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Wondering: More comments on certain kinds of outfits?

ironkurtin

Veteran

Has anyone noticed trends on what kinds of outfits get more comments on the forum? Say, dressier vs more casual, or more feminine vs. less feminine, or traditional vs edgier? I'm not talking about Angie, but the forum at large. Just curious.

General

28 replies

Latest reply was from Patty

jayne

Veteran

Nope, I cannot say that one type does. But I see some get alot and some don't. I myself actually don't comment if someone else said what I would have or if I don't have an opinion. I also try to comment on the ones with low comments, and sometimes don't bother if there are lots of comments already. But I always did stick up for the underdog!

ManidipaM

Veteran

I think it was Mo who said casual begets less enthusiasm than dressy, and I've personally noticed we often offer ideas to 'dress up' a casual-looking or 'unfinished' outfit (two pieces instead of three, sans accessories, gets a lot of this) --- but what if a person prefers casual and minimal? I'd guess a single piece (say just a dress... well, okay, two with shoes) can be pretty impactful, depending on who's wearing it... but does it seem too simple or too little effort though?

Also, I personally suspect edgy gets more comment than traditional --- unless of course it is EXOTIC traditional, like mine, which inevitably get more comment.

Not sure of feminine vs non-feminine though.

rae

(website)

Veteran

My theory is that people tend to comment most on looks they can relate to. Since many here work in an office setting, it's easier to relate to, be interested in, and have the working knowledge to comment intelligently on the dressier looks. Casual dressing is hard! If you hardly ever dress down, you may not have a lot to say.

I think next popular would be when a new trend is put into action - personally, I look to these for How-To examples.

K/R or Keep/Toss posts seem especially popular and easy to commment on, too.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I can't speak for others so will relate what I tend to comment on: I work full time in a corporate setting that has a business/business casual dress code (except for Fridays when we are allowed to wear denim). As a result, I tend to view and comment on posts that are in that same vein - I can relate and provide comments based on my own experiences, I can pick up ideas to use myself, etc.

As for less commentary on casual outfits, I suspect you are right although I don't believe it's any sort of deliberate snub. As Rae pointed out, casual is difficult and if you don't dress that way alot you may not have anything constructive to add to the discussion.

I love looking at and commenting on posts/outfits that are a style very different than my own. I find this a great way to expand my sense of style.

I try to comment on all keep/return keep/toss threads as I so appreciate when I receive feedback on mine.

ironkurtin

Veteran

How interesting that people think that casual is difficult! (Just a side note.)

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I'm not sure... I don't really know how relatable my own outfits are to a lot of people. In addition to my sometimes weird/arty style, I have an odd job situtation in that I usually post work outfits (so not MOTG type outfits) but I do not work in a business or even business casual setting. Lab setting is very casual (I am more dressed up than the norm usually, but I do wear a lot of jeans, for example) and my lab dress rules (unlike Tanya's for example) are very relaxed/nonexistent so I can pretty much wear whatever weird things I want. I guess what I am trying to say is that I think my work situation and my personal style put me in a very small style niche. (But this is a good thing! Individuality/uniqueness in style is a huge thing for me.)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Casual is difficult if it's not your regular dressing style, just as corporate or formal can be difficult for someone who has a casual dressing style. It's just not your norm so it can be confusing or overwhelming, you know?

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I came to YLF because I was evolving. I wanted a style overhaul. I started posting outfits because I couldn't fix the problems myself. The hill seemed too high to climb and when I looked in the mirror, I just couldn't figure out how to fix the disaster staring me in the face. When I post outfits it is because I want feedback on how to make them better - except sometimes I will state that I felt great while I was wearing something. In that case I may be posting to illustrate a point of why I felt like something worked or how my style has evolved, or just something new and fun in my wardrobe. Even in those cases, I want honest feedback. When another forum member posts that they have very strong aesthetic and sense of personal style, it makes me feel like they are not really looking for feedback or suggestions, and they are posting for other reasons... perhaps I am misreading the situation?

christieanne

Veteran

I wonder is it's a question of when the outfit is posted? I have more time in the mid mornings to read and think about every post so if the WIW is early, I can typically chime in. Any of the dinner time/after work posts I have to sort of wade through randomly unless I have a bought of insomnia and then I am searching for things to comment.
Maybe it's my Pacific time zone thing - we are always behind.

Patty

Veteran

Also depends on who you are--it seems frequent posters get more responses in general --no one reads my posts so I can say that coz no one will read this lol.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Patty, I read your posts. (And I have been thinking of you, too!! Wondering how it went??)

Okay, back to the subject at hand: I have not done a careful study of this. But it's my impression that the posts that get the most comments are:

1. From frequent posters, meaning people who comment a lot on others' threads as well as post their own pics. It's only natural that we want to reciprocate.

2. From new posters. We try to be welcoming here!

3. From much-missed posters who haven't posted in a while. Because we miss them!

4. K/R, because we all know how helpful these can be.

I think Christie's also got a really good point about time of day. I know for me, posting (especially these days) is time related; I don't have time to dig back in the threads so I will post about the ones that catch my eye quickly when I take a short break at work.

There are also certain posters that I "follow" a bit more carefully, for want of a better word—either because I sense I can learn from them for some reason (body type similarities, similar aesthetic...or very DIFFERENT aesthetic, similar work-at-home lifestyle), or because they joined around the same time as I did and I feel we're on the journey together, or perhaps for some other reason.

I would like to keep up with everybody to the exact same degree, but it's not always possible. So as Jayne said, I'll sometimes not post if there are already a lot of comments and I don't have anything to add, and contrariwise, I'll make a special effort to post if it looks as if someone has got lost in the shuffle.

Anonymous

I think there are many factors that go into what posts get more commentary.

About WIWs, I do believe that to some extent, posts that contain or follow the mainstream YFL aesthetic at the moment : i.e. Pencil skirts, pattern mixing, colorful ensembles, get a lot of comments. I think the reason being is that if something follows what's known to work, or the poster is one to always get rave reviews, one could me more comfortable in providing feedback that is likely to be on point, because it is easier to critique.

Also, it does depend on who the poster is, and how active is that person in the forum.

As far as the K/Rs, I have not noticed a pattern.

I agree that the business casual looks gather more attention, due to the fact that there are many of us in a corporate environment. However, I think that a lot of the business casual looks we do here, fall outside of what you can really do in a more traditional office environment. I think the YLF "business casual" look is more along the lines of "creative casual", but that's another topic. As a matter of fact, I don't think the more rigid corporate business casual look is vastly represented in the forum.

Jonesy

Veteran

I agree with everyone's comments. I think there are lots of factors involved! I think the biggest one is how active someone is. Another aspect that does affect things, IMHO, is the picture quality (lower quality or hard-to-see outfits received fewer detailed comments). When someone is using a tripod, it makes it so much easier to see everything and make sensible comments about fit, proportions, etc.

Meredith1953

Veteran

I try to read and respond for sure to posts that "look like they got lost in the shuffle". I also try to respond to posts that are K/R because we all know how valuable that is and I know I depend on it so that I don't make terrible choices sometimes. There are people I tend to follow more, either because I just love and want to wear their outfits, but I also love following some people who dress very differently from me.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

So many good points raised. The forum is very active and getting busier by the day which means even the most active members are not able to post on all threads.

There are posts I comment on because we share a style goal, or have a similar lifestyle or I have simply formed a relationship with the person over time BUT their styles are not identical and run from dressy to casual, edgy to classic.

There is a perfect synergy between the blog and forum and it is only natural that many WIW's reflect (pattern mixing) or react against (maxi skirts) recent blog posts and in turn garner more attention.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, we had a big drawn out discussion on this some months back! If you have the patience to read a bit lol http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-indulgent
I think there is something to the idea that we comment on what is relateable to us, and what we personally find appealing. And, yes, I do believe that certain looks garner more attention and feedback.
(as noted on my kind of rant here @@ http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....uggestions)

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I always appreciate getting comments on my posts, both WIW and K/R's. And I try hard to reciprocate, but work, kids, life gets in the way and as much as I'd like to I can't get to every thread even if I pop in and out throughout the day during work breaks and after the kids are asleep, so I miss a lot. I do tend to follow certain frequent posters who I've gotten to know their style and it meshes with mine (like Shannon and MaryK, to give just a couple examples, but there are many others who I've become familiar with)--I will click on their posts to get inspiration for my own work outfits. Or if I aspire to their style, like the UWP brigade (Una, Rae, RandomThoughts, etc). Or if their style is very different from mine but kind of edgy and avant garde (like Andrea Wheatley, annagybe, nicoleb) I'll look just for fun. I do need more inspiration for casual MOTG and warm weather outfits so I'm keeping an eye out for that lately.

I also try to respond to any thread that says "First WIW" because that takes a lot of bravery. Or if a WIW has very few responses. Or if someone sounds like they are asking help or are feeling frustrated or down and need cheering up. And then just randomly click on posts when I have time, esp. if the picture or title catches my eye--the more interesting or descriptive the title is, the better. Like what effect you're going for or what items you're wearing, not just saying "WIW today." And finally, I always try to click on any post where someone is discussing or ruminating about their style, like "style epiphany" or "style rubric" or whatever. That always fascinates me, so that gets my attention!

BTW, I always like your posts too IK! You're very aware of your style and of fashion in general! I learn a lot from you!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There is truth is all the reasons that are mentioned here as to why some outfit posts get more traffic than others. It's a very complicated question to answer and I do not want to make strong generalizations. That said, I really resonated with what Julie, Jonesy and Suz said.

As far as my own commenting goes, I read most of the forum when I am in Seattle, but do not comment on all of the threads because of time constraints. That's why I prioritize the following threads:

- Ask Angie's

- Threads with few comments that get lost in the shuffle

- Threads that require style guidance

- Newcomers who need to feel welcome

- Threads that have clearly taken a lot of photographic effort

- Real Time Posts

- Controversial topics

- I also like to encourage the very active members who keep making this forum tick.

I do not stay away from threads just because I do not want to comment negatively on an outfit, or because it's already received 30 comments. I try to spread myself as fairly and as evenly as possible - I really, really try

I am also sensitive *not* to offer feedback on outfits that did not ask for feedback.

KikiG

Veteran

If I have limited time (which, is usually!), I usually focus first on the posters who have similar body shapes to mine. I'm thinking that I'm built a lot like Transcona Shannon (and we are about the same age) so I can get a lot of good ideas from her, and I bet if I went back and looked, I've made more comments to her photos than others. And I love to hear about Claire and dressing her ladies! But beyond that, since I pop in during stolen moments, it is just hit or miss.

Lisa

Veteran

I try to comment on as many posts as I can. I enjoy seeing others style and I try to help when there are questions. I also try to thank those that comment on my own posts. I really do appreciate everyone's efforts to post and comment.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I've noticed a few patterns! I agree that frequent and longtime posters get huge amounts of traffic - and fairly so, since they are probably commenting and participating so much on others' threads and friendships have developed. The give-and-take is really important. Also, if they really put themselves out there with their thoughts and ruminations, and express themselves articulately and warmly. For me, it's about: 1) Commenting on the outfits of posters who comment on our own posts - the reciprocating courtesy, and the fact that we become more familiar and fond of those who post on our threads! Hee. 2) First WIWs - very scary and needing encouragement. 3) Outfits that are very daring/different/spectacular/a huge departure from what they normally post. 4) Keep/Returns - truly in need of immediate assistance. 5) Special event outfits like weddings or job interviews. Exciting! 6) People who you've been following for a variety of reasons - you relate to their style journey or aesthetic in general; you have had good rapport with them in the past, or found them to be exceedingly appreciative or pleasant to communicate with, etc. 7) Posters who are unsure of themselves, express genuine anxieties or insecurities -where I think I can offer empathy or encouragement. Just my two cents!

Mo, I found your moon-induced rant hilarious, actually! Sorry I missed that post! (Your ski-bunny outfit was awesome, btw, especially the boots!)

Traci

Veteran

I find this forum to be very very positive. It's not something I would change, it's something I adore about this space and definitely a huge contributor to me being willing to post my own wiw, but it also definitely makes me pause before I comment on a wiw if I don't absolutely love an outfit or have a clear idea of how it could be made better.

...and there's the busy thing and the timing thing and getting to know a poster's personality and lifestyle thing.

Vix

Veteran

I am not denying there are patterns/differences depending on time zones and poster cred and related-to-an-Angie-post/blog entry but:

I swear the #1 way for a thread to be full of crickets or a topic to be MIA on the forum is for it to be something I'm interested in.

If I need dressy ideas, everyone wants to talk about or praise uber-casual. If I'm trying to ramp up my business/creative casual or weekend looks, everyone's all excited about more straight-laced, minimalist looks. If I want to hear others talk about their style journey everyone's into action.

Or so it seems.

ps Patty! I miss your threads...though I'm now paranoid I didn't respond to them, ha.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think all the factors mentioned play a part. For me it is also my mood - sometimes I am more awake and have more to say. I also tend not to comment on very long threads if I don't have anything new to add. But not always - sometimes I figure you can never get enough You Look Fabs.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I was thinking about what Modgirl said. I love reading everyone's text posts, but I also feel like it's easier for me to "get to know" someone's tastes and style through actual photographs and WIW type posts. Maybe it's because I'm a very "visually" oriented person. It feels like I get to know someone better when I can see them and they can see me through photos.

Along these lines, I post WIW outfits as a participation kind of a thing. I'm not always looking for feedback on an outfit, but I always appreciate getting it, even if I don't specifically ask for it. When I was first here, I did post a lot of WIW outfits and ask for help so I could figure out how to dress better. I am always learning. But now I feel like there are other reasons I post WIWs in addition to posting just to get feedback. Does that make sense? I feel like it helps me be more a part of the community on YLF. And that's why I take the time to post outfits at all. Because that's important to me, even though I don't have as much time and energy to spend here as I wish I did.

Tanya

Veteran

Lot of good points have already been made. My internet time is very random, sometimes I will have whole evenings to spend on YLF, and sometimes I won't be able to participate for a couple of days in the row. When Id o get on, I try to comment on as many different threads as possible.

My WIWs are, like Ana, more of of about a a sharing experience a this point and being part of the YLF community. I will sometimes ask a particular question regarding an outfit, but most of the time not. However, I greatly appreciate any feedback and suggestions!

Sara L.

Veteran

Unfortunately the forum just moves too quickly for me to read and comment on a lot of the posts. I don't have a huge amount of time between work, kids and other activities. I try to get on 2 or 3 days a week and actually make comments. I might check in a couple other times and just read what's going on even if I don't have time to comment. I definitely feel that some posts get lost in the shuffle and plainer, less daring and/or colorful outfits seem to get less comments.

I feel like the feedback I get from the forum is always very helpful. I always get great ideas that I can use not just on the item in question, but other areas too.

Patty

Veteran

Well Vix you missed some mind altering stuff LOL-- NOT!!! ;+)
Wanna throw some love out to your threads tho!!!!!

Oh my, what is IK gonna think?