What to Wear for a Branding Photoshoot: A Complete Style Guide for Women
“What do I wear?” That’s usually the first question I get during a branding photoshoot consultation. It’s a lot of pressure, determining what to wear when you’re creating images that are supposed to represent you. The internet is forever, and the thought that hundreds or even thousands of people will see these images, makes the pressure to get it right that much greater.
We’re not all fashoinistas! So I’ve created this style guide to help you answer that question, the same way I do with my clients. My hope is, this What to Wear for a Branding Photoshoot guide will give you what you need to create images that you’ll be proud to share.
And remember, personal branding is about setting yourself apart and telling your unique story. You can’t do that if you’re just trying to look like everyone else. So, as you read through this guide, just know that not everything will apply to your situation. Choose what best represents who you are.
Michelle obama
During a consultation, I had a client ask me, “do I have to wear a suit?” My answer was, of course not. Because a business suit may not represent who you are or how you want to show up in the world.
So the first thing I do on my consultations is ask questions to find out who the client is, who they serve, what they do, and what makes them different. This is important because I need to know what the clients goals are and how they want to be perceived.
Take a minute for yourself and answer these questions:
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- Who do you serve?
- How do you want people to describe you?
- How do you want people to feel when they interact with your brand?
- What words do you want associated with your personal brand?
- What makes you unique?
The Strategy
The answers to the questions above now serve as a roadmap to building a personal brand that reflects who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique.
Before we get into the recommendations, there is one last question I always ask, and that is “Tell me about your personal style?” What do you wear to work, to events, on zoom calls, when people see you at the grocery store (because I always see my clients there!).
Today’s consumers want to know more about you. They are searching and researching online before they make a purchase decision. How or if you show up online has a direct impact on your business. The goal is to choose looks that meet or exceed their expectations, that showcase you in the best light possible, and make you hard to forget.
Getting Started
I always recommend at least 3, but preferably 4 – 6 complete, fully thought-through looks. This is how we capture the full range of who you are.
You are not one-dimensional. You’re an entrepreneur, a brand, and a whole dynamic person. Your brand images should reflect that range and a single look simply cannot do that work.
I don’t want you to bring 6 of the same type of outfits. I want each one to illustrate a different facet of your work or personality. Here’s a guideline that I use to help build out the wardrobe choices.
- Your Uniform
If your profession has a signature look, scrubs, a
white coat, a uniform, bring it. This grounds your
brand in the real work you do every day. - Power / Business
A sharp suit, a tailored dress, a blazer with
intention. Your authority look that signals
expertise, confidence, and that you mean every
word of your offer. - Business Casual
Separates that work: slacks and a structured
blouse, a midi skirt with a polished top.
Approachable and professional, the version
clients picture working with. - Casual / Relaxed
Jeans done right. A casual dress. Something that
shows the human behind the brand. If your
audience follows you for who you are, this look is
essential. - Formal / Cocktail
Situational. If you speak, host events, or your
brand lives in elevated spaces, a formal or cocktail
look adds a stunning dimension to your library.
Outfit Examples
yourself.
Belinda
Outfits Types That Photograph Beautifully
Not sure where to start? Pull from these categories and mix across your looks:
- Tailored suits, pant or skirt
- Trench or statement coats
- Business dresses, sheath, wrap, or midi Maxi or midi skirts
- Blazers, structured or relaxed
- Coordinated sets
- Slacks and blouse combinations
- Casual dresses or sundresses
- Tailored jeans or khakis
- Turtlenecks or mock-neck tops
- Jumpsuits, dressy or casual
- Statement blouses
I ALMOST always recommend sticking to solid colors and beautiful textures instead of busy prints. They keep the focus on your face, your energy, your presence. Busy prints can compete with you for attention and in a portrait, you should always win.
If you love patterns and prints, keep it simple: a subtle stripe, a tonal plaid, a quiet geometric. Texture is your friend, velvet, linen, ribbed knit, structured cotton. These read beautifully on camera and add visual interest without the chaos of a busy print.
*Please note this is not a rule, but a gentle recommendation. I have clients that love prints or want looks that reflect their cultural heritage. There is no wrong way to approach this. It is about what represents who YOU are.
On Color: Consider your brand colors when building your wardrobe. If your site lives in deep burgundy and cream, leaning into those tones creates cohesion across every touchpoint. You don’t have to match exactly but you should feel aligned.
Accessorize With Intention
Accessories are how you add personality and bring the whole look together:
- Statement earrings can transform a simple look into something editorial
- A structured bag or briefcase adds authority in the right shot
- Layered necklaces work well with lower necklines
- Watches, bracelets, and rings photograph beautifully in detail shots
- Shoes matter more than people expect, they close out a look
- Scarves can add interesting colors and textures to a look
The guideline: accessories should enhance the look, not tell a different story. When in doubt, bring
options.
Shapewear and Undergarments
Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions but personally, I love shapewear. And, it’s not about looking slimmer. It’s about the way the outfit lays on the body.
What is underneath your clothing affects how everything sits, how it photographs, and how confident you feel in front of the camera. Bring shapewear if it is part of how you show up in your best looks.
Seamless undergarments are worth every penny. The goal: when you step in front of the camera, you’re thinking about your brand and your presence, not whether something is shifting or showing.
I usually recommend the shapewear bodysuits or high-waisted shorts. I don’t like the waist cinchers because they typically cause bunching and bulge when you sit or move around. And that is the opposite of what we want.
Preparing the Looks
Try Everything On at Least One Week Before
This is the tip that saves sessions and the one most people skip. Do not pull your looks together the night before. Give yourself a full week.
Try every look on completely, shoes, accessories, shapewear, and all, and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Turn to the side. Sit down. Move around. If anything does not feel right, you have time to solve it.
The Most Important Rule: Focus on the fit, not the size. The number on the tag is
irrelevant. A well-fitted piece in the “wrong” size will always photograph better than an ill-fitting piece in your exact size.
Get Items Tailored
Tailoring is accessible and worth it. A blazer with the sleeves taken in. Trousers hemmed to the right length. A dress taken in at the waist. These small alterations are the difference between looking nice and looking like you belong on a billboard.
If you’re investing in a branding session, invest the additional $20 to $40 to make sure your clothes fit your actual body. You will see it in every single image.
Get Help From a Professional
This is my favorite tip! Because nothing takes the pressure off more than professional help. Consider hiring a wardrobe stylist. They can not only help style your session, they can help you organize you closet, and style your everyday life.
Image matters, how you choose to show up matters. I hope this guide helps you to start creating a personal brand that reflects your intelligence, power, professionalism, and beauty.
Ready to Create Your Brand Images?
If you haven’t scheduled your session date yet, I’d love to connect. Sessions are available in Albany, Columbus, and Atlanta and every session includes a pre-shoot strategy & styling consultation so you walk in prepared, confident, and ready. Click the link below to learn more and contact me.
