Within the last few decades, the rise of the fashion industry has also accentuated the growing presence of "power blogger" culture. They constantly update their readers about their Outfits of the Week (OOTW), their most recent trip to the tropics, their latest clothing or beauty haul, their life-changing experience at New York Fashion Week, or any other big show. As a result, each blogger's mass of followers looks up to them and their ecclectic life of high fashion, of sponsorships, of luxury. But as the years go on, I've noticed a more stark trend within the blogging world: for many, fashion isn't about loud individuality anymore. And here's what I mean.

A WhoWhatWear article from last month details the "seven things every single fashion blogger owns." The title itself raises yellow flags for me and reading the article only strengthens my suspicions. The list goes as follows: ripped-knee black jeans, a Chloé crossbody bag, "a collection of dainty jewels," a halter bikini top, "the perfect pair of Levi's jeans," a slouchy knit sweater (as a sweater freak, I can agree with this one) and a white off-the-shoulder top or dress. There's nothing wrong with these items individually, but the umbrella called "Every Single Fashion Blogger" is a questionable phrase to use. Not only does it impose the idea that every blogger on this planet has all seven items, but it also acts as a sweeping generalization against those who don't have these things. If everyone has the same "it" items, then where's the fun in representing our own stylistic preferences? As it seems, I'm not the only one who thinks this:

To further prove this point, let's take a small sample of another WWW article that discusses the style evolution of the world's top bloggers.

What do these lovely ladies have in common? You guessed it. All of their new and "improved" looks consist of classic cuts and monochromatic color schemes. Many people love the minimalist concept, including myself, because it's the epitome of simplicity, sophistication and maturity. More than anything, it looks pleasing to the eyes. But these bloggers' older looks are just as great. Sure, they may not be as glammed-up as they are now, but they stuck with their taste and made it show.

I believe there's another side of the minimalism movement that people tend to overlook. Fashion is a fast-paced industry and new arrivals come and go within the blink of an eye. After a while, everything blurs into each other and they start to look the same. Outfits are becoming close cousins of one another; designs don't deviate far from the pre-established norm. Bloggers are earning bigger bucks and are supported by bigger businesses, so they have to portray a certain outward appearance to the public through their attire. In conclusion? Experimentation has become tacky. We subconsciously criticize a fashion blogger's beginnings and applaud their "updated and upgraded" look. Being a bit outrageous in our fashion choices has lost its edge.

Of course, style changes over time. There's nothing wrong with tweaking your wardrobe here and there as you get older and outgrow your past favorites. My point is that your personal taste should transcend the S/S or F/W collections that switch out once the leaves change. Classics cuts are always a welcome addition to your closet (they're perfect for workplaces and other business-related affairs), but too much of it can eliminate the spark that labels a certain look as your own.'

All photos taken from Pinterest.