You might not be at Kylie Jenner levels (yet) but there’s plenty of proof that you can turn your Instagram into a lucrative career. Step forward Marta Lungo, also known as @thestylethesaurus. The fashion enthusiast was born in Africa and is now based in the UK, sharing her vibrant style with over 25,000 followers. Here, Marta dishes on her insider IG secrets…
How did you become a fashion influencer?
I have always been fascinated with the world of fashion. I love the process of creating something beautiful and seeing the end result. The idea of being in love with a creation from the moment you first think of it until you see the end result. When I was in college, I started modelling, but it never quite worked out so instead I used my passion for styling and editing to create something I enjoy doing on Instagram.
What’s been the key to your success as an Instagram fashion influencer?
Being exposed to different fashion accounts has really helped grow my following. I tag brands in my outfit photos and occasionally, big accounts will regram me so my images are exposed to entirely new audiences that I would never normally have access to. I also don’t pretend to have an extravagant lifestyle and I think people can see that and so hopefully believe in my authenticity. It’s all about building that trust.
As a fashion influencer, any secrets to the perfect OOTD shot?
Natural lighting. That’s actually my greatest challenge living in England! I do try to create as much content as possible when it’s sunny. In regards to styling, I wear whatever feels good. That’s what style is all about – it’s your own interpretation of fashion. Personally, I am a big fan of midi pleated skirts with off-the-shoulder tops, brightly coloured clothes and a unique spin that reflects my personality.
How do you nail that Insta pose?
My best poses have always been a moving pose. When I’m shooting, I think about how I move during my day to day then do it in slow motion. Try it! It makes for a more natural image. I would also recommend making the most of a prop, whether it’s a clutch or a camera, or lean on a wall to make your photo look more casual. When it comes to a backdrop, I’m not keen on anything that is too busy. I prefer a clean wall that makes my outfit pop.
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If you are a photographer and you can’t pose – Are you even a real photographer? ??????????????
Do you use a professional photographer?
No, it’s my husband who helps me to shoot. He’s not a professional photographer but he prefers to be the person behind the camera than someone else. I do the editing of all my photos and videos. I taught myself how to edit photos in Lightroom and never looked back. Practice makes perfect!
What Insta brands are you loving?
I love Sezane and Zara as well as Silvia Tcherassi, Ganni, Acler, Self Portrait, Johanna Ortiz, River Island, ASOS and H&M.
As a fashion influencer where do you look for inspo?
My African culture has a huge inspiration and influence on how I want my feed to look. But I also love browsing magazines. My images are a perfect combination of Africa meets Europe.
Which fashion accounts do you admire?
- @asiyami_gold – She has an incredible mind, her creativity is insane
- @aimeesong – I have read a lot about her story and I admire her determination
- @haute_pursuit_ ย – She just has a really cool vibe and I love that
- @natashandlovu – have been following her work for a long time, she’s very talented. She deserves more credit in the industry.
- @happilygrey – She gives the sense of being chic but also comfortable in her own skin and I get that.
- @monikh – She’s doing a fantastic job and breaking barriers and I love that.
Any tips for avoiding Insta cliches?
Don’t try to create a lifestyle online that you don’t have. It will cost you your self-esteem and well-being. Impressing people online is not worth it! If you want to impress someone, start by impressing yourself. Get to know yourself, learn something new, cherish your mental health above everything else.
“If you want to impress someone, start by impressing yourself.”
What do you to up engagement?
Consistency is key and learn to talk to your audience. There’s a fine balance between making your personal life a reality TV show through social media and talking honestly to your audience. To me, finding that balance is crucial. My account focuses on fashion so I might share my favourite pieces this season and give advice on how to style a particular piece. I also think it’s important to talk about current topics like happiness and personal well-being.
How should brands work with influencers?
Collaboration is vital. Brands should be open to listening to an influencer’s ideas and not just approach them with a set plan that gives no room for negotiation or to make a brief their own. There are many influencers who do a fantastic job of creating engaging content and it’s become their only way of paying the bills so they should be rewarded for the hard work but brands often assume that all an influencer wants is a freebie. No matter how many followers they have, what they stand for or what race they are, pay them for their work as you would in any other industry.
“Brands often assume that all an influencer wants is a freebie.”
Finally, how is Instagram a force for good?
We can’t control what other people do but we can acknowledge how we let social media affect us. I only follow accounts that make me feel good and ignore the users who try to bring me down. I always remember the good sides of social media: Instagram has given many women like me the opportunity to work in fashion when I may never have had the chance to. It’s also allowed me to build a platform where I can share something I’m very passionate about. That’s pretty amazing.
