You guys, I’m bored.
I read so many style blogs everyday, and maybe it’s my own fault, but most of them are just running together into one big blur of turn to the left, turn to the right, look down, pretend to laugh. You all look beautiful, and your style is inspiring – but I want more. I want different. I want better.
Do you know what the kicker is, though? I include my own blog in this jumble of blah. I feel like much of the time, I’m not bringing anything new and exciting to the table, and that is disappointing. After all, if I’m speaking to all of you as a voice of advice, encouragement and tough love through IFB, shouldn’t I be taking a dose of my own medicine?
Absolutely. So let’s do this together, shall we? Because it’s Olympics time, we’re going to go for the gold. The gold of blogging. No more boring!
There are few blogs out there right now that have me compulsively checking in for a new post. I’ve found that the ones I keep tabs on currently are bringing something more to the table than solo shots on an abandoned street and Polyvore sets of items you’re trying to earn a dime off of through affiliate links. We all have to make choices about what to share online and what to keep private, and that’s fine. But when I see great looks in the context of an event or occasion, a cool location (with images you’re not even in) or shots with friends and family – I think it adds so much interest and edge. If you’re putting yourself out there on the Internet, why not put just a little more of yourself out there, besides your latest purchase?
Here are three ways to add interest and depth to your outfit posts that you can implement and execute before the closing ceremonies:
1. Give context.
- Oh, you’re wearing stiletto pumps and jeans shorts with a slouchy sweater and gigantic sunglasses? Cool. Why?! Outfit images are great, but giving a little context as to why you’re wearing what you’re wearing will inspire your readers (and possibly motivate them further to use your affiliate links, if that’s a goal of yours). How much to write is totally up to you. Maybe you have a great story from the brunch you attended in this outfit. Maybe boyfriend jeans are your go-to on the weekends for X, Y, and Z reasons. Adding a little dash of your personality and your life to your posts will set you apart, invite your readers in, and keep them coming back for more. (And don’t be afraid to be funny, either!)
2. Seek out interesting locations.
- Please, please leave your driveway. I guarantee that no matter where you live, whether its the depths of Brooklyn, the middle of Missouri or a remote town in Sweden – there are beautiful, interesting, scenic locations just waiting to be photographed. Sure, it’s ideal to go on vacation or travel and take outfit photos from exotic places – but it’s not required. Get in your car, hop on your bicycle, trot a few long blocks in those stilettos and shorts! Look for details, cool architecture, parks, shops, beaches, and paint a complete picture for your readers. Say you’re just getting dressed for lunch down the street. Why not hold off on the Instagram of your BLT and show your readers the restaurant? The street it’s on? Is your hostess totally street style worthy? Think outside the box and outside your zip code!
3. Add elements of lifestyle.
- Stylish people travel in packs. Odds are if you dress well, your friends do too. Or maybe your boyfriend. Or your sister. In the same way that your life is made sweeter in the company of friends, your blog posts can enjoy a bit of the same. Does every post have to be you and your girls on your way to da club? Of course not. But it’s fun to give a little peek into your life and the people who fill it. If you’re sort of a lone wolf, share images, stories, meals, shopping, whatever – from your solitary adventures. A trip to the farmers market, a hike into nearby foothills, a picnic on the beach – sharing the day-to-day moments that are the very catalyst for why you get dressed each day will add depth and personality to your blog – in the best way.
For inspiration on these types of posts, I recommend Classy Girls Wear Pearls, The Glamourai, Style & Pepper, The Sea of Fertility, Cheetah is the New Black, Pizza Rulez, Wonder Girl and Closet Freaks.
Do you incorporate any of these elements in your personal style posts? Which do you think add the most to your blog?
Thanks again for another thoughtful post. I totally agree, I look at so many beautiful blogs and bloggers everyday – and I comment regularly, but there are only so many times I can say “You look great” – and I’m in that mix too, there needs to be something that makes one’s material different.
I really try to vary up the locations for where I take pictures. There is a rotation of photographers to help me out. And lately I’ve been thinking about incorporating more of my Indian/South Asian clothing into the blog. I have a whole second wardrobe of Asian clothes, why not incorporate them? So thanks for the push.