One of the first things my personal branding clients ask me when we are planning out their brand photoshoot iS what to wear to their session.

Picking out your outfits for your brand photoshoot can feel pretty overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done a brand photoshoot before. But luckily, I’ve got good news for you – when you are working with a professional branding photographer, chances are they’ve got a tip or two to guide you. In fact, unless you’ve got a professional stylist on your team, it is really our job as personal branding photographers to help you choose outfits that best represent you and your brand.

As a Dallas branding photographer (where personal style is paramount), I’ve spent years honing the perfect system to help my clients plan out their outfits for their branding sessions. I take the time to get to know my clients’ personalities, understand what message their brand is trying to convey, and align the colors and voice of their brand to guide them on what to wear. 

Choosing the right outfits for your branding photoshoot is essential to your brand identity because it significantly impacts how your audience perceives you and your brand. Your outfit choices help to convey your brand values, personality, and style. If you have a personal branding photoshoot coming up and you’re looking for some ideas on what to wear to your session, here are 4 styles for you to consider. 

1. Glam/ high end

If your brand revolves around luxury, elegance, or high-end services or products, a glamorous and classy look might be the perfect fit for you. These outfits convey sophistication and refinement, traits that your audience will admire and feel drawn to (I know I do). For instance, if you are a luxury fashion designer, donning a designer dress will showcase your expertise in fashion and build trust with your clients. Complete your looks with high-quality accessories like statement jewelry or designer purses to complement your luxurious outfit.

2. ELEVATED BUSINESS

An elevated (corporate or modern) outfit is the perfect choice for personal brands who want to communicate messages of professionalism, expertise and authority with their clients. A well-tailored suit or blouse paired with pants or a pencil skirt will help you convey a sense of experience and expertise to your clients. For accessories, stick to simple jewelry, a sleek watch and/or a nice purse/briefcase. Additionally, choosing neutral and classic colors such as gray, black, or navy can help you create a professional and timeless look. Here are some photos to draw inspiration from.

3. CASUAL AND DOWN-TO-EARTH

If your brand values approachability, reliability, and authenticity, then a cozy and comfortable outfit will help you relay those messages to your audience. Choose outfits that make you feel open, warm, and friendly. In my experience, personal brands that have a one-on-one and intimate relationship with their clients benefit from a casual look. To achieve an approachable look and message, bring a fitted t-shirt and a nice pair of jeans to your branding session. Stick to brighter and warmer colors of your brand to guide you on what colors to choose. Overall, your outfit should be easy-going and comfortable. Take a look at some of my past clients’ outfits that nailed the friendly and welcoming look.

4. fun and celebratory

For personal brands that want their clients to feel joy and positivity whenever they use their services or products, a fun and celebratory look is the way to go. If you want to convey a sense of playfulness and enthusiasm to your clients, pack up outfits that are vibrant, colorful, and bold. For example, if you are celebrating a new launch in your business, it’s great to incorporate items that signify celebration – sparkles, bold colors, flashy jewelry, etc. A colorful maxi dress or a bold, patterned shirt are great eye-catching items for you to build off of when planning out the outfits for your branding session. Check out some of the fun and beautiful outfits I’ve had the pleasure of photographing over the years.

Glamourous, elevated business, casual, and celebratory are just 4 of the styles you can consider for your personal branding photoshoot. Regardless of what style you choose to emulate, here are some general tips to remember when picking out your outfits for your branding session. 

• Take the time to study the colors of your brand and choose outfits that pair well with those colors (they could be complementary or analogous).
• Consider patterns and textures that are visually interesting but don’t draw attention away from the subject of the photoshoot – YOU!
• Make sure your color palette flows seamlessly with the patterns in your outfits. For example, a bright red outfit with tiny polka dots will work much better than a bright red outfit with large and distracting patterns. 

While your outfits are an integral part of your branding session, there are a couple of more things you’re going to need to do to be fully prepared for your session.  Check out my blog “5 Things You Need To Do Before Your Branding Session,” for some more tips and tricks on how to get ready for your branding session. 

Not sure if it’s time for a new branding session? Check out ” 5 Ways To Tell You Need A Brand Refresh,” to help you decide on whether now is the time for you to book a new branding photoshoot.

Ready to book your personal branding session? Email me at info@monikanormandphoto.com. I’d love to learn about you and your brand, and how I can help you!