We’re always excited to assemble a new or experienced model’s portfolio to boost their career. Regardless of your experience, your portfolio is your chance to make a s stunning first impression and showcase your versatility as a model. What you wear to your photo session plays a big role in effectively communicating your unique style features and potential to casting agents and clients.
Some models might not have a particular style yet and are curious about how to put their best foot forward at their portfolio session booked with their photographer. Here’s a detailed guide to help you create the best wardrobe choices for your modeling portfolio shoot.
Keep the Look Simple and Versatile
When it comes to building a strong portfolio, keep it simple. Select solid and neutral colors like black, white, gray, or nude tones. Personally, I love photographing nude tones as the focus becomes more on who you are, your body type, and your ability to pose. There are very few distractions from the clothing. Try avoiding bold patterns, big logos, or distracting prints, as they can overwhelm your look and draw attention away from your features seen in your modeling portfolio.
Showcase Different Looks
Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to adapt to the styles and themes your clients or the creative director have in mind. Try bringing different kinds of outfits to cater to these potential themes:
Something casual: fitted jeans and a plain T-shirt or tank top create a relaxed and approachable vibe. A tank top, especially, allows the creative agency to see your body type more clearly.
Something Formal: A sleek dress or tailored outfit adds elegance and sophistication to your images. These are some of my favorite types of photographs to capture. If you don’t have anything formal to wear, this would be a great opportunity to shop around for a formal piece or perhaps borrow one from a friend.
Athletic: include something that’s active or sportswear to highlight a fitness-oriented or sporty side if it aligns with your style of modeling. If you’re a model who does not include Fitness looks in their portfolio, you can avoid this attire for your modeling portfolio.
Choose Fitted Clothing
I know this is a very difficult ask for many Our Generation Alpha models; however, having an outfit that fits well and highlights Your silhouette is crucial for your modeling portfolio. Baggy or oversized clothing can obscure your shape, an essential detail in modeling and a selective tool for many creative agents and clients. Aim for a fitted option that enhances your natural proportions.
Play with Textures
While keeping your clothing simple, consider incorporating different textures like denim, leather, cotton, or satin. This adds visual interest to your portfolio without overwhelming the image. It also helps catch the eye of creative directors and agencies looking through numerous portfolios to cast someone for their project. Textures help with a little thing I call scrollability. We want your picture to be the thing that stops people scrolling and stays focused on you!
Bring the Right Shoes
For your modeling portfolio, we will absolutely be photographing full-body Images, which means we need the right shoes to match the correct outfit. Shoes can make or break an outfit. Bring both heels and flats to your shoot. Heels elongate your legs and create a polished look, while flats or sneakers can work for a casual and athletic look.
Wear Seamless Undergarments
Proper undergarments are essential for a smooth, professional appearance. Seamless NuTone undergarments prevent visible lines, and a strapless bra is a must for off-the-shoulder or strapless tops. If you’re curious where to find them, Amazon has many options under the search name seamless panties or bra. For men, it would be boxer briefs. UniQlo and Muji are also suitable in-store options.
Light Accessorizing
Less is more when it comes to accessories. Remember, we want to focus on you and your modeling features. Keep jewelry simple such as small earrings a delicate necklace or no jewelry at all.
Hair and Makeup
While our hair and makeup stylists will be present to help you with your modeling portfolio look, they will not over-glamorize your features with heavy foundations, colorful eyeshadows, or deep blushes. A fresh, neutral look gives the photographer a blank canvas to work with and keeps the attention on your features.
What to Pack
It’s always better to bring more than less. Pack various outfits, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear. I love it when people bring jackets. Please bring jackets! Having options ensures that my stylist and I have plenty to work with to create a diverse, impactful collection of images.
Despite everything I just said, bringing something unapologetically you, cool out there, or unique will be a fun addition to the photo session. This is a nice added touch to your portfolio that makes you stand out!
Most Importantly: Do your clothing choices match your goals?
Do you have a goal? Your wardrobe should reflect the type of modeling you’re pursuing. It is very important that you do research and consider what kinds of modeling you would be interested in. Even if you’re just getting started and happy to do anything offered to you, it is best to have an idea in mind of what kind of photo shoots you would like to model. Are you aiming for High Fashion jobs? Then make sure you have Chic or edgy outfits. Are you looking for a more commercial style of modeling? If so, focus on more approachable everyday wear.
I am so excited for you on this journey of becoming a model. Many people jump into this business and learn so much about themselves in terms of their bodies, how to express storytelling through poses and expressions, and what brings them joy. This modeling portfolio is your gateway into the industry, and your wardrobe is vital to making yourself stand out. Follow these tips and get to our studio a range of well-thought-out outfits. Do this, and your portfolio will absolutely capture your versatility, professionalism, and potential as a model.
Let your wardrobe tell your story while keeping the spotlight on you! Take charge and command your space!
Feeling confident about booking a photo session to build a modeling portfolio? Fill out our contact form here.
