Thursday, September 3, 2009

Dressed for Success

We’ve all heard the old adage, “The clothes make the man (or woman)” and selecting the correct clothing for a business portrait can have a big impact on your overall impression. Most business professionals would agree “competent, warm, friendly, trustworthy and sharp” are descriptions that would be desirable in a business portrait. And we all have pictures of ourselves buried in a drawer somewhere that do not contain any of these attributes. Let’s look at some simple guidelines to help you make sure your next portrait is your best portrait.

The goal of any great portrait is to draw the viewer’s attention toward the face. Suits in solid colors such as blue, black, brown and gray are best for both men and women. Suits tailored from structured fabrics such as wool and linen work well and single-breasted suits or jackets tend to lay better when you are sitting for a portrait. Accent your eye color with your shirt or tie choice. This will help draw your viewers’ focus to your eyes. If you are looking for a more casual look and will be in a shirt, go with long sleeves and solid, classic colors. Avoid colors that are similar to flesh tones such as pinks, tan, peaches, beiges or yellows.

Fit is also very important; the camera will reveal whether your clothing is too tight or drapes poorly. If you have fit questions, ask a good tailor to alter your clothing for your portrait.

For women, v-necks are flattering provided they aren’t exaggerated in style. Avoid bulky cowl neck sweaters that completely hide your neck. Avoid busy patterns or large amounts of white or very bright colors. Stay away from trendy fashions. This year’s fashion trend is tomorrows embarrassing flashback.

When wearing accessories, metal jewelry works well. Necklaces should be short and go with the neckline of the blouse. Earrings need to be separate from the hair.

Your wardrobe is important, but don’t overlook the other elements in your portrait. Plan a trip to the hair salon one week before your portrait. And this is not the time to try a new hairstyle. Men should be well groomed and if you have a beard or mustache, keep it neatly trimmed.

The use of makeup will affect the look of your portrait. Even if you prefer a natural look, a good foundation can smooth out skin tones, and a little lipstick and mascara can bring out your features. Color added to the cheeks or lips can enhance your appearance and help minimize any imperfections.

Finally, the big question we hear from nearly every business client is “Should I smile?” A good guideline is to go with the look that best represents your personality. A small smile with no teeth showing is better than an expression-less blank stare. Your employers’ preference and your profession may dictate a more serious look, so follow corporate guidelines.

When choosing the best portrait from several poses, remember this is a business portrait not your Facebook page, so choose accordingly. I recommend asking yourself “If I were my client, is this someone I would trust with my business”.

Thank you for reading my blog.

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