8 Tips for Choosing The Right Clothing for Your Corporate Portrait

Some days, it's hard enough to figure out what to wear to hit the grocery store, let alone work!  On the day of your corporate portrait?  Now what?! I've written other posts here  and here giving advice on getting ready for your portrait. We already know how important your headshot is--LinkedIn research shows that profiles with photos are reviewed 7x more than those without photos--so it goes without saying that choosing the right outfit can definitely make or break your image!

Here are my 8 favorite in-depth tips for clothing selections:

1. Funny enough, what you wear everyday to the office may not be the best clothing for your corporate portrait.  Consider how you'd like to be perceived--think about the job you have now and the job you'd like to have in the future.  Clothing can tell us a lot about a person--when you think of a doctor wearing a white coat, do you think it signifies a higher education and level of professionalism over the doctor in jeans?  Unfortunately, judging the book by the cover still exists. Start prepping ahead of time so that your outfit will be clean and pressed and ready on the day of your appointment.


2. It's best to choose modern, but not cutting edge fashion.  Cutting edge fashion becomes yesterday's outfit quickly and on the other hand, if your clothing is outdated, you could be perceived as being outdated in your thinking or abilities, probably not what you are looking for!

3. It's important to wear clothing that is correctly sized.  Clothing that is too large can give the appearance of being sloppy, while clothing that is too tight may give the appearance of being unkempt or conversely, too sexy.  For women, watch that your neckline isn't too revealing.

4. Make sure your clothing is pressed and clean and tailored for YOUR body.  Long sleeves of blouses, shirts and jackets should be at the appropriate length for your arms.  

5. This sounds a little goofy, but try to choose clothing that doesn't poof when you sit or move.

6.  Wear appropriate undergarments and make sure they aren't going to show.  I know you've probably heard this before, but the right undergarments can definitely make you appear taller and slimmer!  

7. A well fitting, fitted blazer can be like magic, hiding a tummy, creating a waist and slimming arms.

8.  Wear something (that's appropriate!) that you feel smokin' in!  Chances are you've gotten compliments while wearing it before and it stands to reason it fits well (just make sure it's clean and pressed!)  You'll feel like a million and we'll create an image that shows you to be confident, competent and approachable!

I can't wait to see you!