What to Wear and How to Prepare
Follow these simple suggestions to help you look incredible in your portraits
These tips are here to help you think of ideas for preparing for your shoot, but are definitely not rules and are not required, or even necessary for everybody. Just choose what fits in with your budget, lifestyle, and current beauty regimen, and go from there!
Bring 5-6 Outfits
Your portraits should be a reflection of you, just more polished.
Your portraits should be a reflection of you, just more polished.
Colors
While a wild pattern can be fun on occasion, I am most drawn to solid tones, which look clean and flattering in photos. Here are some of my favorite go-to color options to consider incorporating into your wardrobe to create diversity.
1. A dark, neutral look, such as black or charcoal
2. A light, neutral look, such as white or oatmeal or nude
3. A bold colored look, such as sapphire blue, ruby red, bright pink, emerald green
4. A soft colored look, such as dusty pink, baby blue, sage green, salmon, lavender
Textures
Sumptuous textures, like like lace, sequin, silk, denim, leather, fur, velvet, chiffon, cotton, etc, lend a rich, tactile element to your photos. Delicious.
Flatter Your Arms
If arms are a "trouble zone" for you, pass on cap sleeves and consider a 3/4 sleeve or longer. To show a little shoulder without fully baring arms, try an off-the-shoulder long sleeve top- you can even add a scarf of cardigan, which can be draped over the arms to show just a hint of skin. You can also layer with an outer sheer shirt.
Fit Your Form
Regardless of your body type, fitted clothes that show off your shape work best. Skip that billowy, blouson top, or anything with dolman or batwing sleeves. While they might be flattering in person, they will not be slimming in camera. This applies to all body types. Choose outfits that will hug your curves, especially your hips, waist, arms, and chest.
Consider Necklines
Mixing up necklines will add variety- I love seeing your collar bone and shoulders, so off-the-shoulder and sweetheart are great choices, and I also love a fitted turtleneck or comfy scoop-neck sweater.
Accessorize
Statement necklaces, dangly earrings, colorful scarf, thick glasses, headbands, sunglasses, floppy hats, boots, heels, stacked bracelets, etc. are all fair game. I also have a collection of beautiful flower crowns at the studio to optionally incorporate, along with basics like studs, hoops, and other accessories to supplement your own jewelry for your photo shoot.
Forget Shoes
Unless you have a special pair you’re dying to photograph, there’s really no need to worry about the shoes you’ll wear. Most images won’t show your feet at all, and if some do, bare feet will add an organic feel to your portraits.
While a wild pattern can be fun on occasion, I am most drawn to solid tones, which look clean and flattering in photos. Here are some of my favorite go-to color options to consider incorporating into your wardrobe to create diversity.
1. A dark, neutral look, such as black or charcoal
2. A light, neutral look, such as white or oatmeal or nude
3. A bold colored look, such as sapphire blue, ruby red, bright pink, emerald green
4. A soft colored look, such as dusty pink, baby blue, sage green, salmon, lavender
Textures
Sumptuous textures, like like lace, sequin, silk, denim, leather, fur, velvet, chiffon, cotton, etc, lend a rich, tactile element to your photos. Delicious.
Flatter Your Arms
If arms are a "trouble zone" for you, pass on cap sleeves and consider a 3/4 sleeve or longer. To show a little shoulder without fully baring arms, try an off-the-shoulder long sleeve top- you can even add a scarf of cardigan, which can be draped over the arms to show just a hint of skin. You can also layer with an outer sheer shirt.
Fit Your Form
Regardless of your body type, fitted clothes that show off your shape work best. Skip that billowy, blouson top, or anything with dolman or batwing sleeves. While they might be flattering in person, they will not be slimming in camera. This applies to all body types. Choose outfits that will hug your curves, especially your hips, waist, arms, and chest.
Consider Necklines
Mixing up necklines will add variety- I love seeing your collar bone and shoulders, so off-the-shoulder and sweetheart are great choices, and I also love a fitted turtleneck or comfy scoop-neck sweater.
Accessorize
Statement necklaces, dangly earrings, colorful scarf, thick glasses, headbands, sunglasses, floppy hats, boots, heels, stacked bracelets, etc. are all fair game. I also have a collection of beautiful flower crowns at the studio to optionally incorporate, along with basics like studs, hoops, and other accessories to supplement your own jewelry for your photo shoot.
Forget Shoes
Unless you have a special pair you’re dying to photograph, there’s really no need to worry about the shoes you’ll wear. Most images won’t show your feet at all, and if some do, bare feet will add an organic feel to your portraits.
With the chance to wear several different outfits, you can aim for a variety of styles. Use these ideas below to help guide you as you look through your closet and shop for new looks.
I've created a Pinterest board full of inspiration- click to view.
I've created a Pinterest board full of inspiration- click to view.
Casual Chic Styles
This look is perfect for when you want to look stylish and laid-back, but not too "done-up". Achieve the perfect blend of casual and chic by mixing something informal, like a pair of jeans, with dressy elements, like heels and simple jewelry.
Boho Styles
This comfortable, free-spirited style draws inspiration from the hippies, and embraces flowy fabrics, layers, bold colors, and earthy accessories.
Urban Styles
This street-inspired style layers bold colors and interesting fabrics, like leather and mesh, to create an edgy look that has attitude.
Dresses
I have an incredible collection of different dresses at my studio that you are welcome to borrow for your photo shoot. Click here to view the different options.
Professional Styles
Professional and sleek, these styles are perfect for business head shots and photos used for your professional personal branding.
Undergarments
Shapewear Slip
Shapewear is not just for curvy bodies! Shapewear lifts and smooths the form, making clothes fall in a more flattering way. These are also great for slipping on underneath any of my studio dresses that may have lace or see-through bits.
Shapewear is not just for curvy bodies! Shapewear lifts and smooths the form, making clothes fall in a more flattering way. These are also great for slipping on underneath any of my studio dresses that may have lace or see-through bits.
Nipple Covers/ Pasties
Some of my dresses are sheer, so having these on hand is always smart.
Some of my dresses are sheer, so having these on hand is always smart.
Bras
If you have never had a professional fit you for a bra, I highly recommend making this happen before your shoot. A nude and black strapless bra are both great to have on hand.
If you have never had a professional fit you for a bra, I highly recommend making this happen before your shoot. A nude and black strapless bra are both great to have on hand.
Skincare
Here are a few tips to help your skin look it's best for your photo shoot.
1. Do not pick or pop pimples. I highly suggest combating problem skin with an LED light mask.
2. Do not spray tan or allow yourself to sunburn.
3. Drink lots of water, starting now!
4. Start using a quality moisturizer.
5. If you have unwanted facial peach fuzz, consider a dermaplaning session a day or two before your shoot.
6. Start using a quality lip balm throughout the day.
7. Avoid sugars and refined carbs- fill your diet with colorful veggies, fruits, and complex carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, beans, brown rice, and oats.
If you have any questions on what to wear, how to prepare, or anything else I can help with, please don't hesitate to email me. I'm here to help!
1. Do not pick or pop pimples. I highly suggest combating problem skin with an LED light mask.
2. Do not spray tan or allow yourself to sunburn.
3. Drink lots of water, starting now!
4. Start using a quality moisturizer.
5. If you have unwanted facial peach fuzz, consider a dermaplaning session a day or two before your shoot.
6. Start using a quality lip balm throughout the day.
7. Avoid sugars and refined carbs- fill your diet with colorful veggies, fruits, and complex carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, beans, brown rice, and oats.
If you have any questions on what to wear, how to prepare, or anything else I can help with, please don't hesitate to email me. I'm here to help!
