Does this make my butt look big?

"You can't fix it if it's not broken" 

How do you reinvent the wheel? You find a road it doesn't work on. Don't assume perfection. This week is about reinventing the wheel. Redefining and pushing things to the limits. Really learning and studying. I've got shoots lined up everyday this week. I've never looked forward to a week of work until today. The first steps really start right here. Studying, researching, and creating. This post is about one of the most common questions; What do I wear?

Jocelyn Ma, 2010

Here are some basic guidelines whether you're a model, photographer,stylist or just someone who wants a better fashion sense. These tips are definitely geared towards my use in photography though. More after the jump.

• First and foremost, and this goes without saying, wear things you love. Nothing looks better than confidence and comfortability. If you love wearing it, you'll love seeing it in your pictures. (unless you let me photograph you!)

• Next, less is more. I don't mean showing up with the best Victoria's Secret had to offer. I mean prints. Solid colors photograph best. They aren't distracting. Patterns have this weird way of cluttering an image visually. Bright colors are like patterns. Big logos do this too. This isn't a D&G ad is it? I wish 

• Wear clothes that fit! I can't tell you how important that is. Fact is, wearing a shirt too long makes you look shorter, and wearing one too short makes you look like you just came out of a Richard Simmons workout video. A great rule is to wear shirts that meet at your belt line. Guys, this doesn't mean you should "sag" your pants and wear tall tees. It means wear a belt and have the shirt meet the bottom of it. Ladies, meeting the top of it is acceptable. But as much as you think you're belly button piercing is awesome, you're parents will hate me if they see it in your pictures.

• Stripes. I personally love stripes. I use them in my daily wardrobe. Visually speaking, they make you look bigger. Vertical stripes make you look taller, horizontal stripes make you appear wider. Use them cautiously. 

• Cut. V-Neck, Scoop, Turtleneck, etc. Okay, don't wear a turtleneck. Its 2011. Okay, V-necks: Lengthen the body. It's very visually appealing, just don't get too crazy with a super deep one. You can always use a button up to create the same shape. Works great! Scoops: Very casual and make for timeless images. Halter tops, Tube tops, etc.: They stop the eye. Anything that cuts your body in half will have that effect. They'll make you look wide. I recommend against it. 

• Sleeves. Sleeves typically look better in portraiture. Too much skin showing draws away from the face. That doesn't mean only bring jackets on 110 degree summer day. Just have fun with it.

• Shorts vs. Pants: Read above. (pants look best)

• Color: It's pretty simple with color. Neutrals give you more options. Everyone knows this. That doesn't mean show up with only black and white. Just think about contrast. If you have a very light complexion, wearing the darkest thing you can find will a.) make you look lighter and b.) make your images about your clothes and not you. Opposite for the darker complected. Food for thought.

Now remember, these are tips and trends I've seen. Who am I? Exactly... Rules can be broken. If you need more inspiration check out a Vogue or Bazaar Magazine. They're absolutely wonderful references. Most of all, have fun. You only get senior portraits done once (hopefully). Feel completely free to add your own tips or tell me how wrong I am. Feedback is welcome :)