Choosing a wardrobe is often the most stressful part of a photo session of any type. But it feels (or at
least to me) like added pressure when It’s for your brand. This is exactly why we work together in our
planning meetings specifically on wardrobe choices. There is no one right formula of outfits for
everyone. Everyone has a different brand, story, style etc and therefore, should make different
wardrobe choices.
I recommend a minimum of 2 different looks. Ideally 3-5. This will depend on the type of session you
are booking a half vs full day. But more variety in your looks will give you many more options and give
longevity to your images.
Like my mentor, Coach Maddie, told me, think of your session like life. In life, you need your outfits you
wear to work, casual outfits you would maybe go for lunch with friends and dressier outfits for special
occasions. In a business there will be occasions where you need more casual photos, such as social
media, more business-like photos, such as marketing brochures and dressier photos such as for your
website. When choosing your wardrobe try and pick a variety of “dressiness” that you can use in all the
different places you will need them to match the style/level of finishing you’ll be wanting.

Let’s break this down to manageable chunks. Here are some guidelines to start with and then we will discuss it in detail in our planning meetings.

Categories to Bring

1. Bring one or two more casual outfits
2. Bring an outfit appropriate to your industry or career (think about what you actually wear to do your job)
3. Bring a more polished “business attire” option
4. Bring a more polished dressy option

Tips for Choosing Outfits

1. COLORS: Often times solid colors are the best choice. But if bold colors or patterns are on brand for you don’t’ be afraid of them! But try and limit it to one piece in your outfit. For example, a bold jacket can be paired with a solid pant and undershirt.
2. TEXTURE: Texture can be a very nice compliment in an outfit. Often times solid colors are a good choice to keep an outfit looking clean. But adding a solid colored item that has texture to it can really make it pop!
3. LAYERS: Layers are a great way to add variety with a minimal change. Bring a sweater or jacket and you can easily change a look by adding or removing it and changing your shoes.
4. ACCESSORIES: Don’t forget accessories. Be sure to finish your outfits with great accessories and an added bonus, sometimes they can be used as props too!
5. UNDERGARMENTS: Plan appropriate undergarments. You want to avoid bra straps and panty lines, these will bring the level of your photos down.
6. BRANDED CLOTHING: If you have branded clothing or accessories with logos etc on it, bring it and we can incorporate it in wardrobe or as props etc
7. AVOID: Avoid small close together strips, they can look very warped in photos. Also, small patterns with dark against light (such as a small back and white check) can look very busy.

Things to Keep in Mind

1. BRAND COLORS: Keep in mind your brand colors, your wardrobe does not need to be all brand
   colors but there might be occasions where you will want or need a photo which incorporates
   brand colors to make a cohesive look. It might be nice to have an outfit or two that either
   matches or blends well with your brand colors. Avoid colors that clash with your brand.
2. KEEP AN EYE ON FIT: Make sure your clothes fit well! Fit of your clothes will make the biggest
   difference in how you feel you look in the photos. Ill fitting clothing will detract from the
   polished looks. This is not to say you can not wear an oversized sweater or something like that.
   Just be sure the proportions are correct for the look you are going for.
3. APPROPRIATE TO YOUR CAREER: Pick clothing that is appropriate to your brand/career. For
   example, in my own brand photos, I typically do not wear a power suit. This is by choice
   because I never wear a suit in my career and therefore it does not feel on brand to me. Vice
   versa, a lawyer, would definitely want a suit to be one of their key looks as that is very on brand
   for them.
4. TRY ON YOUR OUTFITS: Be sure to try on all your outfits and even wear them around to make
   sure they fit well and you actually feel great in it!
5. YOU BE YOU: Pick outfits that feel very YOU. At the end of the day, brand photos are all about
   capturing you and your brand at their core. Therefore, you want to look and feel like the best
   version of you. So make sure the outfits you pick are something you feel good in and confident.
6. PREPARE YOUR CLOTHES: Make sure your clothes are clean/stain free and ironed/steamed! We
   can deal with small imperfections but it will make you photos much more polished to not have a
   big wrinkle running down the front!
7. LOOK AT PHOTOS: I often find it helpful to look back and photos of myself. See what photos
   you are drawn too and think, “ man, I look good in this picture!” What are you wearing?

One reason it’s so important to have a pretty good idea of your wardrobe prior to your session is that
your wardrobe will often determine the best background. You want the background colors to be
complimentary. You also want the scene you are setting to match the outfit vibe. For example, if you
have a light and airy sundress you probably do not want a heavy black background. Likewise if you are
going for a boss lady look that’s say a dark power suit, you likely will want a background that matches
that energy.
Just remember to bring variety and as much as planning ahead is the best approach, if you aren’t feeling
something the day of, it’s 100% ok to pivot so you feel like the best most confident version of yourself
on session day!
You look fabulous and confident and your photos will reflect that on your brand!