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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Photo advice - photos added

anchie

Veteran

Just realized that there is a phot session at work scheduled for tomorrow, it will be group photo (arround 20 people). Last one was taken more than 10 years ago and it is displayed as huge poster in hallway, I pass by it everyday. The new one is probably going to replace the old one. Can you please help me come up with the outfit for the photo that I will have to look at daily for the next couple of years, probably until retirement:)

In the last photo most of the guys are in the suits and half of them wear a tie, but 2 are in polo shirts and jeans. I am the only female (still) so will probably be in the front.

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Helen247

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Off the top of my head, I’d say something smooth with no ruffles, trendy collar or poofy sleeves, solid color but not super bright or drab or dark, updated but not necessarily top of the trends, and with a touch of accessory.

Also, consider what others will wear - are they going full business suit and tie or professional wear, or is there room for a more casual look?

I’m sure you know this, but try on as many things as needed until something hits the spot.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’d probably go with a structured blazer in a color that’s not too bright or attention grabbing (probably not red or yellow, but maybe blue or your favorite neutral), with a simple solid color top/shell (no competing or fussy collars) and dark neutral trousers. You will already stand out in the photo, as the lone woman and with your light hair, so I’d keep everything else pretty simple and streamlined. Since they only do this every decade, it’s good to keep the look classic and not trendy.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, and no fine plaid or thin close stripes - when photographed they can often give a distracting moire pattern!

phoebe

Wow Janet love that, your professional skills are shining

anchie

Veteran

Oh, great advice, thank you so much Janet and cjh!

So I am thinking something like items in finds, hope it does not look too drab, but I really don't feel like standing out in the photo. I will have to break my 'no solid navy' challenge for this though.

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Banana Republic

Washable Merino Ribbed Sweater

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Top Pick

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cat2

Veteran

I would skip the metallic shoe in this shape as too trendy.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree with what Janet has said re the outfit. How does the grey jacket work with your blonde hair?

Will the footwear be visible in photo, or not?

anchie

Veteran

If the new photo will be similar to the old one, there were 3 rows of about 6 people in each. First row was crouching, last row was really tall guys, I was in the middle row, so only upper body visible.
I will show couple of outfit options when I get home soon.

anchie

Veteran

I am kind of desperate here, I am not really loving any of it. What do you think, any of it passable? Or maybe you see some better combinations of this existing items? Or I should look more into my closet for something completely different?

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Je Ne Sais Pas

I like #1 best… don’t know why, I just do…

anchie

Veteran

Je Ne Sais Pas - #1 was my first idea, I think it is most classic of all.

Mirjana

Veteran

I vote for #2 or #3 , better color close to your face. Trendy and classy colors.

anchie

Veteran

Mirjana - yes, I was not sure if grey is still ok with my hair color, so wanted to try other options.

doggeh lover

I like #5 the best. The neckline is more flattering as is the slightly nipped in waist of the blazer. Whole outfit draws the eye up/down, more elongating and the softer colors very flattering

anchie

Veteran

doggeh lover - #5 is also my daughter’s favorite:)

Roberta

Veteran

I really like the warm tones of #2 and #3. Your red glasses are just the right accent to highlight your pretty face and hair! You could add a brooch on the lapel, but you're fine without it.

Star

Veteran

I hope Janet weighs in again. I am trying to keep in mind to look at this from the perspective of which will look best in a timeless photo, and not which outfit I personally like or I think suits you better. For the photo I go with #2. I think the colour of the blazer compliments your hair and is not too wishy-washy for a photo, like grey can be, or to blurry like patterns can be as Janet described up thread.

Star

Veteran

My 2nd choice is #5, the matching blazer and pants (or almost matching) looks very professional. As #2 does too. I would steer clear of the patterned blazer in #3. Strong opinions from some one who knows nothing about taking photos well LOL.

pirouette

My favourite is 5. The colour really suits you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Will you be seen whole body or just upper half? That is relevant, I think, to the outfit choice.

All of these look professional for real life. My preference would be for a woven top of some kind, as opposed to a knit, unless perhaps the knit was darker (just because knits can come across as clingy in photos at times, despite the comfort). I think the grey jacket does in fact work, and to my eye is best in terms of classic proportions if you are going to be seen in full. I also like the last blazer/ outfit. I like the others, too, but the proportions are less classic in the longer jacket and the tweed one is perhaps a bit busy for the photos.

Your red specs are fantastic and add so much personality without taking away professional gravitas.

Whichever outfit you choose, you are going to look great, because you always do!

anchie

Veteran

Suz - that is great input. I am not sure where I will stand in the photo, so both options are possible, but I will rather not be in the first row if I am able to choose. Unfortunately, all my woven tops except two have collars and there was advice to not wear collar. 2 without are white one in photo #5 and navy with white flowers that I wore today.

SW Ann

Veteran

They are all professional, but my favorite is the second photo, with the camel jacket. I like the way it lays, and how it looks with your hair. I also love the red glasses--injects some personality, but still professional. I also like that it reveals less of your top or pant, in case you end up in the front row. Best of luck--these kinds of things can be stressful, especially if you have to see it daily.

Echo

Veteran

I'd put the shirt in #4 with the rest of #5, as I find the neckline of the top in #5 distracting. Otherwise, I'd choose #5 . I think the lighter color looks great on you, and it will stand out without being loud in a group of darker suits.

Sal

Veteran

I think any of these will work and your advice has been good so far. I lean to 1 2 and 4 - and I do agree that 3 (while good) is not as good for a corporate photo.

Runcarla

Veteran

I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but do you have a navy blazer? (Like the one at the bottom of your finds?). Maybe the faux leather skirt to bookend your hair colour?

Photos are screenshots from your ‘Finds’. I’m not sure if you still have these items.

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

OK, this may come across as a bit of a spanner, but I really love the tones of that tweed jacket on you, and because it is tonal and low contrast, I think it avoids the “busy” association many of us have with plaids in photos. The colors are just so good with your new hair, and your red glasses give just enough punch of personality.

You could always take two blazers with you that day and see which seems most appropriate at the moment!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I also really like the ensemble Carla put together.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Janet said. I love the idea of taking two jackets in case. I also love Carla's idea.

I have to admit I was thinking of a blue blazer too, but didn't dare say it.

Joy

Veteran

Wear something classic and that you love.

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