What are the best clothes for women to wear for photos?? That is the question.
Let me start by saying that all women are uniquely beautiful despite their size and shape. Embrace your shape and do a little research on what looks the best for your specific figure. There are some rules in regards to certain cuts and silhouettes that work best for your specific body type. Then there are some photo specific rules that apply to all.
Here are some general rules for best clothes for women to wear for photos:
1. Layers!
With layers you can easily hide some areas about which you are self conscious, add interest and texture and you will look more put together. Think jackets, blazers, scarves, throws, cardigans, and lacy shrugs. It is important to keep these layers tailored. Layers will also keep you warm during a session in colder weather.
2. Clothes that fit properly
Stay away from clothes that are too baggy or tight. Neither looks good in photos.
3. No spaghetti straps or strapless tops
Unless your arms are very thin, it is best to stay away from bearing your arms. Cover them up with sleeves or another layer of clothing (see above).
4. Long dresses and skirts are always a good choice
Every woman looks absolutely amazing in long flowing dresses and skirts. Not only do they flow well, they allow unrestricted free movement. The chances of you squatting down or sitting down on a blanket when having photos with your little ones are pretty high. Long dresses and skirts make it easy and less awkward.
5. Solids
Solid colors are the safest choice. While you do not have to stay away from patterns completely, limit wearing multiple and busy patterns. Avoid horizontal stripes as they will make you look wider. If you wear patterns, keep only one piece of your outfit patterned. And when in doubt, go solid!
6. Good balance
If you are wearing a loose top (blouse, shirt, cardigan, etc.) put on a skinny or tight bottom outfit (pencil jeans, pencil pants, leggings, etc.). Alternatively, if your top is tight, avoid wearing it with a tight bottom.
7. “Problematic” belly area
If you need to disguise your belly, avoid a bodycon silhouette (type of clothing design that hugs the body, emphasizing the natural curves of the body) from top to bottom. Instead, wear high waisted pants or skirts, looser long shirts, empire cut dresses, shift dresses (not too short!), top or dress with ruched design. In addition, rule #6 applies as well.
8. Comfortable clothes
All these rules are great, but if you don’t feel good and comfortable in your clothes, it’s all useless. Remember that in your family or couple photos you will not be stationary and there will be movement in your photos. You might be sitting down on a blanket or squatting next to your toddler. Stay away from clothes that will prevent you moving freely and clothes that will need constant adjustments.
9. Top colors
The best colors are deep reds, teals/turquoises, and other shades in the blue-green family (the most universally flattering family of all colors). Rich and deeper greens, purples, and blue are all good. If a neutral tone is preferred, gray is the best, even better than black. Earthy and warm browns are good. Mid-tone or more vibrant rose-pink tones and corals are very flattering. Too much black is not the best option as well as all white, as they tend to make your images look flat. Black and white together is too much contrast and is not recommended.
For more ideas, please visit my PINTEREST page: CLOTHING IDEAS FOR A PHOTO SESSION
I am a Family Photographer in Asheville, NC specializing in photographing families as they grow and change. My areas of expertise are maternity photography, newborn photography, family and children photography.
