What to Wear During Your Portrait Session
Often times, clients wonder which outfits will provide for the best outcome of their photo session. These choices can feel overwhelming at times, so here are some simple tips to help you prepare.
Try to reflect your personal style through your outfit choices, and make sure you are comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. This will help to provide the most authentic feeling for your portraits.
Solids and simple patterns help your photographs look less "busy" and keep the focus on you; try to avoid very busy patterns. Refrain from wearing all black or all white; add in some color to give your photos depth and character. Calming neutrals coordinate well with most backgrounds. Consider the color of the surroundings you will be in and create a nice flow for your portraits by complimenting your outfit colors with your surroundings. If you are going for a bold look or prefer black and white editing, bold colors will work as well; however, in most cases, neutrals work best.
Think about the areas of your body you love and areas you would like to go more unnoticed, then dress accordingly to flatter your body shape in the best way. Generally, more fitted clothing looks better in photos than loose clothing, and at least a partial sleeve looks better than thin shoulder straps. Dresses and skirts with a hemline around knee length or longer tend to look best and are most comfortable to maneuver around in during the session.
Dressing in layers helps to provide texture and depth to enhance your portraits. Consider adding a sweater or jacket to wear over your blouse or shirt. Also, do not be afraid to accessorize! Jewelry, classic hats (without logos), scarves, and belts are a great way to make your outfit stand out. Remember your shoes are a great way to accessorize and may show in some of your photographs.
Your portraits will look best if your outfits are free from logos or writing. Check to ensure your outfit is wrinkle-free and does not have any tears or missing buttons.
Undergarments are important to consider when choosing your outfit. Ensure undergarment straps or colors are not visible to create a clean and sophisticated look for your portraits.
If you are going to be changing outfits, it is best to have casual choices and a more formal option. Casual outfits can include jeans, a jean jacket, leggings, blouses, sweaters, khakis, and button-down shirts. Formal options can include dresses and suit jackets. Consider classy, timeless looks to ensure stunning portraits during any time period.
If you will be taking photos with someone or a group of people, focus on coordinating colors or a color scheme rather than trying to perfectly match your outfits. For example, asking everyone to wear shades of a specific color will work well and ensure cohesiveness.
Your outfit choices should be a reflection of you! Pinterest is a great place to browse for inspiration and ideas. A little planning ahead for what to wear will help make your portrait day fun and stress-free!
With love,
Kristin Nicole <3