How to choose the best outfit for a spring photoshoot.
Today I’m joined by Stylist Dawn Farr of The Style Apparent to look at How to choose the best outfit for a spring photoshoot.
Dressing at this time of year can be a challenge for us all as we try to work out what to wear. Unpredictable weather, particular in between seasons, further adds to that challenge.
Having been a member of Visibility School since its conception over four years ago I’ve been expertly photographed by Maryanne in all weathers.
I mean ALL weathers.
Whilst I’ve always been in the safest of hands, I’ve sadly not always been properly prepared for the shoot. It’s fair to say I have learnt a lot through my own mistakes. Hopefully my tips might help you to avoid similar traps.
As I prepare for my next shoot, I always bear three fundamentals in mind to help me choose the right outfit – the fit, the style & the colour.
The Fit
This might sound pretty basic, but wearing clothes that fit properly is essential. My number one priority at a shoot is to feel comfortable. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable in your outfit choice.
You’ll want to be able to move around freely. You might want to spin around, jump in the air or just stand effortlessly and pose. Whatever you end up doing, you want to have fun. You do not want to be writhing at your clothes.
Did you know that a staggering 98% of women in UK wear the wrong size underwear? How crazy is that? My advice. Make sure your bra fits. Wear the right knickers for your outfit. Ensure you’re part of the 2% club. A stunning outfit can be absolutely ruined by bad underwear. It’s your base layer, it really matters.
The Style
We all have our own style. It’s how we allow others to gain insight into our personality. Don’t let anyone EVER tell you what’s right or wrong when it comes to your style. You own it. It’s yours. You might be a trend led dresser, you might have little interest in fashion, but what’s essential is that you feel good in whatever you wear. Choose an outfit that best reflects your personality. Don’t try to portray someone else in your photos. If you don’t usually wear heavy make up, then don’t. If your style is urban, please don’t wear a tailored power suit. You won’t look good, you won’t feel good. Just be your authentic self. Be you in your photos.
The Colour
And now for my favourite part! Look to wear colours which flatter your skin tone. A pop of colour on photos works wonders in helping you (and your business) stand out. Avoid black, unless it makes you look stunning. For most of us, wearing black close to our face has the absolute opposite effect. It’s aging, it highlights fine lines and wrinkles. Not a look any of us are after! And no, black is not “slimming”. My best piece of advice is to opt for a colour on your top half which makes your skin glow and gives you added sparkle. You’ll love your fabulous photos even more, I promise.
But How to choose the best outfit for a spring photoshoot?
With the unpredictability of spring, the key to being prepared is layering. Let layers be your absolute best friend.
Layers allow you to keep warm enough when needed, but are quick and easy to shed as the sun comes out and you begin to heat up. The same is true for peri and menopausal women. No one wants to feel like a hot mess at a shoot.
Wool garments are a perfect option as wool has both warming and cooling properties. I will almost always have with me a lightweight wool cardigan and/or a sweater, a denim jacket, a bright blazer, a warmer coat and a scarf; all can be easily added/removed when needed.
And finally, I’d recommend taking an alternative outfit option with you.
Anyone who shares a shoot with me will know I’ll always make a couple of outfit changes. Doing so offers an added bonus of bringing different looks to the same shoot. Having a variety within your most recent photos helps to keep your social media and website looking fresh.
So there are my tips. Hope you find them useful. If you need help with personal styling and colour analysis I’d love you to get in touch.
Smile for the camera and enjoy your shoot!
You can find Dawn here:
And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:
1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.
Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots. Read the photography blog here
2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.
We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more about prices) or you could join me at a Branding Day.
3) Join ‘Visibility School’.
Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2024 members) . Read about Visibility School
