Style Guide
How to use this guide? These are simply suggestions and tips on how to get ready for your portrait session. I know finding an outfit and deciding what to wear can be very stressful as you want to look your absolute best but I would like to make this process easier on you. Your outfit is how to express yourself in your portraits and show your personality. I want you looking and feeling your best for your session and loving what you decided to wear!
15 Tips to help you get ready!
1 Choose your colour palette!
Having to decide on multiple outfits can be daunting but a way to make it easier for you is choosing a colour palette. What do I mean by this? Chose three to four colours that you would like to incorporate into your clothes. From there you’ll be able to see from those colours chosen what will work within your closet or what to look for should you be heading out to purchase a new outfit.
You can have a lot of fun with these colour palettes. Some options are pastels, neutrals, monochromatic, complimentary, etc… Just make sure the palette you pick speaks to you!
2 Use your go-to-outfit
We both know that in your closet you have your favourite outfit that you just feel amazing in and absolutely rock. Don’t be afraid to wear that outfit. I want you feeling confident in what you wear and completely unstoppable while I take your portraits. This can also include your show clothes! We spend hundreds of dollars on beautiful breeches and fancy show shirts and jackets, feel free to flaunt the gorgeous show outfit you ride in for some photos!
3 Be inspired by your surroundings
Your session is most likely taking place at the stable you board at unless you are trailering out to a new facility so pull inspiration from where you are getting photos. Take some muted tones from the landscape outside or the barns colouring. What about a pop of colour inspired by the flowers planted at the farm or a jump colour? Get inspired!
4 Stay away from logos and multiple loud prints
When styling yourself with a T-shirt or possible a nice sweater stay clear of logos. This will just take away from your image when you see a massive company logo. Very small logos like those on Ralph Lauren polos are completely okay and are not that noticeable in images.
Definitely do not feel like you need to completely stay away from prints but I do suggest to stay away from mixing multiple in one outfit. Stick to one print and build off that with some solid colours to create your look!
5 Dress up
This is the time to finally wear fancy outfit with your horse. Pull out that stunning dress in your closet or that killer jumpsuit and use this opportunity to dress up with your horse. We equestrians don’t get this opportunity often.
6 Keep it comfortable
Depending on the session you choose, you may be out walking the property for one, two, three hours. With that in mind try to keep what you are wearing comfortable. Not all outfits have to be but if we are hiking out to a spot to get photos you do want to be able to do so comfortably.
7 Make a statement
Style one of your outfits to be a show stopping look for your session. This can be the statement piece of your session while your other outfits are more casual and comfortable. By having a statement outfit it will be like you had two completely different sessions.
8 Turn it up with textures
Don’t be afraid to add texture! This could be a felt jacket for those having a session in the winter or fall. You could also wear a gorgeous lace top with some jeans. You could also add a bit of faux fur as a jacket, vest or shawl to complete your look. The possibilities are endless and honestly get wild with what you want to wear!
9 Layer it up
This is one that many forget but honestly can complete your outfit. Layer up your look after you’ve decided on your base. Say you are wearing jeans and a tank top, casually add a nice cardigan for a pop of colour. This also allows you to be playful in styling it. Do you let it hang off your shoulder a bit, do you add a belt to keep it in place. This is also a great way to add texture like I mentioned above by making it a lace cover or a thick knitted cardigan.
10 Flatter Your features
Each of us are built differently. Some of us have super long legs, other have a full figure, some have a more square shape to their body. All of these differences is what makes us who we are and makes us absolutely stunning. Here are some helpful suggestions;
Rectangle Shape- When your upper body is the same size as your lower body consider creating small curves with your clothes through hemlines, belts and jewelry.
Pear Shape- When your upper body is slimmer than your lower body try drawing the viewers’ attention upwards. You can do this with a lighter colour top or blazers and jackets.
Hourglass Shape- When your waist is very slim, try wearing fitted tops with a more flowy bottom.
11 Dress for the weather
As easy as the title makes it, dress appropriately for the weather. On super-hot summer days try to keep your clothes light and airy. For fall and spring be prepared for a chill and come with a cardigan, sweater, jacket or scarf to keep you warm. For winter sessions make sure you keep yourself warm so you aren’t miserably cold during your session. Style yourself with a cute hat, gloves and a stylish but warm jacket. Maybe even hide some thermal underwear underneath your pants so you stay extra toasty!
12 Accessories
I find sometimes people forget this but don’t forget to add jewelry to your look. You don’t have to add a lot of you aren’t a jewelry person. A simple necklace or bracelet to tie your look together. Rings are also super nice and a small detail that adds to your look to!
13 Let your hair move
Definitely have fun with your hair and don’t be afraid keep it down and let it get blown around. Play around with your hair and style it as you feel so it fits with your outfits but try to stay away from a mass amount of hairspray that leaves it stiff. I want you to get playful with your hair during your session. Even a little sassy and flip it around for some shots!
14 Don’t forget your shoes
While you may think shoes aren’t that important, they really can finish off an outfit and complete a look. They may not be visible in all shots but you do want to have a beautiful shoe showing when they are visible. Get playful with your shoes. Velvet shoes, a glammed out flat, leather boots, high heels. Depending on your shoe choice we can keep our session close to the barn or have a fun trek around the property. Feel free to also bring a pair of flats to walk in when wearing heels that you can change in and out of while we walk to locations.
15 All about the details
Last but not least, don’t forget the little things. Make sure you clothes are clean and crisp, free of any stains and wrinkles. Shoes are shined or brushed if they are velvet. Nails are painted or clean. I always suggest getting your nails done the day before your session. Jewelry is clean and sparkling for your photos. Just a few little things to take your outfit to the next level!
Example of one clients session and her three outfits!
If you have any questions or just having a hard time deciding on an outfit please don’t hesitate to send me a text or email asking for help. I will gladly help you walk through some outfit choices and work with you with what you have in your closet!
