The rise of fashion blogs is undeniable. While top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle and InStyle provide us with trend forecasts, stunning photo spreads and “567 Easy Looks,” they do not always cater to our individual needs. With thousands (perhaps millions) of fashion bloggers, blogs are gaining an edge over traditional print publications. Fashion blogs are more relatable, presenting readers with a less intimidating view of the fashion world.
1. Getting Started
The first step to starting any blog is deciding on a blogging platform. Blogger, WordPress and Tumblr are among the most popular blogging sites. While Blogger and WordPress tend to be used by those who blog on a regular basis (think day-to-day journal keeping), Tumblr is more suitable for those who want to update less frequently. Known as a micro-blogging social network, Tumblr allows you to share your favorite photos, videos, links and quotes (less writing, more creativity!).
Once you’ve selected a blogging platform, you need to come up with a catchy and clever title. Believe it or not, the title of your blog is crucial. Since it’s the first thing that readers will come across, you want your title to grab their attention and leave a good impression. The title should be unique, creative and relevant to what you’re blogging about. Style Bubble, Fashiontoast, and 9to5 Chic are blogs with exceptionally witty and attention-grabbing titles.
It’s also important to have a focus statement. This is a phrase (often appearing beneath the title) which briefly explains to readers what your blog is about. Is your blog devoted strictly to shoes and handbags or is your specialty runway fashion? With all of the fashion blogs out there, a distinct focus is always best.
2. Design Your Blog and Make it Your Own
As with your title and focus statement, you should spend some time designing a visually pleasing page. By no means do you have to be a HTML coding wiz to create a successful site. Most blogs are user-friendly and already have templates to choose from. As fun as it is to scour the Internet for background images, don’t get caught up in picking ones that are too flashy or cutesy. Remember that form follows function; if the layout and design of your blog is distracting, people will not want to read it. In fact, many of the top fashion bloggers use white backgrounds to draw more attention to their content and photos.
Just make sure to include stimulating titles for each of your posts that will entice readers. For instance, instead of “Green Things I like” (snooze!), try “Color Me Emerald!”
If you decide to dedicate your entire blog to documenting your outfits, here are some things to take into consideration:
– Decide on a photographer–You may want to ask someone to photograph your ensembles for you. This person does not have to be a professional; it could be your best friend (or boyfriend)! The other option is to take the photos yourself, either by using a self-timer or snapping a picture in front of a mirror.
– Lighting and location– For the best results, outdoor settings are always favorable. Not only is it fun to change up the venue (your bedroom wall gets boring after a while!), but natural lighting illuminates your best features and shows off your clothes.
– Poses – Don’t be shy, pretend you’re modeling for Vogue (don’t just rely on the standard hands-on-the-hip pose you know oh-so-well!).
– Close-ups– Zoom in on your gorgeous cocktail ring, leopard ballet flats and cute floral skirt, we want to see the details!
– Captions– Readers want to know what you’re wearing and where it’s from.
3. Collect Images
As witty as your writing may be, a fashion blog would not be the same without swoon-worthy photos! Instead of going straight to Google, which turns up a hodgepodge of images (some of which are totally random), try Pinterest, We Heart It, Tumblrand Image Spark. These image collecting websites allow you to refine your search and will always turn up high-quality, flawless photos.
Additional websites to find images:
– Runway–Style.com and Vogue.com are fashion bibles for a reason…must start here!
– Street-chic fashion– Lookbook.nuis the place to go. Known as the “internet’s largest source of fashion inspiration from real people around the world,” lookbook does not disappoint.
– Clothing, shoes and accessories– To showcase what you are currently lusting after, save images from the websites of your favorite designers and stores.
– Polyvore – Let’s not forget Polvyore! This highly-addictive website allows you to create outfit layouts and collages of your must-haves for the month.
To avoid copyright infringement, don’t forget to cite where all of your photos are from!
4. Promote Your Blog
After all of the hard work you put into setting up a blog and coming up with super-inspiring posts, it would be a shame if no one knew about it. Whenever you publish a new post, promote it on facebook and twitter (add a widget to your blog!) so that your friends can become avid followers. To further expand your readership, you may want to consider joining blog communities and websites such as Bloglovin’and Independent Fashion Bloggers. Finally, to generate discussion on your blog, ask a question at the end of each post. Readers are more likely to leave a comment if there is a prompt to respond to.
Learn from the Pros
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Some style mavens have even turned blogging into a career – here are three fashion blogs to use as inspiration!
– Sea of Shoes by Jane Aldridge – Check out her eccentric style and amazing layouts!
– The Man Repeller by Leandra Medine – This quote by Leandra sums up her blog: “Good fashion is about pleasing women, not men, so as it happens, the trends that we love, men hate. And that is fantastic.” According to WWD.com, Leandra’s blog receives about 1.5 million page views per month!
Using these tips, join the ever-growing world of fashion blogging today!