If you are providing your own wardrobe for a photoshoot… Know that something that looks good in person, may not translate as well in photos. As a rule of thumb, simpler is better.
Test shoots are easiest to provide wardrobe for. This is just a simple portfolio shoot with not specific concept. There may be some play on lighting/androgyny and some basic conceptual ideas, but if you stray too far out of this area, the shoot becomes more complicated and the wardrobe will need to be styled. It is best to either have a designer on board, a wardrobe stylist, or, if you need, you can “shop and return.”
For the simpler shoots, you’ll want a variety of clothing from your own wardrobe. Generally, it is a good idea to provide wardrobe similar to the clothes you’d wear for Polaroids. Here are some lists to help you choose what clothes to bring and get some ideas flowing!
Each category includes some items you can bring if you’re going to play up on that specific theme/look. Some may work better for you than others. Knowing your assets and how you photograph is key.
Sexy:
- Any cute lingerie you have is a must
- Black, white, nude, and colored bras and underwear
- High waisted pieces and boy shorts
- Bodysuits (lacey, interesting pieces with cool cuts)
- Swimsuits
- Sheer pieces
- Tights
- Leggings
- Just-out-of-bed-T-shirts
- Think American Apparel
- Heels and/or cute/sexy socks
- Pasties (as needed)
*Tip: know your boundaries. If you’re not comfortable with a certain style or showing more than you want, say so beforehand. Also, consider if this is the route you want to go.
Androgynous:
- Button up shirts
- Collared shirts/tops
- Ties/bows
- Men’s baggy pants/boyfriend jeans
- Suspenders
- Oversized t-shirts
- Gender-ambiguous clothing items (non form-fitting)
- Jean jackets
- Vests
- Muscle shirts/tanktops
- Oxford shoes
- Men’s shoes
*Tip: the key here is to hide your feminine side and make people wonder. Lighting plays a role here.
Commercial:
- Everyday wear
- Jeans
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Cute outfits
- Heels
- Go with the seasons if you’re outside (cute scarves and jacket or light summery pieces)
*Tip: This area has a ton of options. Go with whatever you have. Go light and airy, or slightly darker and dense.
Edgy:
- Go for rocker/out of the norm pieces
- Look for black dresses, cool cuts, hard silhouettes
- Bring your toughest/coolest jackets
- Interesting tops
- Jeans/ripped jeans
- Pieces with spikes/leather/plastic
- Sheer pieces
- Bustiers
- Boots
Simple:
- Jeans/ripped
- Shorts/high waisted
- Form fitting tanks
- Crop tops
- T-shirts (form fitting or baggy but it must show off your body somehow)
- Bras
- Leggings
This is just a general outline to help guide you in the right direction for your shoot. You are most likely pulling from your own wardrobe, so use your best style judgement! Questions/additons/comments? Please write me below! I’d like for all of my blog posts to one day become an open dialogue!
Be Fierce!!
Briauna Mariah (: