What to wear for your personal brand photoshoot

Choosing the best outfits for a professional headshot or personal branding photoshoot is as vital as getting your hair and makeup done and finding the right photographer. Should you wear that flowy dress, the white button-down Oxford shirt, jeans, or the leopard print pantsuit? Should you wear high-heeled pumps or flats, barefoot, or those cute above-the-knee boots? You want to dress intentionally with style to create an on-brand look for your business and marketing message.

Dressing with intention shows others that you are bringing your best self to the game. It also impacts how YOU feel.

Nancy Dilts, Personal Brand Stylist

Think about your go-to outfit for meetings or a meeting with an important client. Keep your brand colors and mood in mind as you follow these simple tips to dress with style and show up with confidence. You want your clothes to convey your expertise, professionalism, and personality.

• Solid, one-piece dresses create a flattering silhouette and make it easy to pose in.
• A wrap dress gives your waist shape and allows you to move easily.
• Classic styles keep the focus on you and not the clothing. Add some punch with a trendy pattern under your blazer or your favorite color to bring out your eye color.
• Form-fitting clothes accentuate your body and work exceptionally well when being photographed. Lots of layers or oversized clothes tend to create bulk and will make you look bigger than you are.
• Always keep your brand message and target audience in mind when you choose colors (e.g., use font colors in your clothing) and decide how classy or edgy to dress. Are you looking to connect with people in the art scene or finance world? Your styling will send a message. Make it one that fits.
• Before you wear any clothing, I highly recommend investing in good undergarments that support you in the right places and allow your clothes to flow smoothly over your hips.

What Colors Should You Wear?

• First and foremost, you want to choose colors that flatter your skin tones. That is especially important close to your face. Your eyes will sparkle, and your skin will look healthy and glowing.
• Your choice of colors will send a brand message. Blues and greens exude trust and work well in the finance and health industries. Black, gold, and jewel tones are luxurious and elegant.
• Consider the environment you will be shooting in with your photographer and choose colors to fit well.
• What is your skin or hair color? Find contrasting colors to create interest. Redheads can easily wear greens or teals, while people with darker skin or hair can wear light colors to create a beautiful contrast. Pull out a color wheel to experiment with finding your best complementary colors.

Avoid Clothing That Draws Attention Away From You

• Anything with words or logos, unless the words are part of your brand’s marketing message.
• Shiny and reflective clothing. Stand before the window and notice how the light is reflected off your clothing. Take a selfie and evaluate your image.
• Loud prints can overpower you. You can wear an animal or bold print paired with a solid piece.
• Off-brand clothing will confuse your audience, and you want your message to be clear in ALL of your marketing images.

Dress With Your Brand Message In Mind

Communication with your photographer is important when choosing your wardrobe. Together, you will create a session roadmap that keeps your marketing focus and brand message in mind. A professional photographer will always discuss styling with you and the right accessories to finish your looks. Take a closer look at what a personal branding photography experience can do for you and your business.

Bonus Tip

Create a style board on Pinterest. It’s a great way to see what clothing styles you are attracted to. Share this board with your photographer as well, and make sure you leave comments on each pin with details about what you like about that particular style or outfit, from color to fit to how it makes you feel.

THINK SIMPLE . STYLE FOR SUCCESS . LOVE YOUR LOOK

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER HEIKE MARTIN