what-to-wear tips for headshots and branding portraits

What you wear represents the style, vibe, and story of you (and your brand). It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing every detail, including your outfit. Ask yourself, What message do I want my photos to send?

Fit Comes First

Choosing clothing that fits well should be your top priority. Avoid anything too tight or too loose. When your clothes fit comfortably, you’ll naturally look and feel more confident in your photos.

The Power of Structure

Structured clothing and fabrics are a hack. Adding just one structured piece can elevate your look instantly. For example, a tailored blazer is a classic choice, but if that’s not your vibe here are a couple other examples; you can pair a professional silk top with a nice clean structured pant, a flowy skirt with a tailed vest or a sweater with a pencil skirt. The mix of structure and softness creates balance and photographs beautifully.

Don’t Forget the Foundation

Even the perfect outfit can be ruined by the wrong undergarments. Make sure your bra and underwear fit well and won’t show through or create lines.

Look for Elevated Basics

Elevated basics to take your outfit to the next level. An elevated basic is an everyday clothing item like a t-shirt, jeans, pants, jacket, etc that has a unique feature, superior quality or thoughtful design detail that takes it from ordianry to refined. It could be pleate, ruffle, neckline, crop, piping, etc.

Bring Options

Plan ahead and bring options! I always incourage my clients to bring more than we’ll need so we can decide together what photographs best.

Add Personality

Above all, your outfit should reflect you. Personality can come through in color, jewelry, pattern, accessories, or even shoes. Don’t be afraid to incorporate something that feels true to your style, it makes your headshots look more authentic and less “cookie-cutter.”