What To Wear

What should you wear ? What should you bring to a shoot ?

Following are guidelines intended to help you look great in your photos. In planning what to wear and/or bring to a shoot please keep in mind it’s better to have people comment about how YOU look than comment about what you’re wearing, your jewelry, or makeup.

General Guidelines

• Yes to solid colors. No to polka dots, stripes, floral prints, or patterns.
• Clothing that fits you properly. Tight fitting clothing can be flattering for some, but it doesn’t photograph well on everyone.
• No trendy or fashion oriented outfits.
• A good mix of colors and styles.
• Limited, simple jewelry (e.g., plain studs, small hoops, simple necklace, or choker).
• Unless otherwise discussed, it’s unlikely your shoes will appear in any photos.

Headshot Guidelines

• Yes to warm, earthy tones. Generally, no to white and light pastel colors.
• If you bring more than one top, it’s best to have an assortment of necklines.
• Tops should have shoulders – no sleeveless, spaghetti straps, or tank tops.
• Shirts & sweaters with texture (e.g., knit or ribbed material) are good.

You May Wish To Consider Wearing and/or Bringing

• Well fitting tight jeans or denim shorts
• Shorts, short-shorts, or micro shorts
• Mini-dress or mini-skirt
• Sun dress
• Sport/fitness tops (including a sports bra) & bottoms
• Solid black and/or white socks (plus a fun solid color)
• Bikini
• Black, white, and/or flesh-toned panties (including a thong)
• Black, white, flesh-toned, and/or strapless bras
• Sunglasses
• Phone & Earbuds
• A favorite, fun hat (or two)

Don’t Forget To Bring

• Hair care products (e.g., your brush or comb)
• Makeup kit

One Final Thought

If you have a great idea for an item you do not own, avoid running out and buying something you may never wear again. If you must have it, consider …

• borrowing it,
• buying and returning after the shoot, or
• buying from a discount store (e.g., Target).

Last updated 15-Dec-2021.