FAQ - What to Wear for a Modeling Photoshoot: Outfit Tips to Build a Strong Model Portfolio
FAQ - What to Wear for a Modeling Photoshoot: Outfit Tips to Build a Strong Model Portfolio
Creating a modeling portfolio is a major step in launching or leveling up your career in the fashion and commercial modeling industries. While lighting, poses, and photography all play vital roles, what you wear during your shoot can make or break your portfolio.
Whether you're preparing for your first shoot or refreshing your current book, understanding how to dress for each type of modeling shot is key to making a strong impression on agents, casting directors, and potential clients.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what to wear for a modeling photoshoot — from clothing tips by genre, must-have wardrobe pieces, outfit examples for each type of shot, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Wardrobe Matters in Your Model Portfolio:
Your model portfolio is your visual resume. The clothing you wear plays a huge role in:
Showcasing your range and versatility
Highlighting your body proportions and natural features
Aligning with the type of modeling you want to pursue (e.g., commercial, fashion, fitness)
Communicating professionalism and attention to detail
Agents and clients don’t just want to see great photos—they want to see how you "sell" different looks. Your wardrobe choices directly impact how marketable you appear to those decision-makers.
General Wardrobe Tips for Every Model:
Before diving into outfit ideas by category, here are some universal wardrobe tips that apply to every model:
✅ Keep It Simple - The focus should be on you, not the clothes. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or graphic tees. Solid, neutral colors like black, white, gray, beige, and earth tones work best.
✅ Form-Fitting Over Baggy - Your portfolio should showcase your figure. Choose clothes that are fitted but comfortable—think skinny jeans, tank tops, or tailored dresses.
✅ Minimize Accessories - Avoid chunky jewelry, flashy belts, or overly stylized looks. Accessories can be distracting and often age the photo quickly.
✅ Bring Variety - Even if you're only doing one shoot, bring multiple outfits. A mix of casual, lifestyle, and high-fashion looks can give your portfolio more depth in one session.
✅ Wear What You Feel Confident In - Confidence shows on camera. Choose outfits that you feel great in, and that allow you to move and pose naturally.
What to Wear for Each Type of Portfolio Photo
Modeling portfolios usually include a mix of different image types. Let’s break down the ideal wardrobe for each:
1. Headshots / Beauty Shots
Goal: Highlight your facial features, bone structure, and natural beauty.
Best Clothing:
Solid-colored tops: Black, white, gray, or earth-tones
Tank tops or scoop necks: Keep it simple and clean
Strapless or thin-strapped tops: If shooting beauty close-ups
Avoid patterns, graphics, and distracting necklines
Extra Tips:
Choose tops that bring out your eye color or skin tone
Keep shoulders relaxed and necklines minimal
2. Full-Body Shots
Goal: Show your body proportions and how you carry yourself in front of the camera.
Best Clothing:
Fitted skinny jeans or leggings
A basic tank top or crop top
Simple heels or clean sneakers (depending on the style)
What to Avoid:
Baggy clothing
Logos and busy prints
Overly stylized outfits
** Pro Tip: Wear solid black or all-white for clean full-body digitals (comp card essentials) **
3. Commercial / Lifestyle Shots
Goal: Demonstrate your range and relatability. These shots show how you would look in real-world, brand-style scenarios.
Wardrobe Ideas:
Casual jeans + T-shirt
Summer dress or everyday outfit
Button-up shirt with rolled sleeves
Light activewear or loungewear
* * Style Note: Choose outfits that make you look like the person in a commercial or brand ad—approachable and real **
4. Editorial / High-Fashion Shots
Goal: Show your ability to convey emotion, drama, and artistry in fashion-forward looks.
Wardrobe Ideas:
Statement pieces: Bold fabrics, edgy cuts, structured jackets
Monochrome or high-contrast looks
Layered fashion
Fashion heels or boots
Things to Consider:
Make sure the clothing fits well
Editorial is where you can experiment, but keep styling balanced
5. Fitness or Athletic Shots
Goal: Highlight your physical strength, flexibility, and health.
Wardrobe Essentials:
Sports bras, fitted tanks
Leggings or gym shorts
Sneakers
Athleisure sets
** Fit Tip: Avoid anything loose—fitness photos require snug clothing to show muscle tone and body definition **
6. Swimwear or Lingerie (Optional & Depending on Market)
Goal: Show comfort with body confidence and appeal for swim or lingerie modeling markets.
Wardrobe Musts:
Simple, flattering swimsuits (1-piece or bikini)
Solid colors or minimal patterns
Neutral-toned lingerie sets
** Important: Only include these shots if it aligns with your goals and you're comfortable with this type of work **
Top 10 Wardrobe Staples Every Model Should Own:
Fitted black tank top
Plain white T-shirt
Dark wash skinny jeans
Neutral high heels (women) / clean sneakers (men)
Sportswear set
Little black dress (women)
Button-down shirt (men and women)
Fitted leggings or joggers
Swimsuit (simple and flattering)
Versatile jacket (denim, trench, or bomber)
How to Prep Your Wardrobe Before the Shoot:
A polished outfit begins with prep. Here’s what you should do ahead of time:
Try everything on. Make sure it fits well and you can pose comfortably.
Steam or iron. Wrinkled clothes look sloppy on camera.
Pack in outfits. Bring clothes pre-sorted by look so changing is efficient.
Undergarments. Bring seamless nude and black options for coverage.
Backup outfits. Pack extras in case something doesn’t photograph well.
What NOT to Wear to a Modeling Shoot:
Avoid these common wardrobe mistakes that could ruin your shots:
🚫 Clothing with logos or branding
🚫 Anything with writing or slogans
🚫 Busy patterns (stripes, florals, checks)
🚫 Neon or overly bright colors
🚫 Ill-fitting or baggy clothes
🚫 Distracting accessories or heavy jewelry
🚫 Old, worn, or stained items
🚫 Seasonal clothing (unless styled specifically)
Working with Your Photographer on Wardrobe:
Your photographer should be your creative partner in developing a marketable portfolio. Here’s how to collaborate:
Ask if wardrobe styling is included. Some photographers provide styling help or even wardrobe.
Send outfit ideas in advance. A quick photo of your options can help them plan lighting and backdrops.
Coordinate with shoot goals. Lifestyle? Editorial? Fitness? The wardrobe should match.
Trust their input. Experienced photographers know what works on camera—be open to their suggestions.
Bonus: Local Resources for Wardrobe Styling in Fayetteville, NC:
If you’re shooting with a local Fayetteville modeling photographer or agency, here are some tips:
Visit boutiques like Edge Clothing or the Cross Creek Mall for fashion-forward basics.
Rent or borrow items from local stylists (Model Muse Studio often collaborates with wardrobe stylists).
Thrift shops like Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet can offer unique pieces at low cost.
Final Thoughts: Dress for the Model You Want to Be:
What you wear to a modeling photoshoot sends a message. It tells agencies, brands, and photographers who you are and what types of jobs you’re right for.
Remember:
Keep it clean, simple, and fitted.
Dress for versatility.
Let the wardrobe support—not overpower—your natural look.
Whether you're going for commercial work, fashion editorials, fitness campaigns, or lifestyle ads, your wardrobe is a tool to position yourself as a polished, professional model. Use it wisely.
Need help building a professional modeling portfolio in Fayetteville, NC?
Model Muse Studio and D2LifePhotography offer full modeling portfolio sessions with wardrobe guidance, posing support, and retouched images that get you noticed. Book your shoot today.