Outfits aren’t everything, but girl, they do play a huge part during first impressions.

The reason outfits are so important is because they help give you confidence, and who doesn’t want more of that? That confidence will come through when you are photographed for your branding. Since first impressions are vital for all professionals and outfits play a huge role in creating that impression, I’m going to show you how to dress for success and for how you want to be seen.

Alright, here’s the thing, a great photographer will use an array of elements to align with the vibe and feel of your brand, including:

• Lighting, Posing, Expressions, Background (or location), Outfit choices

For this post, though, I’m going to focus on outfits, because, “What do I wear?” is probably the most asked question from my clients. Plus, it’s super important to dress for success, and who doesn’t love a great outfit that makes you feel amazing?

Keep these 2 things in mind and you’ll dress for success for your business:

1. Who are you trying to attract? Who are your clients:

• Small town business owners?
• Stay at home Moms?
• Executives?
• Newly Engaged females?
• CEOs?

2. How do you want to be seen?

No matter how much we want people to focus on what services we offer, there’s only one first impression, and you can decide what that will be. Since people will be making snap decisions about you just by looking at these images for about 2-3 seconds, how do you want to be perceived?

• Professional yet approachable
• Bold and confident
• Easy to work with
• Fun and Positive – she’d be fun to work with
• She’s a Boss, I’ll have what she’s having
• I want her to help me with my problem

Based on your answers, your photographer should be able to guide you to choosing the perfect outfits for your brand!

P.S. These recommendations aren’t only for photoshoots, so keep the tag on those bad boys and wear them when you meet clients!

Now, here are my fave looks for professionals, creatives, and beyond!

1. Dressing for success for professionals

• White Pant Suit

These gems are great for CEOs, Financial Advisors, Accountants, Lawyers, or anyone who wants to look like a boss! Listen, I love a white pant suit, but you can also use a white suit jacket to freshen up any pant suit or dress up a pair of jeans! This is a fresh, modern alternative to the business professional’s black pant suit.

*Pro tip: Make sure this suit is tailored to your body to look the most flattering.

• jacket should be cinched in at the waist
• sleeves should come to right below your wrist (unless sleeves are 3/4 length.)
• you should be able to give yourself a hug and the jacket not pull too much in the back
• shoulder seam should be right above the shoulder (not below)
• pants should fit properly and not be too baggy

These are some of my faves combinations!

2. Another fave for Professionals

• Classic, colorful, form fitted dress

Perfect for CEOs, Financial Advisors, Accountants, Lawyers, or anyone who wants to look like a boss!

The key to pulling off isn’t the color, it’s the fit. Make sure this dress hugs you in the right places. You can even throw a tailored jacket on for a more polished look.

*Pro tip: Undergarments are important and not to be overlooked! Some clients will wear shape wear underneath these dresses for the most flawless look.

3. My fave outfit for creatives

• Bright shirt or blouse with jeans

This look is popular with business coaches, photographers, podcasters, real estate agents, or anyone wanting to have a more relaxed, lifestyle look. Have fun and accessorize!

4. Dressing for success with 2 classic, versatile outfits that fits most industries

• Classic jumpsuit

This one is super versatile because you can completely change the vibe to professional by throwing a jacket over it. Perfect for creatives, lawyers, podcasters, real estate agents, or anyone wanting a flawless, not too complicated look. I honestly can’t think of an industry this doesn’t work for.

• Little Black Dress

This one has definitely been a classic since, well, forever. versatile because you can completely change the vibe to professional by throwing a jacket over it. Perfect out for creatives, lawyers, podcasters, real estate agents, or anyone wanting a flawless, not too complicated look. Again, this works for any industry.

The rule is, there are no rules

The truth is, every rule has an exception, and there really are no hard and fast rules on what you should wear for your branding session or with your clients. These are just my personal favorites that I believe photograph well and give the vibe these women wanted! You will know it’s right when you put it on and get in front of the mirror.

Always ask your photographer to help you, they want you to succeed too!

Contact me if you have any other questions about outfit choices, or if you want to learn more about a Personal Branding photoshoot with me in either San Antonio or Panama City, FL areas!