What should I wear to a personal branding photoshoot?

When considering what you should wear to a personal branding photoshoot, a professional stylist will guide you with outfits that not only show you looking your best, but also sit comfortably with your brand. And choosing outfits that make you feel great, will give you that extra boost of confidence that really shows through in your personal branding photos.

Recently I caught up with personal stylist Reshma Field from Ishbel’s Wardrobe. Reshma helps women across the west develop their own style, with a fresh look at their wardrobe. It was great to learn more about how Reshma approaches a styling session and works with her clients.

Here are Reshma’s top five styling tips to help you decide what to wear to a personal branding photoshoot.

1. Make sure the colours and styles you choose suit you

It’s worth investing in a colour analysis and a styling session before your personal branding photoshoot. Your personal branding photoshoot is an important investment so you’ll want to make sure you’re looking your best. A personal stylist will help you choose the colours that suit your skin tone and the style of clothes that flatter your body shape.

We build up a collection of clothes over the years, so having a stylist on hand is a great way to take a fresh look at your wardrobe.

2. Avoid patterns and really bold designs

Patterns can be distracting in your personal branding photos, so my advice would be to avoid them where possible. You want the focus on yourself rather than what you’re wearing. If you love patterns maybe mix them up with a plain jacket or a top so they’re not too distracting. Sticking with classic designs and styles will keep your photos looking fresh for longer too.

3. Hair, makeup and nails

I always encourage my clients to present themselves in a way that feels true to life. That said, do take some time to think about your hair, makeup and nails. Don’t change the style of your hair too much because people want to be able to recognise you. If you’ve got roots coming through get them touched up and book in a fresh trim the week before.

As for makeup, I would get a professional makeup artist in to make sure you’re looking photo ready. It’s probably best not to veer too far from your everyday makeup. Now’s not the time for a dramatic new look!

And don’t forget your nails if your hands and feet are going to be in the photos.  Treat yourself to a manicure or a pedicure – even a facial a few days before. And make sure you get plenty of sleep so you look your sparkly-eyed best!

4. Accessorising

It’s a good idea to accessorise but don’t overdo it. Don’t wear jewellery that’s too heavy and if you wear a scarf, make sure it doesn’t take the attention from your face.  I’d keep accessories to a minimum. That said, you can put accessories to good use by ringing the changes for different personal branding photos.

5. What colours to wear?

Lots of women are keen to have their colours analysed and to learn which colours suit them. Wearing clothes for your personal branding photoshoot that blend with your brand colours on your website is also a great way to achieve a cohesive and harmonious look.

Also, think about the shade of colours you use, for example dark colours will have a slimming effect. Consider the backgrounds in your personal branding photos too.  If you’ve got a white wall and you’re wearing something light you won’t stand out. Have a think about your environment too, so the colours you’re wearing not only suit you, but suit the photo style as a whole.

It’s worth scheduling a final planning call before your personal branding photoshoot.

Once you’ve finalised your outfits and you feel comfortable with the look and feel, make sure you plan in a final call with your photographer.

Here’s a few questions to ask

• Think about the time of day for your personal branding photoshoot. Do you have enough time to book in any final styling beforehand?
• Will there be lots of walking around or will you be in one place?
• If you’re on location, is there somewhere nearby where you can change your outfits and take a break?
• What’s the plan for bad weather if you’re outdoors?
• Finalise the location and talk through your outfits and styling.

And here’s a quick checklist for the day if it’s an outdoors personal branding photoshoot

• Don’t forget to bring along a hairbrush in case it’s windy.
• Pack a light coat or wear layers so you’re nice and warm.
• Bring a drink.
• Choose a bag that’s easy to carry so you can pack any spare outfits without them creasing.
• If you’re wearing heels, maybe pack a pair of trainers too.

Thanks to Reshma for some great styling tips for your personal branding photoshoot – I hope you found them useful.

If you’d like to find out more about creating your branding photos, I’ve written a series of personal branding photography FAQs. Clients often ask me these questions, so I hope you find them helpful.