Rules For Casual Clothing and Model Photo Shoots

You Can Look Terrific in Casual Clothes

How to Do Fashion Modeling on a Tight Budget

While large corporations, automakers and banks are enjoying huge sums of taxpayer money being directed to their pockets, the rest of us are struggling to make ends meet. During the 1990s, many of us models didn't hesitate to use one of our credit cards to buy clothes and other wardrobe items. Times were good – at the worst, we could certainly make the minimum payment on those cards from our next photography modeling session to keep us stylishly clothed.

Buying Casual Clothing is the New Fashion Trend of the Century

Well, things have certainly changed. We no longer jump at every 'sale', or buy a trendy – and expensive – pair of shoes we might wear only once in a year. The new trend among consumers is buying casual clothing that serves a number of purposes and occasions.

The old axiom of 'mix and match' is back in our shopping strategies. Casual clothing fills the bill. Here we have some suggestions for getting the most for your clothing dollars, while still enjoying a stylish appearance.

During leaner times in the past decades, the old 'mix and match' strategy is one of the best ways to save money on your model wardrobe needs. Classically styled clothing, such as the blazer, turtleneck sweaters and skirts and pants form the backbone of the budget friendly casual clothing wardrobe.

The optimized wardrobe includes items which can be worn with as many other separates as possible. This does not mean that your wardrobe should look like military issue, or be a boring selection of uniform-like items that no photographer wants to work with. Neutral colors, such as beige, gray, navy and your basic black are good choices for the pant and skirt department, because they go with virtually every other color, easy to make up for and you can create hairstyles to match.

Color and Casual Clothing

Color should play a big part in your casual clothing wardrobe.

For example, a bright red sweater, interwoven with a sprinkling of metallic threads, looks good with any of those neutral colored separates. This sweater looks as good with a pair of jeans as with a black linen skirt.

While your favorite color may be sky blue, try to include a variety of colors, to achieve an illusion of a much larger wardrobe. Mixing color with pairing separates gives you versatility in a casual, but elegant selection of outfits for your modle photo session.

The Importance of Fabrics

The fabrics you choose are also important elements of your wardrobe strategy. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and linen are casual clothes items that virtually never go out of style. Trendy patterns and color combinations, made of synthetic fabrics, tend to become outdated within a year.

If you are set on maintaining a stylish look that still looks up to date more than a few years down the road for your portfolio, choosing casual clothing of natural fibers is a good starting point.

As for shoes and accessories, all you really need for those special occasions are a few classic designs to see you through everything. Wear these outfits to a photography studio or to a State dinner! If you're a shoe maniac, inexpensive casual shoes can fill in the rest. Costume jewelry, trendy belts, bags and scarves are another inexpensive way to add dimension to your versatile casual clothing wardrobe and make great props.

Using these closet strategies, you can have your cake and eat it too! You'll obtain that well dressed look in photos, disguised in casual clothing you can afford. Now, it's time to shop!

Bob Pardue