“What do I wear?” (aka, your FAQ)

I wonder what I should wear every morning after I brush my teeth…so I completely know how you feel. It’s difficult to imagine how an item of clothing might show up on camera, let alone your body. We can’t literally see ourselves. Our closets bore us. We haven’t put on anything fancy in months. Being photographed isn’t our favorite experience (…or maybe an experience we want to have at all?).

I promise, it’s not so bad. :)

Determining your photoshoot wardrobe actually begins with questions…and only you have the answers. Here’s what I implore you to ponder:

• What makes me feel good?

• What parts of myself do I want to enhance? (i.e. I love my waist, my legs, my arms, my chest, my neck, etc.)

• What are your brand’s/business’/blog’s/etc’s colors? Even if you don’t have a brand, even if you work for a corporation – in essence – we are all walking brands. You say something everyday with your physical presentation.

• Do I have a personal style? Am I feminine, colorful, vintage, chic, bohemian, minimalist?

• If I don’t have a personal style, what am I drawn to? Do I like dresses? Pantsuits? Athleisure?

• Do I have a specific style or go to ‘uniform’?

Since you asked for advice, here’s what I have to say:

• Allow the answers to those questions guide you. Here’s what I mean:

  • I feel really good in monochromatic looks because matching colors drives me crazy. I want to enhance my waist and my neck. I love earthy colors, greens and I’m weirdly into orange these days. During the day, I’m minimalist, bohemian, chic and relaxed. At night, I’m edgy and sexy. I love high waisted pants, oversized sweaters, dramatic sleeves and anything that wraps around my waist.

  • For my photoshoot, I should consider weaving in at least 50% of those answers so that I feel comfortable and at home in my body. On that note…

• Love your body. Please don’t be led by insecurity.

  • Instead of: “I gained weight during CoVid. I’m going to wear a mumu.” Try: I really want to make this portrait about my face rather than show off my body. I’m going to wear a vibrant kaftan that enhances my skin tone.”

  • Instead of: “I never look good in sleeveless tops. I don’t like my arms.” Try: “A blazer will look sharp and I feel more confident when my arms are covered.”

• If you’re meeting me for portraits and want to keep them timeless, I recommend staying away from wild patterns or anything trendy (including bulky jewelry). This way, you’ll love this portrait in a year. Our time together becomes an investment rather than feeling like a splurge.

• Please don’t wear neon colors or horizontal stripes.

• Consider consulting Instagram, Pinterest or your very own stylist. I highly recommend Elyse Holladay; she’s a member turned friend so I’m biased…but just take a gander at her feed. It’s filled with knowledge, inspiration and tactics for a wardrobe that makes your life more seamless and integrated. I also wrote a story on Tribeza about her work and ideology that may shed some light. You can read it here.

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