Your portfolio is your visual resume. For many agencies and clients it is the first thing they see and sometimes the only thing. What you wear for the shoot decides a lot about how it reads. This is what we tell models to bring.
Basic wardrobe rules for a portfolio shoot
- Fit. Clothes that fit well show your shape. Avoid anything so baggy it hides your body or so tight it restricts movement. If a piece needs a small alteration, get it done.
- Pieces that mix. Bring items you can layer or swap. A plain tank top works alone or under a blazer. That gives you more looks in the same shoot time.
- Comfort. You need to move naturally. If you are uncomfortable, it shows in your face and posture.
- Clean and pressed. Bring clothes freshly washed, wrinkle-free and in good repair. No stains, rips or loose threads, and no faded color unless that is how the garment is made.
Outfits to bring
You want a mix of looks. These are the three categories to cover.
Casual street style
This is the easy downtown New York look. It shows your natural side and works for commercial bookings.
- Bottoms: dark-wash or classic blue jeans (straight leg, skinny or a slight bootcut), or tailored trousers.
- Tops: plain white, black or grey t-shirts, tank tops or ribbed knit tops, so your face and figure stay the focus.
- Layers: a leather jacket, a denim jacket, or an unbuttoned white shirt.
- Shoes: clean, minimal sneakers such as classic white trainers, or ankle boots.
It suits a wide range of commercial clients because it looks natural and real.
Elevated basics
Refined, classic pieces show you can carry a more upscale brand. They help if you want luxury or high-fashion work.
- The little black dress (or white or nude): a simple, well-tailored sheath, slip or A-line.
- Tailored separates: black trousers with a crisp button-down (white, light blue or a soft neutral) or a fine-gauge knit sweater.
- A blazer in black, navy or a neutral. It lifts almost any outfit.
These pieces keep the attention on you and show clean lines. They fit corporate, lifestyle and some editorial work.
Editorial looks
If you want high fashion or editorial work, include one look that is more dramatic. You can push a little here.
- Structured shapes: unusual cuts, strong shoulders or architectural details. A big trench coat, an oversized blazer, or a dress with an interesting outline.
- Texture: silk, wool, faux fur or leather used in unexpected ways.
- One color: all black, all white or all neutral looks sharp and lets shapes and textures stand out.
This tells casting directors and photographers you can adapt to a concept.
Colors, patterns and textures
- Colors: Stick to neutrals: black, white, gray, navy, beige and earth tones. They do not pull attention from your face. Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby) also work. Avoid neon or highly saturated colors, which can throw unflattering reflections on your skin.
- Patterns: Avoid busy patterns, large logos and graphic prints. They date an image, pull focus and can create moiré on camera. Subtle textures such as a fine rib knit, a linen weave or a thin stripe are usually fine.
- Textures: Silk, cashmere, denim, leather and knits catch light differently and add depth to a photo.
Hair and makeup
The goal is to show you. Casting directors want to see your natural features.
- Hair: Come with clean, styled hair. The main look should be natural, down and softly styled. For some shots, pull it back in a ponytail or bun to show your face shape. Skip complicated updos that hide your face. If you want a second hair look, ask your photographer.
- Makeup: Start with a no-makeup look: clean skin, a touch of mascara, groomed brows and a neutral lip. For a second look you can go for a stronger eye or a bolder lip, but keep it clean. Avoid heavy foundation and glitter.
Accessories
Accessories should add to the outfit, not compete with it.
- Keep jewelry delicate: stud earrings, a thin chain, a classic watch.
- A belt that cinches the waist, sunglasses or a simple scarf can work as props.
- Avoid chunky, flashy or heavily branded pieces.
Styling mistakes
- Ill-fitting clothes. The most common one. Too big looks sloppy, too small looks uncomfortable.
- Too many accessories. They clutter the frame and distract from your face.
- Heavy on trends. Current trends date a portfolio quickly. Stick to classic pieces.
- Wrinkled or dirty clothes. Bring everything on hangers, clean and pressed.
- Too much makeup or unnatural hair. It hides your real features, so clients cannot picture you in other roles.
- Only one type of look. It limits what a casting director thinks you can do.
- Forgetting shoes. They are part of the outfit. Bring clean, appropriate shoes for each look.
Showing range
- Talk to your photographer first. Tell them your goals and the clients you want. They can steer your wardrobe toward that.
- Mix it up. Bring casual, sophisticated and, if it fits your goals, editorial looks. That shows you can go from commercial lifestyle to high fashion.
- Bring one piece that is yours. Stick to basics, but add one item that reflects your style and that you feel great in, like a vintage blazer, a distinctive piece of jewelry or a hat. Check with the photographer that it fits the plan.
Build your portfolio with us
At Dante's Models we are a photography studio and a modeling agency in New York. We guide you through styling, posing and lighting so you leave with a portfolio you can send to agencies. Visit dantet9.com to learn about our portfolio shoots and book one.
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Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
