As most collegiettes know, finding great clothes is no longer restricted to reading magazines, watching the runway, and window-shopping. Thanks to a little thing called the Internet, we are now able to discover some amazing pieces through various websites and apps. While there are so many resources to gush over, Her Campus is head-over-heels in love with Polyvore, a website where style mavens can express their personal style. Whether you’re a shopaholic looking for a pair of brown riding boots, or you’re just browsing, every girl needs to know the ins and outs of Polyvore.
What is Polyvore?
Poly-what? Is that English? It’s okay if you don’t know what Polyvore is – this dilemma will be fixed momentarily. In the event you haven’t noticed yet, Polyvore is a virtual Mecca for any trendsetter. A virtual fashion community, Polyvore members can create different looks as well as browse through the website’s array of featured clothes, accessories, and beauty supplies. If you want to take your browsing to the next level and buy something, Polyvore also links every product to its respective online store. Sounds too good to be true? We’re just getting started.
How to use Polyvore
Polyvore may seem complicated, but it’s not really. Once we break it down for you, you’ll be a pro!
- Create an account
This step is crucial because there’s a big chance that you’ll be hooked after your first use. Hit the “Register” button and follow the steps!
- Shop ‘til you drop
In the event you’re dying to shop, or just browse the website’s selection, click “Shop” at the top of the page. With a variety of categories to choose from- such as dresses, pants, handbags, and a variety of nail polish- feel free to check out what Polyvore has to offer. Keep up with the latest trends by browsing items from the designated “Trend” categories. Ready to make a purchase? Click on the desired piece and Polyvore will lead you to a buy option. Or, if you’re looking for something specific, type what you’re looking for in the search box.
- Or create a chic collage
Maybe you’re not in the mood to shop—rare, but it happens. Perhaps you just want to create a collage of the skirts you need to own. Thanks to Polyvore, this is as easy as hitting “Create” at the top of the webpage. Luckily, you have the choice of using a premade template or creating your very own. Give your collage an editorial twist by incorporating some of the frames, backgrounds, and other special effects. Once you’re done, hit the “Publish” button on the left-hand side so everyone can see your virtual masterpiece. You can also use this collage tool for scheming up the perfect outfit, but we’ll talk about that more in a little bit!
- Upload your own items
If Polyvore’s collection of clothes, accessories, and beauty products just isn’t cutting it for you- though I don’t how that’s possible- hope is not lost just yet. Luckily, you can upload you own products. Um, what? After you click on “Create Set,” hit the tab that says “My Items.” If you haven’t uploaded any items yet, which you probably haven’t, click “Import Items.” Download Polyvore’s clipper tool and then follow the directions.
- Follow your favorite style savants
Did we mention that Polyvore is also a chic social media website? Before you become completely immersed in your own sets, do us a favor and start following other users! The easiest way to find other accounts is to click on “Top,” which is located at the menu bar. This part of Polyvore highlights some of the coolest collages, so you’ll be sure to find your sartorial soul mate. You never know, a couple of people might follow you back!
Now that you know how to use Polyvore, the real question is what the website can do for you.
[pagebreak]
Perks of Polyvore
Polyvore is more than a website. In fact, the website has a ton of different purposes. Don’t believe us? See for yourself!
Style your own outfit
Many sleepless nights can be attributed to scheming up the perfect outfit. Or is that just me? Regardless, Polyvore allows you to plan your ideal ensemble for upcoming events. “I can put together dream outfits in my mind and then conveniently search for the pieces with keywords or a description, like ‘blue chiffon tea dress’ or ‘brown leather riding boots,’” says Elizabeth Tompkins, a senior at the College of William & Mary and an HC Contributing Writer. After you hit “Create Set,” it’s up to you to browse through the website’s collection of clothes, accessories, and beauty products. If you’re planning to purchase a couple pieces in order to complete your dream look, don’t forget to compare prices on another website. “I use Polyvore along with Svpply and ShopStyle when I’m searching for a very particular product,” says Elizabeth.
Create a mini editorial
Sometimes—and by sometimes, I mean all the time—you just want to be Rachel Zoe and style a major fashion shoot. Maybe you aren’t working with A-List celebrities or Riccardo Tisci’s latest couture collection, but you do have the power to create cool templates and fashion-forward ensembles. After you make a few sets, with the same template, hit “Create Collection.” Drag, drop, and rearrange your collages and voilà– your very own faux editorial spread. Watch out Rachel Zoe!
Receive fashion advice
What’s a girl to do when she has no idea what to pair a mock turtleneck with and her fashion panel (a.k.a. roommates, best friends, sorority sisters, etc.) has suddenly disappeared? Head to Polyvore! Click on the “Ask” button, which is conveniently located at the top of the website, and type away! If you don’t know what to pair a piece with, search and attach a picture of this item to your inquiry. Unless you’re posting your question in the middle of the night, at least one of your new style gurus will probably reply and attach pictures of what you should wear. Genius, right?
Blog about your outfit
Calling all fashion bloggers: Polyvore is your new BFF. “I often use Polyvore when I write about fashion,” says Hannah Orenstein, a sophomore at New York University and HC’s High School Editor. “It’s an easy way to visually display an outfit or a series of items without just inserting one photo after another into your writing.” Whether you want to create a trend report or you’re hoping to put together a style guide, use Polyvore’s “Create” section to design the visual for your blog post. Once you’re done with your collage, click the “Publish” button. Before you hit the final “Publish,” add your Blogger or WordPress account information in order to directly post the collage on your blog. Quick, easy, and loads of fun—a blogger’s dream!
Share your sets with your friends
Don’t worry collegiettes, you can still share your collages even if you don’t have a fashion blog! Instead of syncing Polyvore with your blog, select the option to publish your collages to your Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Tumblr account. Your friends will love checking out your personal style and that girl who somehow won “Best Dressed” over you in high school will be jealous.
Score Polyvore star status
Deny it all you want, but we know that you’re secretly jealous of those who are virtual superstars because they have awesome Pinterest boards or Instagram accounts. Seriously, how do they achieve this great accomplishment? Becoming a notable Polyvore member is as easy as submitting your sets to trends@polyvore.com. If you so desperately want to be featured on Polyvore’s “Top Sets” section, the website usually features collages about the following:
- How to Wear
- Trends
- Celebrity Style
- Beauty
- In Season
- Fashion Insider
We’ll be looking out for some collegiette- approved collages!
Compare different styles
Contrary to popular belief, Polyvore is useful even if you aren’t creating a bevy of collages. For this example, and this example only, think of Polyvore as a Netflix for fashion. While Netflix suggests movies and T.V. shows based on your previous views, Polyvore will suggest pieces for you when your mouse hovers over a product. Once you click “Related looks and items,” browse the other pieces that your favorite fashion website recommends. You may end up liking one of the selected items better than the original piece you looked at!
So what are you waiting for? Go create an account right now. In a few days, you’ll be questioning your pre-Polyvore life.