General Wardrobe Guide Models

Wardrobe - Modeling Sessions

• Modeling and print is about your entire outfit and how it fits together. From head to toe your entire outfit must flow in an interesting and artistic manner which looks like it could have come out of a advertisment.

• Having layers, textures, and strong choices will only make your portfolio better. Remember, modeling and print photographs are full body and include the top, bottom, shoes, and accessories. 

• Closely look at the print ads from your favorite magazines with models of your age range and do your best to emulate the entire outfit. Do you own items like the ones in the ads? In modeling and print, all of the details in your clothing matter and the photograph is an expression of the sum of its parts.

• Accessories for modeling photography are a must so please bring plenty of options, i.e. scarves, belts, bags, jewelry, glasses and/or sunglasses, etc.

• Most modeling portfolios require looks which fall under the following categories:

  • Casual/Lifestyle (American Eagle, Gap, Target)

  • Dressy (JCrew, Banana Republic, Armani)

  • Fitness/Swimsuit/Body (Nike, Victoria’s Secret)

  • Corporate/Business Casual (Kenneth Cole, Anne Taylor)

  • Personality (Whatever style or clothing makes you unique)

• Understanding the categories above will also help you understand in putting your wardrobe pieces together. If you still have questions or concerns, don’t worry. I will be happy to answer your questions.

• Dress your age. Being in your 40’s and trying to dress as one in their teen’s only hurts the professional view of your portfolio because you would not be sent to an open call outside of your age range. A strong professional portfolio showing your age range is what books you work.

Wardrobe Breakdown

Basics for All Shoots

• Undergarments:

• Nude and seamless undergarments are a must.

• Strapless bras and invisible socks for versatility.

• Shoes:

• Nude or black heels for elongating the legs.

• Neutral flats or sneakers for casual looks.

Casual Look

• Outfit Ideas:

• Fitted jeans paired with a plain white or black T-shirt.

• Denim jacket or a cozy sweater for layering.

• Why It Works:

• Highlights your natural physique and makes you relatable for commercial shoots.

Formal Look

• Outfit Ideas:

• A sleek, knee-length or floor-length dress in a solid color.

• A tailored blazer and trousers for a powerful, androgynous style.

• Accessories:

• Minimal jewelry, such as stud earrings or a simple bracelet.

• Avoid anything too flashy that might overshadow your features.

High-Fashion/Editorial Look

• Outfit Ideas:

• Bold, structured pieces with clean lines.

• Layered outfits, such as a statement coat or oversized sweater with tall boots.

• Why It Works:

• Lets you play with dramatic poses and unique expressions, ideal for creative shoots.

Lifestyle Look

• Outfit Ideas:

• Flowy sundress for outdoor shoots.

• Athleisure: leggings and a crop top paired with a zip-up hoodie.

• Why It Works:

• Makes you approachable for commercial or catalog work.

Color Palette

• Stick to neutral tones like black, white, beige, and earth tones for versatility.

• Add one pop of color to stand out, like a red scarf or a cobalt-blue dress.

• Avoid loud patterns or logos unless specifically requested.

Women’s Wardrobe

Casual

• Tops: Fitted white or black T-shirt, neutral tank top, or light sweater.

• Bottoms:

• Dark skinny jeans, straight-leg trousers, or high-waisted shorts.

• Shoes: Clean white sneakers, ankle boots, or ballet flats.

Formal

• Outfits:

• A tailored blazer and trousers or a midi dress in solid colors like black, navy, or beige.

• Shoes: Nude or black pumps with a low to medium heel.

• Accessories: Minimalist jewelry—gold hoops, a simple bracelet, or a delicate necklace.

Lifestyle

• Outfits:

• Flowy sundress with sandals or athleisure wear like leggings and a fitted zip-up hoodie.

• Casual denim jacket paired with chinos or linen pants.

• Accessories: Tote bags or scarves for texture.

Editorial

• Outfits:

• Oversized blazers, statement trench coats, or wide-leg trousers with crop tops.

• High-fashion dresses with bold patterns, unique cuts, or asymmetrical designs.

• Shoes: Strappy heels or boots.

• Accessories: Chunky jewelry, bold belts, or hats.

Men’s Wardrobe

Casual

• Tops: Plain crew-neck T-shirts, Henley shirts, or lightweight sweaters.

• Bottoms:

• Dark-wash jeans, khakis, or joggers for athleisure.

• Shoes: Clean white sneakers, loafers, or leather boots.

Formal

• Outfits:

• A well-fitted blazer with dress pants and a white button-down shirt.

• Add a tie for extra polish.

• Shoes: Black or brown dress shoes (oxfords or loafers).

Lifestyle

• Outfits:

• Casual button-up shirts paired with chinos or tailored shorts.

• Lightweight jackets like a bomber or denim jacket.

• Accessories: Watches or simple leather belts.

Editorial

• Outfits:

• Bold, structured blazers, turtlenecks, and fitted trousers.

• Layer with unique textures like leather or velvet.

• Shoes: Statement boots or sleek dress shoes.

• Accessories: Pocket squares, unique watches, or bold scarves.

Wardrobe Guide and Shopping Tips

1. Casual Wardrobe

• Purpose: Highlight your natural look for lifestyle and commercial shoots.

• Outfit Ideas:

• Top: Fitted white T-shirt, black turtleneck, or simple tank top.

• Bottoms: Dark-wash skinny or straight-leg jeans.

• Shoes: Clean white sneakers or ballet flats.

• Where to Shop:

• Affordable: Uniqlo, H&M, Old Navy.

• Mid-range: Madewell, Everlane, Gap.

2. Formal Wardrobe

• Purpose: Showcase elegance and professionalism for portfolio and agency submissions.

• Outfit Ideas:

• Option 1: A tailored black blazer over a white blouse with slim-fit trousers.

• Option 2: A solid-colored midi dress in black, navy, or jewel tones.

• Shoes: Nude or black pointed-toe heels (2-3 inches max for comfort).

• Where to Shop:

• Affordable: Zara, ASOS, Mango.

• Mid-range: J.Crew, Reiss, Nordstrom.

3. High-Fashion/Editorial Wardrobe

• Purpose: Display your versatility and creativity.

• Outfit Ideas:

• Structured blazer dress or oversized shirt cinched at the waist with a bold belt.

• Wide-leg trousers paired with a cropped jacket or dramatic coat.

• Statement accessories like a wide-brim hat or chunky jewelry.

• Where to Shop:

• Affordable: Thrift stores, Boohoo, Shein.

• Mid-range: COS, & Other Stories, or vintage boutiques.

4. Lifestyle Wardrobe

• Purpose: Appeal to relatable, commercial audiences (think catalog work).

• Outfit Ideas:

• Athleisure: Black leggings, a fitted tank, and a zip-up hoodie.

• Relaxed Look: Maxi dress or floral sundress with flat sandals.

• Outdoor Style: Denim jacket, chinos, and ankle boots.

• Where to Shop:

• Affordable: Target, Cotton On, Lulus.

• Mid-range: Athleta, Free People, Anthropologie.

Accessories to Elevate Any Look

• Simple Jewelry: Gold hoops, a dainty chain necklace, or a minimal cuff bracelet.

• Scarves and Hats: Add a neutral scarf or beret for texture.

• Belts: A slim black or tan belt can define your silhouette.

• Bag: Small handbags or clutches for lifestyle shoots.

Where to Find Inspiration

1. Pinterest Boards: Create boards for casual, formal, editorial, and lifestyle shoots.

Specific Photoshoot Prep Tips

• Pack outfits in a garment bag to keep them wrinkle-free.

• Bring extras like safety pins, lint rollers, and double-sided tape.

• Keep makeup minimal (or bring a clean makeup-free face) unless the shoot requires specific looks.

Where to Shop for Each Group

1. Affordable Options

• Women: H&M, Uniqlo, ASOS.

• Men: Zara, Old Navy, Target.

1. Mid-Range Options

• Women: Nordstrom, Mango, & Other Stories.

• Men: J.Crew, Banana Republic, Reiss.

1. High-End Options

• Women: Net-a-Porter, Theory, Reformation.

• Men: Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, AllSaints.