What to wear: the Style Guide
Choosing what you wear to your portrait session is kind of a big deal. I mean, these pictures are going to be around for a while. Still, you shouldn't stress out about it too much. When selecting your outfits for the day, I have three rules of thumb to follow:
Be comfortable.
This is the most important aspect when it comes to picking out your clothes. If you're wearing a starchy shirt or an itchy sweater or a dress that's too tight, chances are you're going to be pulling and tugging at yourself the entire session. Not only that, but your face will tell the story of garments gone bad if you're anything but completely comfortable in your outfit.
To make sure your clothes are comfortable, I suggest wearing them around the house for an entire day sometime before your session (just don't spill anything on them, OK?). It's also a good idea to sit and stand and do several poses in the dressing room before committing to buy.
Be You.
A portrait is an image that's meant to capture you and your personality. If you normally wouldn't wear leather leggings and a flowing blouse, I wouldn't throw those things on for a 2-hour session. If you want to buy something new for yourself, consider what you have in your wardrobe already and buy something that would blend into your closet seamlessly.
Be Bold.
You should always be you, but don't be afraid to amp things up a bit. Consider beautiful, graphic prints, statement jewelry and shoes that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Scarves, belts, earrings, and rings -- all those details can really add to a picture.
I also recommend wearing layers -- no matter the season. For example, in the summer a tank top with a sheer cardigan looks gorgeous. Spring calls for hats and blazers and silk scarves. Fall and winter lend themselves to lots of textured pieces such as cozy knitwear, fuzzy faux fur and velvet.
Neutrals
Start with neutral colors. Browns, tans, and creams are always a safe bet for any type of session.
Colors
Once you have your neutral colors picked, look at where you can add pops of color, like jewelry, scarves, cardigans, etc.
Coordinate, don't match
Remember, you want to coordinate, not match. It helps if you choose your favorite outfit (it can be out of all family members) and find accent colors to match. For example, if Dad is wearing a navy blue and pink plaid shirt, grab various shades of blues and pinks for the rest of the family.
Timeless, not trendy
While the latest fashion trends are always fun, picking pieces of clothing that don't go out of style will help keep your portraits from looking dated. Think polos, cardigans, jeans, blazers, and solid colors where you can.
Your Home Plays a Role
You should also consider where your portraits are going to be displayed in your home. For larger canvases or framed prints, perhaps intended as the focal point of a family room or dining room, consider your wall colors and the overall décor and style in those rooms as you plan your wardrobe choices.
• Haircuts and styling are best scheduled 2 to 3 weeks before your shoot to allow hair to grow out for a more comfortable, true-to-you look.
• Try to avoid bold, graphic logos or sports team graphics on apparel. They can be distracting in an image.
• Be sure your shoes fit the look of your wardrobe. White tennis shoes can be too bright and usually aren’t the best choice.
