Let’s talk about outfits for dating photos
What outfits should you wear for dating photos? I’ve created a simple guide below that gives you clothing tips so you can have a variety of flattering looks. These clothing ideas for your dating profile are geared toward women, but I’m happy to create compelling images for men as well.
The goal is to make it easy for you to assemble a selection of outfits that make a great first impression on dating sites.
To see a list of the top 23 dating sites with links to each, click here
First, wear clothing you love and feel good in
The goal is to attract a soulmate, not portray an image that isn’t you. Choose wardrobe that reflects your style. Choose colors that look good with your skin tone.
Second, bring a variety of outfits for your dating photos
You’ll need outfits for full-length photos, for medium body shots, and close-ups.
We don’t want the photos to look like they were all taken on the same day, which is why you want a nice variety.
Third, consider clothing colors
Jewel tones photograph beautifully and make a fabulous choice for your dating profile. Colors like deep purple, violet, lilac, amethyst, a rich shade of green, royal blue, turquoise or red help create compelling dating photos.
Soft and gentle shades are also lovely. Silver, gray, pink, gold, ivory, pale blue, or light coral. If you think these colors wash you out, stick to shades that compliment your skin and hair.
Yellow and orange can reflect back onto your face and can change your skin tone. Unless these are your favorite colors, choose different ones.
Remember, you should feel comfortable and confident in whatever colors you choose for the outfits for your dating photos.
Here’s your gameplan
These are the outfits you should bring to your online dating photo session. There will be some overlap. For example, one of your dresses could also qualify as one of your full-length outfits.
- 5 tops
- 2 pants or skirts (jeans, casual pants or dressy pants)
- 2 full-length outfits
- a sweater or jacket
- 2 dresses
- a hat, ball cap, or beret
- a scarf
- your favorite jewelry
- hair accessories and a hairbrush
- a variety of lipsticks
Let’s go through each outfit
If you’re looking for clothing ides for headshots, click here
Tops
Lower necklines like V-necks and scoop necks that show your collarbone and neck open your face and are more flattering. Turtlenecks can work too, as they frame your face and can look fashion-forward.
Check to see if your bra shows through. Wear dark bras under dark outfits and bras that match your skin tone under sheer fabrics or pale colors. Consider a t-shirt bra. These are designed to disappear under clothing and provide a smooth silhouette under even sheer fabrics. To see my favorite t-shirt bra, click here
Pants or skirts
These won’t be as important as your tops for most of your photos. In the hierarchy of outfits for dating photos, think of them as the foundation for your look, as clothing closer to your face is always more important.
Make sure your clothing fits – not too loose or too tight. You may be sitting for one of your full-body shots, so make sure your skirt is long enough that it doesn’t ride up.
Check how your pants fit when you’re sitting. If the pockets gape or your waistband becomes too tight, either choose a different pair or wear a dress for your seated shot. Clothing that is too tight looks uncomfortable and definitely doesn’t make a good first impression.
Full-length outfits for your photos
You always want to show a full-body photo on your dating profile. For me, this means from the top of your head to about the lower thigh. We don’t really need to see shoes or feet, but it is important to give people an idea of your body type.
Wrap dresses are flattering on everyone and are nice for creating an hourglass shape.
Form-fitting is better than caftan-like tops. Oversized billowy tops make you look heavier than you are.
Don’t forget shapewear for a smooth silhouette.
Jackets and sweaters
Layers are an easy way to change your look. They can also add texture and color.
Dresses
Like I said above, wrap dresses are universally flattering and are always a good choice. Choose dresses that are different colors and patterns. You can add a sweater or scarf for an additional look.
When considering your outfits for dating photos, you want your personality to shine through. It’s not so much about a specific wardrobe, but highlighting your best features through artful choices of clothing.
Hats
A baseball caps, beret, sun hat, etc. can be a cute option if it fits your personality and interests. A baseball cap makes your close-up photo feel less like a headshot and more informal.
Scarves
Another way to add variety and a pop of color to your images. You could choose a chunky winter scarf, a pashmina, or a silk scarf.
Jewelry
Don’t feel like you need to change your jewelry for every photo. You can put on your favorite pieces and forget about it. If you want to bring an assortment of jewelry, plan out before your session which pieces go with which outfit.
Make a good first impression with your wardrobe choices
If your default is to dress casually and wear jeans and a t-shirt most of the time, you’ll need to balance your desire to make a good first impression with being true to your style.
Please don’t bring dresses or dressy pants if you never wear them. We can create lovely photos with casual outfits. I would suggest t-shirts in a variety of colors and styles, and a few different pairs of jeans or yoga pants. We can celebrate your love of the outdoors or gardening or your bookish nature.
It’s best to be authentic and wear clothes that reflect your true nature.
Hair and makeup complement your outfits
Changing your hairstyle is the best way to ensure that your dating photos don’t look like they were all taken at the same time. This can be as simple as pulling your hair back into a ponytail for some of your photos or adding a headband or hair clip.
Changing your lip color is another easy way to add variety to your dating photos. I always suggest you bring three lip colors. If you don’t wear lip color, bring lip balm for touchups.
Takeaways
You want your outfits to reflect your personality, look good on you, and make you feel confident.
Your images should have a variety of styles and colors.
Your dating profile will be the first thing that people see and you want to attract like-minded partners. Along with your bio, the outfits you choose will present a cohesive presentation.
To learn more about a dating photos session, click here
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