eCommerce Styling Critique Jae Alvey

THE GOOD

The model is posed in a way that shows off the entire outfit without blocking any part of it. Her pose is relaxed and hair is pulled away from the face.

This pose shows movement, attitude, and displays the product without interruption. The angles of the arms add sharpness and accentuate the lines of the outfit.

WERK! This shot straight from the Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2015 runway is to live for. Hand placement, face, strut, everything is FLAWLESS. The ONLY suggestion would have been to sweep the hair a little out of the face but it honestly works.

While taken at a profile view, this photo sells the dress While taken at a profile view, this photo sells the dress. This emphasizes the most important feature of the dress, while still being realistic.

Free People has done the ingenious Free People has done the ingenious. They have used social media to show off their looks by letting Instagrammers become their stylists. This photo, though not standard( you can’t even SEE her face), is absolutely stunning. Not only would I buy that, but I’d send this photo all across the globe.

THE BAD

The model’s arm is nearly completely hidden from view The model’s arm is nearly completely hidden from view. Paired with a background only a few shades darker than her skin tone, the arm seems to disappear completely.

This photo confuses the viewer from what is being sold(the shoes) and distorts the normal human movements. The model on the left is also covering part of her face and her hands are positioned awkwardly.

This type of static posing may be great for the lower market sites, but for Armani, and for how extravagant the piece is, and for $2,679 this should have been shot in motion and with some sort of background so that the viewer could find relevance.

Not only is her facial expression incredibly distracting, but the awkward movement of her arms make her look like a flapping bird. This doesn’t reflect the sexiness of the bra and confuses more than entices.

I love Lena Dunham. I really do I love Lena Dunham. I really do. But this photo from nasty gal doesn’t sell me a trench coat as much as it makes me want to party it up with everyone’s favorite goofball. Not only is her leg cut OUT of the picture, but the facial expression and hand placement feels awkward, even for her.

Types of Styling

Using a completely white background places all focus on the product Using a completely white background places all focus on the product. This is very helpful in the non apparel market.

The use of solid background helps create an actual space, while the minimalism of it helps to keep the focus on the apparel.

Using a colored background can affect the mood of an outfit and can impact purchasing decisions. This can be a great tool in selling if a stylist knows their market.

Using photos straight off the runway is how Tom Ford’s team of stylists choose to show off their collections.

Lifestyle images SELL. Creating a genuine setting helps us connect the outfit back to everyday life.

Citations "Adette Dress." Anthropologie. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Armani at Armani Online Store." Armani.com-Online Store. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Chained to You Vintage Leather Body Chain." Nasty Gal. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "DELACACI: STEVE MADDEN." Steve Madden. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Emporio Armani Women Fur - RUNWAY FUR IN MULTICOLOURED KIDASSIA Emporio Armani Official Online Store."Armani.com-Online Store. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015 "Expressionist Sheath- Tabitha." Anthropologie. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Free People Holy Mountain Dress." Free People Clothing Boutique. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Free People Live For Your Smile Dress." Free People Clothing Boutique. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Lena Dunham: Not That Kind of Gal." Nasty Gal. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. Nasty Gal. "Melt Hearts, Break Rules." Nasty Gals Do It Better. Shop Clothing, Shoes & Vintage | Nasty Gal. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Savan Jacquard Gown." Anthropologie. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Winter Runaway on Free People." Free People Clothing Boutique. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "With The Band." Ladies Summer Shoes. STEVE MADDEN, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. "Womens Spring/Summer 2015 | Tom Ford Online Store." Tom Ford Online Store. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.