Posting etiquette? - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Posting etiquette?

trekkiegirl

Veteran

As my style becomes more defined, I feel conflicted about when/how often to post WIWs. If I don't have questions about an outfit I'm wearing and feel confident in it, it feels a bit narcissistic to post about it. But at the same time I do want to keep track of outfits as much as possible, and like sharing what makes me happy.

How do you decide when to post a WIW?

On a separate but related note, if I have questions specific to the outfit I'm wearing, is it better to write a single post under "dressing" and include pictures instead of 2 different posts?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts

General

29 replies

Latest reply was from jackiec

Summer

Veteran

tr3kkie, I don't post pictures, but I'm always happy to see others' posts. It makes good sense to want a record of your outfits, and I don't see it as being narcissistic at all. I'll have to leave the rest of your question for others to answer. Happy posting!

catgirl

Veteran

I think people just need to be clear in the post about why they are posting. I always ask specific questions if I have them or just say "Feedback welcome". For example, you can say, "I enjoyed wearing this outfit today for X,Y,Z reasons. No need to comment."

Other people may have better guidelines!

rachylou

Veteran

What alaskagirl said.

I post when I work up the energy...

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

My personal preference is that if something's just a WIW, no particular feedback solicited, I prefer it posted as part of a weekly or longer term series of pictures. That's just because the forums are so busy and daily WIWs from a lot of people would take up a lot of space.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Everybody does it differently and Angie is okay with any way we decide to "play" as long as we play nice!

If you just want to keep yourself accountable and don't want feedback on specifics, you can always post your WIWs in batches. Sveta likes to do a weeks' worth of looks at one time. Kellygirl usually posts 3 or 4 outfits at once. Amiable sometimes does it that way, too. This is especially useful if you are short on time.

But Mary and Shannon and others like to post once a day whether they need help with an outfit or not -- and that is equally good!

Some people post daily. Some post monthly. Some post when they have a special occasion only. Some post a whole lot one month, and nothing for the next two. It's all good.

If I'm wearing one of Angie's ensembles, I'll usually post it as a separate post because it's fun for everyone to see. I also post more regularly if I'm following a challenge (sometimes separate day by day posts, and sometimes in a batch after a while). And sometimes I'll post an outfit for no reason at all other than I feel like it!

If I really want help deciding between alternatives, or figuring out what's not working for me, or trying to decide if something is a good purchase for me, I like to post a separate thread, because this way I can ask directly for feedback and it won't get lost in a lot of other verbiage (or imagery).

Diana

Veteran

I post when the mood strikes me. Sometimes that's daily, sometimes it's a batch of 2 or 3. I am kind of verbose and find if I try to do more than 2-3 in a batch I get a huge wall o' text. If I have an outfit I'm particularly proud of, or that I have a lot to say about, or that I have a lot of pictures of, I'm more likely to post it alone. Also, things like Angie ensembles, I'll post alone so I can link it to the blog post.

If I have a question pertaining to my particular outfit I'll just add it to my WIW post. If it's more general I might start a separate post.

But really, I say, go with whatever works for you. I like seeing lots of WIWs on the forum even if I don't have time to comment.

Quietgirl

Veteran

As a newbie I always appreciate seeing the well-seasoned veterans posting WIW. It is very helpful to us! I can see style from MANY different points of view!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I wanted to add that. Sometimes I don't have time to comment on all the WIW posts, but I do often look at them even if I don't comment, and sometimes I will refer to those posts later on, if the poster has a new, related outfit (or question). Really, there's no "wrong" except being rude or inconsiderate to others, or posting about a billion threads and never bothering to comment on anyone else's, ever. (Not that it happens here very often).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great question, and thank you Suz for hitting the nail on the head (like you often do). I echo everything you said.

tr3, post when and as you like. It's all good. Posts tend to get more traction when people ask questions about their outfit, and add their feelings about what they wore.

Anonymous

The batch postings are interesting because it's easier for the viewer to form an idea about your overall style and preferences, but singles are fine too.
Your outfit posts are spirited, creative and I totally enjoy them ALL.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I've made a goal of taking outfit photos for a year, and I've been posting them as WIWs so I can see how people respond to them. On your question of whether to post an outfit and then a separate question about dressing that involves that outfit, usually I just do it all at once and let that post be my outfit post--but I'd categorize it under "dressing" rather than "WIW."
I would encourage you not to think of WIWs as being narcissistic. This forum is one place where we can "show up" in a WIW to let people see what we're wearing. It's fun to get dressed when you can show your outfit to people who will appreciate the effort you took. We don't always get that in person, especially those who spend a lot of time at home with parenting or other work.

Astrid

Veteran

I also post irregularly, when the mood strikes me. Sometimes I have questions, sometimes not. I never thought about collecting a few outfits before posting, but then I don't post daily. Most of the time not even weekly.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Just want to add that it depends a bit on what YOU want from the post. If you have specific questions, or issues with a specific outfit, it's much better to post it individually. If you post a batch, you'll tend to get a lot of "my favs are #x and #y" comments, and the comments won't get so nitty gritty.

I do think batches give the viewers a better sense of your style - sometimes you think you know someone, but when you see a whole bunch at once a real lightbulb goes off. The year end posts are great for that - when people reflect back and post 15-20 of thier favourite outfits of the year. They are fun!

I tend to post a week at a time due to time constraints, but will do one outfit if I want to draw attention to it - either I have questions, want in depth feedback, K/R, or it's an Angie ensemble post, etc.

K.M.

Veteran

tr3kkie, I would have never thought that someone posting daily WIWs here would be narcissistic. I think all of us who are here are genuinely interested in checking out each other's style! Like others have said, I enjoy looking at WIWs for inspiration, even if I don't always have time to comment.

As for how I decide when to post my WIWs:

1) If I need feedback or help
2) If I think my outfit is special for some reason
3) If I think my outfit distils my personal style and preferences well

I won't post an WIW if I'm wearing something very casual, if I didn't particularly put much thought on the outfit, or if the outfit is a variation of something I've posted before and hence would be too similar.

And in particular about you, I enjoy your WIWs!

Anonymous

I consider myself a regular on the forum now, but I don't post WIW's all that often. Personally I find multiple posts from one member hard to sort out and keep up with. I am less likely to look at them when there are several a day, or many in a week. It's purely a case of spreading oneself too thin, I think. Kind of the way I approach instagram and Facebook. I know that everyone is different though, and no-one is ever "forced" to read anything. But I do skip over posts that seem repetitive or get into subjects I'm not really interested in (i.e. Kibbe stuff, style descriptors etc) . I like WIW's with questions, or ideas and commentary behind them. WIW's that relate to things Angie has featured on her morning blog posts are also fun to read.

I don't post a ton because I don't feel what I wear every day is all that interesting that it needs to be photographed. I guess I'm the outlier who loves clothes and loves to dress as well as I can, but isn't creative enough with outfits to warrant much posting. I also would do it more often myself if I had the wherewithal to figure out a good camera, lighting, mirror, remote timer etc, thus generating good quality photos.

Shannon is a great example of someone who posts daily, and in a concise , fun read with good pictures. Mary too.

Sara L.

Veteran

I post WIW's to get feedback on outfits because I don't get much in my daily life. I work in a small office with mostly men (although my office merged with another one and we have gotten a little bigger now) who don't comment on (or probably even notice) outfits. I usually ask questions about outfits in the WIW's, but I'll occasionally post a specific question about an item under "dressing".

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

WIWs are my favorite aspect of the forum. I like to see how people build on ideas that Angie floats, what trends they are picking up on, how people are dressing in different regions -- basically real women in what they really wear. It has been truly inspirational to me. I post WIWs mostly because I feel like it adds to the forum if a bunch of different people are doing it, not so much because I am feeling mega-fab on any given day.

Sal

Veteran

I have enjoyed many of your outfits Tr3kkiegirl - I don't always comment, and I have probably missed some. I like your modern retro looks in particular.

I admire the more regular WIW posters because I do it only sporadically. Partly because I repeat a lot, partly my house is not ideal, partly because DH would not understand at all, and partly because of laziness.

Anonymous

I personally enjoy reading WIWs. I love looking at the photos and hearing from the poster had to say about their thought process. I also tend to learn a lot from people that post often.

Gaylene

Veteran

I think those who post WIW outfits frequently make up for those of us who don't post WIWs, so post in my place whenever you want!

We've had lots of discussions over the years as to how different members can contribute to the forum and the general consensus has always been for everyone to do what feels comfortable as long as Angie's guidelines are followed; the YLF umbrella is big enough to hold all of us, as long as we are respectful and considerate of each other.

Personally, the WIW aspect of the forum has always been the least interesting to me; I stick around because of the lively problem-solving discussions and analyses--exactly the areas that some of the other ladies find boring. It's this kind of diversity that makes YLF such a unique fashion site

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I like reading people's WIW's. It gives a glimpse into their personality and that context enables me to post more helpfully when someone does ask a question about their outfit.

E

Veteran

If style is a hobby, then posting an outfit photo isn't really different from posting, say, a finished knitted object or an amazing photograph you took on your last photo walk or that table you built by hand. In all of those cases, you're sharing the final result of your hobby! So I don't view it as any more or less narcissistic than chatting about any hobby. It's human & healthy to want to engage with others who share our interests.

I love seeing members' WIWs (in fact, it was the photo policy change that pushed me from lurker to active status, because I missed seeing what everyone was wearing), and I realise it takes a certain amount of time/energy to regularly post them (hence my own more sporadic contributions), so I appreciate everyone who does so!

Anonymous

I'm commenting again because I'm not sure why I was so cranky with my first reply. Geez, with that kind of comment, I'll be lucky if anyone views ANY of my WIW's! I like WIW's, and they are usually my favourite part of the forum. Etiquette-wise, you have your answer already - do what ever you want! We are all different here, and as I said earlier, although i am a regular and have been for almost a year now, I don't post many WIW's. I think we all get to know whose posts we relate to the best, and make sure to view those first when we are pressed for time. I like looking at ones that relate to something recently discussed on the forum, and those that show a new piece on someone I already know, or those asking for opinions and suggestions.

Anyways, I apologize for my crabbiness earlier - can I chalk it up to end of Feb winter blues?

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I'm kind of a "Whatever will be will be" poster. Sometimes a week's worth, sometimes a day or two, sometimes an entire month. Whatever. It's all goodie I'll even post a repeat from time to time, but mostly I try to post new combinations or the results of playing in my closet after reading Angie's ensemble posts. I love seeing posts from others as I have learned so much about dressing, fashion, you name it.

Re: etiquette, posts and comments should always be constructive and not destructive. Other than that, just have fun with fashion!

trekkiegirl

Veteran

Maybe the reason I worry that too many WIW posts might be viewed as narcissistic is because that is how my hubby would view it lol

But I really like E's point of style being a hobby and viewing it that way.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Interesting question. I've been lurking here for years, but only became active relatively recently. I think WIW is one of the best features of the forum, because sharing outfits is one of the best ways we can understand each other and our aesthetic preferences.

It's important to me to hold up my own choices to the scrutiny of people who are also thinking about clothes so I can get constructive feedback. I'm trying to understand my own style choices so I can make better ones in the future. So in that respect, I want to hold myself accountable. What I'm wearing is part of the conversation I want to have, and I can't solicit advice from people who can't see what I look like and how I get dressed.

I really like what E says about wanting to share something you enjoy or find interesting. And of course, I love looking at what others are wearing. I don't always comment, because frankly anyone who looks like they're enjoying themselves and making an effort is fine by me, and that goes for everyone in here.

So I'm posting a cross-section of looks so folks can see how I get dressed in different styles for different occasions and I can get feedback and develop my style in all those areas. And thereby understand the whole thing better myself. Does that make sense?

Beth Ann

Veteran

I like it when newer forum members post a lot of WIW --- it gives me, over time, a better sense of their style. I'm not posting much now (home redo means I'm in painting clothes a lot), but when I want particular feedback, I'll ask a specific questions and often put it in bold. Since I write a lot of text, the bold text lets people skim and give feedback in less time.

MsMary

Veteran

Thanks for the shout-out, lisap! I generally try to post daily WIW's and yes, I admit to being a bit of a narcissist. But mainly, as others have noted, fashion is my hobby and my creative outlet and it's fun to have a record and get feedback. I went through a phase where I was completely bogged down with other things and didn't post as much, and started to think the forum was better off without me, and then Angie kindly said that she thought my officewear was a nice addition to the forum and that was all the encouragement I needed to get back to it! LOL

Anyway, I bat for Team Post What Makes You Happy.

jackiec

Veteran

I love looking at WIWs and I tend to post in groups of a past week, or like Suz, if I do an Angie ensemble then on that day. Yeah, sometimes it feels a little narcissistic, but at the same time I find it helpful to see my own trends, ruts, changes, etc. There are always helpful comments and often suggestions I'd never think of on my own. I go in waves. I get inspiration from other WIW's and I like to see how others have interpreted what they've learned here as well. And I love the creativity. Helps me stretch my brain. I try to comment as much as possible but get interrupted so many times these days.