15 Style Tips That Will Make You Look Great in Your Brand Photos
I hear it all the time. “I’m going to come get my brand photos taken – but I need to lose a little weight first.”
In the meantime, your business continues to miss out on the rewards that can be reaped by having killer visuals.
And, to a point, I get it. You want to feel like the best version of yourself. You want to KNOW you’ll look great in your photos.
But let me let you in on a little secret: Size doesn’t matter. Fashion choices do.
At the risk of sounding cliche, let me reiterate this truth: all bodies are good bodies – and following these style tips will ensure you look great in your brand photos.
For Balancing Proportions
“Fashion is architecture; it is a matter of proportions.” - Coco Chanel
Flattering looks are the result of balanced proportions. What do I mean by proportions? Your body is essentially divided into two parts:
the length of your torso
the length of your legs
We want to balance the two. Here are my best tips for achieving balance:
1. Follow the Rule of Thirds.
You don’t want to cut your body into two halves with your clothing. Halved proportions might include an untucked top that hits in the middle of your body. The resulting look is boxy and unflattering.
Instead, aim to cut your body into 3rds. This Rule of Thirds (the fashion version of the classic photography rule) gives you two choices:
1/3 on top and 2/3s on bottom
This might be a shorter or front-tucked top paired with high-waisted jeans.
2/3s on top and 1/3 on bottom
Think of a look where a long blazer that comes over your waist/hips and jeans.
2. Balance the bulk.
Once you have divided your body into 3rds, you’ll want to balance the proportions of your outfit – both the top and bottom – to avoid too much bulk.
If you're choosing a loose, flowy top (bulk), you DON’T want to pair it with super loose pants or a full skirt (more bulk). Instead, create balance by pairing bulky clothing with more fitted pieces.
Some of my favorite, stunning looks that balance the bulk:
a slouchy sweater with a pencil skirt
a bodycon top with loose-leg pants
3. Wear the right size for you.
I find it helpful to ignore the numbers on tags. These numbers often vary widely from brand to brand. Learning to disregard them entirely and only select the clothing that fits has been so freeing for me.
Too tight clothing will pinch/fold/gather in the wrong places, limiting the positions we can put you in. Too loose clothing will swallow you up and make you look shapeless. It will also bunch up when we try to seat you.
For balance, select clothing that fits you best – allowing you to still move without feeling too stiff.'
For Selecting Fabrics and Colors
4. Find the harmony.
Coordinate your colors, patterns, fabrics, and style of clothing. Feel free to mix and match, but make sure your outfit doesn't overpower you or look too busy.
You want colors and fabrics that feel harmonious with each other.
5. Know your season.
Do you know your color season? Popularized in the book Color Me Beautiful, this concept asserts that we all have a season (or two) that complements our skin tone and hair color well.
Spring: Clear, light, warm colors with yellow/gold undertones.
Summer: Cool, light, and soft colors with blue undertones.
Autumn: Soft, deep, warm colors with orange/gold undertones.
Winter: Clear, deep, and cool colors with blue undertones.
If you don't know your season, you can get a professional color analysis done or think about which color clothing you tend to wear when you get lots of compliments. (Check out @createdcolorful on IG for why this matters!) Take notes and start gravitating toward that season in your future purchases.
Aim for clothing colors that brighten your face/features instead of washing you out. Try sitting by a window in different outfits and taking test photos. Which colors bring out the best in you?
6. Opt for wrinkle-free.
Avoid fabrics, like linen, that are impossible to keep unwrinkled (unless the style you are going for is "wrinkly!”). Satin and silk tops usually wrinkle excessively or else create a distraction with their shininess.
7. Avoid neon colors (unless they’re your brand colors or you’re being intentional.)
A word of warning: Most super bright neon colors will colorcast onto your face and give your skin tone the hue of your shirt. If you don’t want to look a little green, don’t wear neon green clothing.
For Reshaping Your Insecurities
I won’t call these problem areas (I’m looking at you, early 2000s Seventeen magazines.) There’s NOTHING wrong with your body, and no area of it is some “problem” to be solved.
But most of us have areas we feel *insecure* about – and I want you to feel secure. So here’s how to dress for a sudden boost of confidence.
8. You want slimmer arms.
If you want your arms to look slimmer, try diagonal cut sleeves, bell sleeves, sheer sleeves, loose or 3/4 length sleeves, or off-the-shoulder shirts.
9. You’re self-conscious about your stomach.
If this is you, try tops that fall slightly below the waist. Hemlines naturally draw eyes, so you don't want your top's hemline to fall at the widest part of your body. This kind of top will also have a lengthening effect on your torso.
If you want to wear a dress instead of top-and-bottom, A-Line dresses are a flattering cut on people with larger hips and tummy areas.
As another alternative, you can accentuate your neck, shoulders, and cleavage with a classic V-neck or boat neckline to draw attention up and away from your midsection.
10. You feel your hips are too wide.
If you don’t want to highlight the bottom part of your body, use your tops to make a statement. Flounces, ruffles, patterns, and asymmetric cuts are all great choices.
Adding statement jewelry to the look will also draw the eye up. You can highlight your waist with wrap dresses, shirt dresses, blazers, or high-waisted trousers. By defining your waist, you can create balance with your hips.
11. You wish you had longer legs.
Vertically challenged? High-waisted options are your friend, my friend. They will lengthen your legs instantly. Choose high-rise or mid-rise to create balance between your torso and legs. High-waisted dresses work great, too.
For Choosing The Right Shoes
12. High heels will lengthen your legs (especially if they match your bottoms!)
If you want to lengthen your legs and you’ll be wearing black bottoms, black high heels may be the choice for you. The consistency in color creates a lengthening effect; of course, the heels make you appear more long-legged than you actually are.
Are you planning to wear something short and show a lot of leg? A nude or skin tone matching heel will create the same effect.
**If you hate heels or can’t even stand in them, don't feel like you have to! Wedges or block heels or even booties are great alternatives if you want the height but in a more comfortable way.
13. Choosy strappy shoes only if you’re long-legged.
Word to the wise: Heels (or any shoes for that matter) with a strap around the ankle will shorten your legs visually.
14. Neutral shoes are the most timeless option.
Don’t overthink shoe color too much. Blacks, browns (for a more casual look), and nudes always work.
Personally, I don’t like heels, so I love a classic loafer, ankle boot, or mule. Flat sneakers can add a casual approach to a skirt, dress, or trousers. If you’re wearing flats, choosing one with a pointed toe can add a touch of dressiness without putting on a heel.
For The Right Message
15. Consider the story you’re telling.
Think about the brand story and message you’re trying to tell. Does your outfit add to or detract from that message? What does the outfit say about you?
Give your outfit one last look, and ensure it’s serving the right message for your brand or goals for your session.
One Last Word For Your Final Look
Dressing for your brand photos is a great chance to experiment with your style and stretch yourself a little. It’s a chance to try something new, and that’s exciting – but, ultimately, you must feel good in what you're wearing.
You don't want to feel bad in what you put on your body. If you put it on and it doesn't feel like you at all, or you feel frumpy or like it's accentuating the wrong things – leave it behind.
The best thing you can ever wear for your brand photos is confidence.
Are you ready to confidently and unapologetically capture your brand story? As an Austin, Texas-based brand photographer, I’ve guided hundreds of creatives + entrepreneurs like you through every step of the way, from styling to attracting their favorite clients and customers.
Check out my story-driven, results-getting experience to learn more and get in touch.