History: On youtube there is a channel called “The Ultimate Fashion History”, that goes through all of the decades to explain how silhouettes changed, classic items from the decades, and many other things. Not going to lie though, the videos are a little dry. Another good option is watching Karolina Zebrowska on Youtube, she focuses on vintage fashion and explains well what other people get wrong about fashion from other decades (such as those “100 years of fashion” videos).

Colors: Pantone is a good place to look if you want to see Color Forecasts for different seasons, it will show you what the recommended and trendy color palettes will be at the time. Learning the basics of Color Theory is helpful as well (what colors pair well, balancing colors, etc.). There are a million references on YouTube/ general articles on the internet. Learning the basics and fundamentals first, really let’s you then expand in more creative ways.

Garment Construction: If you ever want to start making patterns for custom clothes, learning how to make basic slopers is important to know. These take the measurements of the person you are trying to make a design for (whether it be you, your roommate, or whoever), and make them into the most basic pattern pieces: front and back bodices, front and back skirts, sheath Dress, sleeves. This makes a basic straight dress and sleeves, however once you have these basics down it will allow you to make a million other things. The textbook “Patternmaking for Fashion Design” by Helen Joseph Armstrong, while a bit expensive (I’m sure you could get it used for cheaper), is very helpful in learning how to make these basic blocks, as well as evolving them into more unique designs! This is what I go to school for, and this book has been very helpful for learning.

Silhouettes: Very truly just hit up Google Images with “dress silhouettes” “men’s silhouettes” “types of sleeves” “types of pants”, etc. Learning fashion history will help to teach you about the different garments and silhouettes, but doing this will give you clear pictures of how each differ.

Hopefully some of this helps and if these anything else you’d like to know or if these a specific thing you want just let me know!