Episode Summary: Pinterest's Global Trends Lead Sydney Stanback on Curating Style Inspiration, Plus The Trends Everyone Is Pinning Right Now

Podcast: Let's Get Dressed
Host: Liv Perez
Guest: Sydney Stanback, Global Trends Lead at Pinterest
Release Date: March 31, 2025

In this insightful episode of Let's Get Dressed, host Liv Perez delves deep into the world of Pinterest with Sydney Stanback, Pinterest's Global Trends Lead. The conversation navigates through how Pinterest shapes fashion trends, offers style inspiration, and serves as an indispensable tool for both everyday styling and major life events.

1. Introduction to Pinterest as an Inspirational Powerhouse

Liv Perez opens the discussion by highlighting Pinterest's role beyond just a digital scrapbook. She emphasizes its impact on various aspects of life, from fashion to home decor and even wedding planning. Liv shares her personal reliance on Pinterest for style inspiration, especially after her wedding, and contrasts it with other social media platforms that offer more passive entertainment.

Liv Perez [08:44]: "I'm not just scrolling for entertainment or quick satisfaction. I'm actually scrolling to enhance something in my life."

2. Sydney Stanback’s Personal Relationship with Pinterest

Sydney Stanback shares her intimate connection with Pinterest, describing it as a reflection of her evolving personal style over the years. She highlights how Pinterest serves as her primary tool for daily inspiration, from choosing outfits to discovering new recipes.

Sydney Stanback [01:53]: "Every time I log onto it, it's like a reflection of myself... it's my private space to explore myself."

3. Pinterest’s Unique User Journey and Trendspotting

Sydney explains Pinterest's distinctive user journey, which fosters intentional planning and discovery, setting it apart from other social media platforms. She underscores Pinterest's mission to inspire users to live a life they love by offering tailored content that evolves with their interests.

Sydney Stanback [04:45]: "Pinterest is really, in my experience, the only platform that brings me to this intentional mindset where I go in seeking out something that I need."

4. Getting Started with Pinterest: Tips for New Users

Liv and Sydney discuss strategies for newcomers to Pinterest. Sydney advises users to start by searching for topics they are passionate about and actively engaging with pins to help Pinterest’s algorithm better understand their preferences.

Sydney Stanback [09:21]: "Continue leaning in and searching for topics that you may not even know exist on the platform."

Liv adds practical examples, such as using Pinterest to style a pencil skirt, demonstrating the platform's ability to offer tailored and inspiring suggestions.

Liv Perez [13:05]: "If you're someone who is interested in exploring your personal style, not really sure where to start, it's just such a great springboard."

5. Pinterest’s Role in Evolving Personal Style and Major Life Transitions

Sydney shares her personal journey of using Pinterest to evolve her style post-pandemic, transitioning from casual wear to more aspirational outfits as she returned to the office environment in Chicago.

Sydney Stanback [14:37]: "Pinterest was really just a fantastic source of inspiration as we were going through that transition."

Liv concurs, emphasizing Pinterest's effectiveness in helping users "glow up" and refresh their wardrobes.

Liv Perez [15:40]: "So it's great for a glow up."

6. Understanding and Forecasting Trends Through Pinterest Data

The conversation shifts to Pinterest's trendspotting methodologies. Sydney explains how Pinterest leverages user data and machine learning to predict trends before they hit the mainstream, citing the success of their annual Pinterest Predicts report.

Sydney Stanback [16:22]: "We have an incredible success rate with it. We've gotten 8 in 10 of the trends we predicted every single year."

7. Current and Upcoming Fashion Trends Inspired by Pinterest Users

Sydney highlights specific trends emerging from Pinterest data, particularly in preparation for festival seasons like Coachella. She introduces the "Stereopunk" trend, characterized by bold, nostalgic elements such as leather jackets, plaid skirts, and Mohawk braids, often influenced by artists like Green Day.

Sydney Stanback [19:44]: "Stereopunk ... cross punk jackets, all leather outfits, plaid skirts, chain belts, Mohawk braids."

Liv connects this trend to recent runway shows, noting the seamless integration of user-generated trends into high fashion.

Liv Perez [20:54]: "I really liked what you said earlier about how a lot of the trends are user generated."

8. The Impact of Entertainment and Personalization on Fashion Trends

The discussion delves into how entertainment figures and their aesthetics significantly influence Pinterest trends. Sydney points out that artists like Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter are shaping fashion movements through their performances and public appearances.

Sydney Stanback [27:51]: "I'm really curious to see, like, what she's going to deliver in that performance and how that is going to kind of influence aesthetics for the rest of the year."

9. Micro Trends vs. Sustainable Trends on Pinterest

Liv and Sydney explore the prevalence of micro trends in the digital age. Sydney argues that Pinterest's focus on personalized and meaningful trends reduces the noise typically associated with fleeting micro trends found on other platforms.

Sydney Stanback [24:15]: "Micro trend culture is just a byproduct of the rise of short form ... it's more about personal style than fleeting fads."

Liv reinforces this by cautioning listeners to view micro trends as content fodder rather than long-term style guides.

Liv Perez [25:45]: "It's not a real thing. It's just more ideas for people to create more content."

10. Future Trends and Predictions

As the episode draws to a close, Sydney expresses excitement about upcoming trends influenced by high-profile events and artist releases, particularly referencing Lady Gaga’s new album and potential tour. She anticipates these events will further shape fashion aesthetics throughout the year.

Sydney Stanback [27:51]: "I'm really curious to see, like, what she's going to deliver in that performance and how that is going to kind of influence aesthetics for the rest of the year."

Conclusion

Liv Perez wraps up the episode by appreciating Sydney's insights into the intricate process of trend forecasting and the symbiotic relationship between entertainment and fashion. The conversation underscores Pinterest's pivotal role in shaping and reflecting personal and global fashion trends.

Liv Perez [30:41]: "I love hearing truly where trends are an art form, Truly where they come from, how they take shape in our world."

Key Takeaways

• Pinterest as a Personal Inspiration Hub: Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest serves as a proactive tool for planning and inspiration, allowing users to craft their personal style and major life projects.

• Data-Driven Trendspotting: Pinterest leverages extensive user data and machine learning to accurately predict and set trends, maintaining a high success rate through their Pinterest Predicts report.

• Balancing Micro Trends and Personalization: While micro trends are prevalent on digital platforms, Pinterest emphasizes personalized and meaningful trends, reducing the noise and enhancing user-centric style evolution.

• Influence of Entertainment on Fashion: High-profile artists and their aesthetics play a significant role in shaping Pinterest trends, demonstrating the interconnectedness of entertainment and fashion industries.

• Future of Fashion Trends: Anticipated events and artist releases are expected to continue influencing fashion trends, with Pinterest poised to remain at the forefront of trend forecasting and inspiration.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into how Pinterest not only reflects but also shapes contemporary fashion trends, providing listeners with actionable insights on utilizing the platform to enhance their personal style and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of fashion.