Fashion Lookbook Prompts: Editorial Photography
Create high-end fashion lookbooks and editorial spreads with Nano Banana. Master the art of fashion photography and styling.
Lookbooks don't just show clothes—they sell a lifestyle. Whether you're a designer testing a collection, a stylist building a mood board, or a brand establishing visual identity, Nano Banana lets you generate editorial-quality fashion imagery instantly, without expensive shoots or physical garments.
What Makes a Great Lookbook
Unlike product photography (which prioritizes clarity and detail), lookbooks create atmosphere. The best lookbooks weave together location, lighting, pose, styling, and mood to tell a cohesive story. A successful lookbook makes the viewer feel something—aspiration, intrigue, confidence, freedom—not just see an outfit.
Getting Started
The key to great lookbook prompts is specificity: be precise about the model, outfit, environment, and desired mood. Use location and lighting to set tone. Specify movement and pose to create energy. The more intentional your prompt, the more editorial and polished the result.
URBAN STREETWEAR
Let's start with the foundation example. Here is the complete, fully detailed prompt to generate the "URBAN STREETWEAR" lookbook shot.
[Subject Image] Create a gritty urban streetwear fashion shot. Preserve: - Subject's facial features and body proportions - Natural confident expression Transform: - **Outfit**: Oversized black graphic hoodie with bold white print - **Bottoms**: Olive green cargo pants with utility pockets - **Footwear**: Chunky white and grey sneakers (Yeezy/New Balance style) - **Layering**: Distressed denim jacket over hoodie (optional) Setting & Atmosphere: - **Location**: Concrete alleyway or urban underpass with graffiti - **Time**: Late afternoon, overcast sky (soft diffused light) - **Background**: Tagged brick wall, metal dumpsters, chain-link fence - **Mood**: Raw, authentic street culture Photography Style: - **Lighting**: High contrast street lighting, slight shadows - **Pose**: Candid, dynamic movement (mid-walk or leaning) - **Composition**: Environmental portrait (show context, not just subject) - **Color Grade**: Slightly desaturated with crushed blacks
Why This Works
The "Concrete Alleyway with Graffiti": Naming a specific location tells the AI the vibe instantly. The environment becomes a storytelling tool, not a backdrop. This makes the outfit feel like part of a lifestyle, not a product floating in space.
The "Candid, Dynamic Movement": "Mid-walk" or "leaning" creates energy. Static, centered poses read as catalog shots. Editorial lookbooks need to feel like stolen moments—caught mid-stride, mid-turn, mid-thought.
The "Slightly Desaturated with Crushed Blacks": This is a specific color grade choice. It's not just darker—it's a cinematic choice that differentiates streetwear from glossy product photography. The desaturation adds grittiness; crushed blacks add mood.
Common Mistakes
Note:
Studio vs. Street: Don't add "perfect studio lighting" and "white background"—that's product photography. Lookbooks need texture, imperfection, and real light. Use locations and natural/street lighting instead. The messier the better.
The Minimalist Luxury
Clean, sophisticated, high-fashion aesthetic.
[Subject Image] Create a minimalist luxury fashion lookbook image. Outfit & Styling: - **Look**: Monochrome tailored pieces (beige cashmere coat, white turtleneck, wide-leg trousers) - **Silhouette**: Clean lines, relaxed fit, understated elegance - **Accessories**: Minimal—let the quality speak for itself Setting & Mood: - **Location**: Modern brutalist architecture or empty museum gallery - **Lighting**: Soft natural daylight, clean shadows - **Pose**: Statuesque, composed, minimal movement - **Color Palette**: Neutral tones (cream, taupe, grey) - **Vibe**: Quiet luxury, timeless refinement
Key Detail: Minimalist luxury is about restraint and material quality. Don't overcomplicate the setting—white walls and natural light let the outfit shine. The pose should feel relaxed and confident, not stiff or overly posed. This is clothes for people who already know they look good.
The Boho Festival
Free-spirited, layered, vintage-inspired look.
[Subject Image] Create a bohemian festival fashion lookbook shot. Outfit & Styling: - **Garments**: Flowy floral maxi dress, suede fringe vest, wide-brim hat - **Accessories**: Layered necklaces, woven bag, ankle boots - **Vibe**: Effortless, eclectic, earth-connected Setting & Mood: - **Location**: Golden hour in an open field or desert landscape - **Lighting**: Warm sunset backlighting, lens flare - **Pose**: Twirling, arms raised, carefree movement - **Mood**: Wanderlust, festival ready, earth child
Key Detail: Bohemian fashion thrives on movement and golden light. Use dynamic action words like "twirling" and "arms raised" to prevent static poses. Golden hour backlighting adds dreamy, romantic energy that sells the wanderlust aesthetic. The layering of accessories (multiple necklaces, mixed textures) is essential—bohemian is intentionally eclectic.
The Power Dressing Look (Corporate Fashion)
Professional workwear with impact.
[Subject Image] Create a powerful corporate fashion lookbook image. Outfit & Details: - **Core Piece**: Sharp navy pinstripe power suit with wide lapels - **Foundation**: White silk blouse, tailored fit - **Accessories**: Statement watch, leather briefcase - **Overall**: Structured, authoritative, polished Setting & Mood: - **Location**: Glass-walled modern office building exterior at dusk - **Lighting**: Dramatic cityscape lights, slight rim light - **Pose**: Confident stride, purposeful movement - **Vibe**: Executive presence, authority, success
Key Detail: Power dressing is about authority and presence. Use sharp tailoring, structured fabrics, and confident body language. The "confident stride" is essential—power suits need movement to read as authoritative, not stiff. Dusk lighting with rim light adds drama and sophistication, elevating this beyond an office snapshot into editorial territory.
The Coastal Ease Look (Resort Wear)
Effortless vacation style.
[Subject Image] Create a coastal resort wear lookbook shot. Outfit & Styling: - **Top**: Linen white shirt (unbuttoned), relaxed fit - **Bottoms**: Beige linen trousers, comfortable and breathable - **Accessories**: Woven espadrilles, straw tote, sunglasses - **Palette**: Whites, creams, ocean blues Setting & Mood: - **Location**: Mediterranean villa terrace overlooking the sea - **Lighting**: Bright midday sun, crisp shadows - **Pose**: Relaxed, leaning on stone railing - **Vibe**: Effortless sophistication, vacation mode, unhurried luxury
Key Detail: Coastal elegance is about understated ease—unbuttoned shirts, neutral linens, and natural textures. The "leaning on stone railing" pose adds casual confidence without looking stiff. Bright midday sun creates crisp shadows and reinforces the warm, sun-soaked vacation feeling. Avoid overcomplication; resort wear is about simplicity and quality fabrics.
The Y2K Look (Early 2000s)
Bold colors, low-rise silhouettes, and nostalgic early-2000s energy.
[Subject Image] Create a Y2K early 2000s fashion lookbook shot. Outfit & Styling: - **Top**: Fitted baby tee in hot pink or lime green, cropped or tucked - **Bottoms**: Low-rise cargo pants or mini skirt with visible belt - **Accessories**: Small shoulder bag, chunky chain necklace, colored sunglasses, mini clips in hair - **Footwear**: Platform sneakers or strappy flip-flops - **Vibe**: Playful, bold, unapologetically early-2000s Setting & Mood: - **Location**: Urban mall parking lot, skateboard park, or neon-lit street corner - **Lighting**: Bright, almost overexposed daylight with cool tones - **Pose**: Casual stance, hand on hip, looking over shoulder - **Color Palette**: Neon pinks, electric blues, silvers, bright oranges - **Vibe**: Nostalgic, confident, playful, trend-forward for that era
Key Detail: Y2K is intentionally bold and slightly over-the-top. Don't be subtle with colors—neon, metallics, and clashing brights are exactly right. The pose should feel fun and self-aware, not serious. Accessories matter hugely (clips, chains, small bags); they're not afterthoughts—they define the era.
The Athleisure Look
Elevated sportswear meets everyday style.
[Subject Image] Create an elevated athleisure lookbook shot. Outfit & Styling: - **Top**: Seamless sports bra or fitted activewear tank in neutral tone - **Bottoms**: High-waisted leggings or cargo joggers in technical fabric - **Layering**: Oversized blazer or luxury tracksuit jacket (cashmere or premium blend) - **Footwear**: Clean white leather sneakers or designer running shoes - **Accessories**: Luxury watch, small crossbody bag, minimal jewelry - **Palette**: Blacks, whites, greys, with subtle accent color Setting & Mood: - **Location**: Modern gym lobby, upscale coffee shop, or sleek hotel entrance - **Lighting**: Natural window light or soft ambient lighting - **Pose**: Confident, relaxed stance—on phone, holding coffee cup, mid-stride - **Vibe**: Effortless luxury, wellness-focused, ready-for-anything confidence
Key Detail: Athleisure works because it balances technical sportswear with luxury pieces. A $500 blazer over gym gear reads as intentional style, not a mistake. The key is high-quality fabrics and clean, neutral colors—avoid bright neons or baggy fits. The pose should feel naturally energetic, like someone between activities.
The Vintage/Retro Look (70s-Inspired)
Warm tones, relaxed silhouettes, and nostalgic 1970s aesthetics.
[Subject Image] Create a 1970s-inspired vintage fashion lookbook shot. Outfit & Styling: - **Top**: Button-up shirt in burnt orange, mustard, or sage (slightly oversized) - **Bottoms**: High-waisted flared jeans or bell-bottom trousers - **Layering**: Suede jacket or vintage-style cardigan - **Accessories**: Wide-brim hat, woven bag, oversized sunglasses, gold jewelry (layered) - **Footwear**: Platform boots or simple leather sandals - **Palette**: Warm earths (rust, olive, ochre, cream, caramel) Setting & Mood: - **Location**: 1970s-inspired interior (wood paneling, plants, vintage furniture) or natural outdoor setting - **Lighting**: Warm, golden hour sunlight with soft shadows - **Pose**: Relaxed, natural—leaning, looking away pensively, walking slowly - **Vibe**: Warm, nostalgic, bohemian-meets-retro, effortlessly cool
Key Detail: 70s vintage thrives on warm color palettes and relaxed tailoring. The silhouettes should feel slightly loose and lived-in, not pristine. Layering is key—mixing textures (suede, denim, corduroy) adds authenticity. Gold jewelry and natural materials (leather, wood) complete the period feel without looking costume-like.
The Romantic/Cottagecore Look
Soft, feminine, nature-inspired, and ethereal.
[Subject Image] Create a romantic cottagecore fashion lookbook shot. Outfit & Styling: - **Dress**: Flowy midi or maxi dress in cottony fabric, soft floral print or cream - **Details**: Puffed sleeves, lace trim, buttons, or delicate embroidery - **Layering**: Vintage cardigan or soft wool shawl - **Footwear**: Mary Janes, vintage flats, or simple leather boots - **Accessories**: Woven basket bag, delicate gold locket, wildflower crown or hair ribbons - **Palette**: Soft pastels—blush, sage, cream, lavender, pale yellow Setting & Mood: - **Location**: Rolling countryside, wildflower meadow, vintage cottage porch, or garden - **Lighting**: Soft, diffused golden hour light (sunrise/sunset feel) - **Pose**: Gentle and contemplative—picking flowers, sitting on fence, looking over shoulder wistfully - **Vibe**: Romantic, nostalgic, peaceful, connected to nature, timeless
Key Detail: Cottagecore is about softness and intentionality—every detail matters. Use gentle, vintage-inspired silhouettes (never sharp or modern). The pose should feel dreamy and unhurried, like a moment stolen from a storybook. Soft, diffused lighting is essential; harsh light breaks the romantic spell. Natural elements (flowers, grass, vintage props) ground the aesthetic.
Troubleshooting
Next Steps
- Outfit Styling: Plan cohesive outfits for different occasions.
- Wardrobe Swaps: Transform outfits entirely for different contexts.
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