown

It’s also a really good way to break yourself out of the “white top + blue jeans” cycle without needing to reinvent your entire wardrobe.

For summer specifically, I’m loving:

• relaxed khaki trousers

• straight-leg tan denim

• lightweight pleated trousers

• slightly oversized fits paired with minimal tanks or slim knits

There’s something very quiet luxury meets “woman who has her life together” about a great khaki pant. Even if your actual life currently consists of reheating coffee three times.

My tan/khaki trousers inspiration:

Tan khaki bottoms I love to shop:

These, these, these, these, these and these

4. INTERESTING COLOR COMBINATIONS

Speaking of color — lately I’ve been much more interested in unusual color pairings.

I still prefer a minimal palette overall and usually stick to my unofficial “three-color maximum” rule because it keeps outfits looking clean and intentional. But within that framework, I’ve been experimenting more.

Some combinations I’m loving:

• pale blue + chocolate brown

• butter yellow + grey

• red + blush pink

• olive + powder blue

• navy + dark brown (obsessed with this cardigan that has navy and brown in it)

• cream + faded green

What makes these combinations feel elevated is that they’re slightly unexpected without screaming for attention.

That’s really the sweet spot of great style:
interesting enough to feel personal, simple enough to feel effortless.

My interesting color combo moodboard inspiration:

5. POPLIN PANTS

Is there anything better than a pant that feels like pajamas but still looks chic enough to wear in public?

No. There is not.

I’ve been on a full cotton poplin pant quest lately because once summer hits, I want pieces that breathe, move, and don’t require emotional resilience to put on.

The best poplin pants have:

• a slightly relaxed shape

• an easy elastic waist

• enough structure to still look polished

• fabric that doesn’t go completely transparent in daylight (a surprisingly difficult requirement)

I love pairing them with:

• fitted tanks

• oversized button-downs

• simple sandals

• baseball hats

• sleek leather flip flops

They give that “I casually look chic” energy while secretly feeling like you’re wearing elevated boxer shorts. Which honestly might be fashion’s greatest achievement.

My casual trouser moodboard inspiration:

My top 3 favorite cotton poplin pants to shop:

These, these and these (I have them all and obsessed with all of them!)

6. PLAID

This one may seem slightly off-brand for me because I normally live in solids and clean neutrals, but lately I’ve been very into the idea of a soft plaid button-down thrown over a tank or tee with poplin pants or relaxed shorts.

The key is that it has to be the right plaid.

Not lumberjack.
Not overly preppy.
Not “fall pumpkin patch family photos.”

I’m talking about washed-out, relaxed, slightly vintage-feeling plaid in soft tones:

• faded blues

• muted greens

• warm neutrals

• sun-faded reds

Styled correctly, plaid can feel incredibly effortless and cool — especially layered over otherwise minimal basics.

It gives a little texture and personality to an outfit without requiring much effort, which is exactly where I want my wardrobe to live this summer.

At this point in my life, if something isn’t chic and comfortable, I simply cannot participate.

My plaid moodboard inspiration:

Plaid shirts I love to shop:

This, this, this and this

Lastly,

if you are reading this and have been wanting to book a personal styling Zoom session with me, now is your sign:

You can still book a personal Styling Zoom session with me at the very reduced rate of $200. My normal rate is $350. You can book 2 sessions for $350, three sessions for $550 and four sessions for $750 and if you purchase four sessions, you will get a free copy of my new style e-book as well.

Email me at jenknowsbesblog@gmail.com! These slots are going quickly!

If you want to download my new style ebook, you can do that here:

The JKB Outfit Formula Handbook

You can also download my other ebooks here:

The Only Style Book You’ll Ever Need

Minimal Chic: The Art of Dressing for your body type and lifestyle

Minimal Style Vacation Guide

Also, join my “JKB Edit” broadcast channel I just started here on IG for daily favorites and you can ask me questions over there as well!

Follow me and join my circle on ShopMy as well! I update my shopping links there daily!

And I update this regularly: The Best Spring/Summer shopping guide!

I also curated THE BEST Zara shopping selects here that give expensive minus the sticker shock here!

Love you guys, xoxo Jen