My last fashionably modest post was on shooting style, and this must be something I have on the brain lately. 
I spent the morning adding things to my Shooting Style Pinterest board, and I’m wondering if you wouldn’t mind helping me brainstorm to figure out an outfit to wear when shooting weddings.
I need my outfit to:
Be professional.
Include some fun/sassy elements!
Not something that will stick out like a sore thumb in guest photos. It can’t be so loud that every time I get caught in a photograph people think PHOTORAPHER when they are looking through photos on Facebook, you know?
Include really comfortable shoes. Just go with the shoes I’ve included on the board already, unless you have a really cute pair of 10-hours-or-more-on-your-feet kind of shoes. For $200 or less.
Include tights/leggings. I have to be able to scramble around and not show off my lady bits or make the groomsmen uncomfortable.
I want my outfit to:
Reflect my personality. I’m pretty bubbly and I like to try to get my clients laughing. I think when I work with clients throughout the day I come across as a very happy person who loves weddings.
Include jewelry! I’m awful with jewelry and I feel overwhelmed trying to put things together. I’d be open to hair accessories as well. No big headbands that stick up from my head though, I look silly when I wear those.
I don’t want to buy a new dress. That one was a big investment and it just might fit me all the way through my weight loss. Dresses with sleeves that reach the knee are hard to find too.
Click here to check out my board, and then comment below if you have any feedback regarding items you think would make a great outfit, whether using items I’ve put on my board, or items you’ve seen somewhere on the internet.
If you want to be really awesome, you can make me a Polyvore board with the items you would put together and post the link in the comments below. If people do this I’ll write a post with screenshots of your Polyvore boards that way everyone else can see what you came up with!
March 21st, 2011 on 2:00 pm
As much as I would love to help… clothing is not my thing. Most of my wardrobe is black (because I have to wear black for work) and that makes dressing myself a thousand times easier.
Good luck!
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March 21st, 2011 on 2:02 pm
Great idea to look to your readers for help! I hate shopping so having a personal shopper would be awesome.
I like the idea of an LBD with patterned nylons and maybe a colourful scarf or long necklace.
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Jenna Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:08 pm
A scarf won’t work because most weddings are in the summer and I get really sweaty!
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March 21st, 2011 on 2:03 pm
Hello friend! I haven’t commented on your blog in ages, but I think what you’re looking for is a lot like what I need/have for my political work. I need something that can look good with 20 hour days, modest (yay temples), professional with a little bit of pizazz, and can keep up with my erratic job description.
My body looks ridiculous in pants - no idea why, but it’s all the wrong proportions and all kinds of awkward and I can never find long enough/sleeved dresses for my body. I compensate with fun cardigans over long enough dresses in winter/spring/fall, but when that isn’t appropriate I LOVE longer pencil skirts. To make them modest I either sew up any slits necessary or find ones without slits. Sometimes my job requires me to plug things in under tables, move around, set up yard signs in fields, etc. and pencil skirts allow for me to move around modestly (particularly with tights) and still have the range of motion that I need. Places I’ve found great skirts are Ann Taylor Loft, Target (no joke), and JCrew when I’m looking for skirts to go with suit jackets (more businessy than you’re probably looking for).
I also highly recommend fun colored belts (found a ton of cute ones at Target and can be found at any mall store right now for pretty cheap) and I’ve found a ton of bright colored flats from DSW’s clearance aisles over the last year to spice up an otherwise boring color scheme (read: blacks, grays, navy, etc).
Something you may also want to keep in mind are that floor length maxi dresses are coming into style (Check out any Anthropologie store for inspiration) and with a blouse underneath or a sweater depending on the style could be a great start. They sometimes have pockets (BIG WIN) and are more free flowing for us curvy ladies. Anthro is a bit expensive for me, but you should be able to find them all over the place this season.
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Sarah for Real Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Great idea on the pencil skirt. That can be so flattering! Definitely one with a bit of stretch in the material would be so comfortable.
I’d steer clear of maxi dresses though, unless you’re 8 feet tall. I think they can overwhelm a smaller frame. I love the proportions of the dress Jenna already has, very flattering length.
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March 21st, 2011 on 2:24 pm
I love the dress, great building block. I’d pick the BR belt (though expensive I know… maybe find a look-alike?) because it’s nice and wide (I think that’s slimming) and not a bright color (which might clash/stick out with a bride’s colors).
I’m thrown off by all the textured tights though, I prefer solid for its stream-lining effect. With a dark solid tight plus the dark dress and a wide belt, it would make your legs seem nice and long, a good proportion overall. Especially if you can get away with a little heel on your shoes.
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Jenna Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:44 pm
So do you think the black dress, BR belt, black tights, and black heels (the wedge ones from Kenneth Cole on my board) and then focus on my jewelry? I just feel like I’m dressing really boring right now.
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Sarah for Real Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 9:39 pm
YES! I’d totally do that. I don’t think it’s boring at all, especially if you add some interesting jewelery. Boring would be black slacks, blouse, loafers. This look is so not boring.
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Sarah for Real Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Oh and I randomly wanted to add that I love how the little photo for your book club button is Anne of Green Gables!
…and how in the world do I remember what those book spines look like after all these years?!
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March 21st, 2011 on 2:26 pm
I think your clothing choices look pretty good. I would add a few long white cotton button up tunic style tops since they breathe and can be dressed up with a belt very nicely.
I will reccommend these shoes since I’m a culinary stuident and these rival my Dansko clogs. http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=365129&productGroup=369604&pwpHash=shop,pwp,c-100/f-10001+4294966924+4294966457+70016/t-WOMEN%27S_SALE|SHOES
I would suggest Dansko clogs, but they can be a bit tricky for getting up and down which It sounds like you do quite a bit.
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Jenna Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:42 pm
I used to have Danskos for waitressing, but they are too clunky for weddings where I like to try to blend in with the guests
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March 21st, 2011 on 3:05 pm
So I tried to make you a polyvore board because I love stuff like this, but I got too frustrated by the fact that it’s only showing me stupid British clothes and not American stuff. I think, even though you may feel a little boring, blending in is more important in this setting. You can always add some fun bold jewellery (maybe even in one of the wedding colours). I’d suggest looking for some classy black trousers- maybe with a satin stripe down the leg like tuxedo pants. Then you could mix in some cardigans for a little flair. I especially love this one- http://bit.ly/fNRW6V
or even this one if it’s a really dressy wedding http://bit.ly/e2ifKt.
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March 21st, 2011 on 3:19 pm
Here’s a real fast polyvore I threw together. http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=29575540
For those who don’t feel like wandering over, I’ll sum up.
First, I love Gentle Souls shoes. I have wide feet, and generally can barely stand heels, but the pair I have (O Joy) are some of the most comfortable shoes I own, period. The wedges in pinterest are cute too and probably also comfy, but I had to use my old favs.
I also really love textured tights, they add such a nice pop without being too loud. Monochromatic can still look great so long as the whole thing isn’t mono.
Also, have you ever thought of doing little decorative bobby pins with that great big bun you wear? I think it would look cute, while still being kind of small and most of all, they would probably stay put really well.
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March 21st, 2011 on 4:05 pm
have you tried the Fitzwell brand of shoes from zappos.com? I have a pair and they are pretty compfy. They have little gel pads built right into the shoe.
I also have a pair of plain round toe pumps I got at nordstroms they are very compfy considering they are 3 in. heels i can wear them for a good 3-5 hours depending on what Im going.
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March 21st, 2011 on 4:14 pm
Have you ever tried Miz Mooz shoes? I have hard to fit feet, and they are the most comfortable heels I have ever worn. I walked several miles in them when I was visiting DC last summer, and my feet felt fine. They have adorable, brightly colored options, and both the flats and heels are really cute without sticking out too much.
Flats: http://bit.ly/fl0EUY
Wedges: http://bit.ly/hHAU1S
Boots might be a good option, too, as they’re usually stylish while still being comfortable. I wear some similar to these http://bit.ly/fqblfQ all year round, even when I was living in southern California.
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March 21st, 2011 on 4:21 pm
Here’s a Polyvore I threw together. http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=29578829
I went with your idea of a LBD, and added some fun jewlery. One in a bright color, the other in Jenna Cole Green.
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March 21st, 2011 on 4:27 pm
Jewelry - chunky fun not too long H&M or Forever21
Shoes - TOMS silver/gold/shimmery black, coordinated with above necklace
They have pretty good sole support.
Dress - black flutter type or tunic dress paired with black leggings. I know Blk doesn’t offer a whole lot of punch or fun but thats where your jewelry/TOMS comes in to play!
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March 21st, 2011 on 6:39 pm
I was going to suggest a lightweight cotton patterned scarf that is tucked into a belt (like on the Daybook blog) but you noted above that you get hot. But if you found some that you liked the colour of and that is cotton, it would be a great way to jazz up that dress with any of those belts you pinned.
I think a pencil skirt won’t work as you need to move around freely, and maxi dresses can get in the way.
I have always thought that a really smart well tailored pair of black pants is the best way to go. You can mix and match the rest of your clothes, accessories and shoes. They don’t need to be expensive either, I get mine at the Gap.
Also cardigans! Mustard yellow is very in at the moment and you can add a belt or pin brooches to change it up ( I like the big flower ones that you can DIY, loads of how to’s on Pinterest)
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March 21st, 2011 on 7:09 pm
You should check out a blog called Glamorous Newlywed. She does “What to Wear” posts from readers and creates some really great (and usually reasonably priced) outfits based on reader questions. She just recently had a baby so she might be a little backed up, but her suggestions are usually right on!
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March 21st, 2011 on 7:28 pm
OK, so here’s a super quick Polyvore I made.
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=29586826
Sorry, I sorta ditched your dress, mostly because I love the versatility of skirts! There are so many ways you can style them up, it’s endless, really. AND you’re in luck, because maxi skirts are really in.
My fav is the striped skirt. You can wear it with a colored version of the white blouse I posted. Buttoned up, with a statement necklace over top should make things interesting. And if you really want to jazz things up, consider a cute hat! I loooove hats.
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March 21st, 2011 on 8:05 pm
I like the idea of adding brooches to jazz up an outfit. You can typically find them really cheap at a thrift store or maybe your mom has some of your great-grandma’s..that would be a great, sentimental piece. I also think a good look would be something all black with just a pop of color like a funky belt.
And…I definitely recommend Dr. Scholl’s shoes from Famous Footwear. I’m a teacher and on my feet 8 hours a day pretty much non stop and I love, love, love those shoes. They come in some fairly dressy colors/styles and they also come in wedges. Also, very reasonably priced so if you don’t love them you aren’t really out more that 30 bucks (find a coupon online before your buy though!!!)
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March 21st, 2011 on 8:16 pm
This is what I threw together: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=29589039
I kept the outfit pretty plain, minus the little hearts on the tights, but pulled in the green with the accessories.
I like that green so much, I might buy those accessories for myself!
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March 21st, 2011 on 10:56 pm
Just my two cents… I LOVE the dress you already have and would go with a very subtle patterned black tight and a black flat. You can’t go wrong with black, even if you think it’s boring. And as far as jewelry goes, I wouldn’t bother. For me jewelry just gets in the way of shooting (you have enough to worry about already without having to untangle your necklace from your strap or something). Instead I’d get a fun camera strap, you can find lots of them on etsy.
I really like this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/68531885/rosette-camera-strap-cover?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=camera+strap&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
And this one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65780721/my-sunshine-ruffle-dslr-camera-strap?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=camera+strap&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
Can’t wait to see the final product!
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March 21st, 2011 on 11:40 pm
two suggestions:
1 - don’t wear heels! Ouch! They will be bad for your feet and your back if you are wearing them all day while shooting a wedding. And they’ll be especially bad in the long run if you are wearing them all the time!
2 - don’t wear patterned tights on the job. They don’t look very professional. Stick with solid tights.
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March 22nd, 2011 on 11:12 am
I like the patterned tights with a black dress, although black patterned. I do like what Sarah for Real Suggested, and i want to buy that Madeline necklace from Etsy-it is so gorgeous, and perfect for a wedding!
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March 23rd, 2011 on 8:10 am
I think your black dress is a great basic piece. I have a similar body sahpe to you and love elastic belts to bring in the waist. The black one you pinned with the red flowers would be my choice and I don’t feel it’s juvenille, rather comfy and on trend. You could center the flower or wear it on one side and an elastic belt is great as you lose weight too. The elastic is also functional in that you can move without worrying about your belt shifting up or down. I tend to agree with a PP that solid tights are more slimming and generally more versatile than large patterns. However, don’t shy away from color, purples and dep reds tend to be universally flattering and look great with black. Avoid green or yellow which can make your legs look sickly. I also love the scarf option and I know you mentioned overheating but it may be worth checking out H&M as they have some nice light weight and cheap scarfs which could bring in the style and color you’re looking for. Scarfs also make great belts and another benefit of an elastic belt is that you can wrap a scarf around it thus giving your scarf belt structure and giving you a more colorful belt addition. I highly recommend http://www.academichic.com for their belting/scarfing techniques, those women are great with acessorizing!
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March 23rd, 2011 on 9:14 am
Are you averse to pants? for an informal wedding I like the idea of slim black pants (I like these, not skinny, but streamlined and stretchy enough for moving http://tinyurl.com/4u89mor )with a belted cardigan (short sleeve for summer http://tinyurl.com/4cc7jfn ). Under the cardigan you could wear a ribbed tank or an embellished cami (Old Navy has many choices http://tinyurl.com/3x3q4l9 ). I do like your black dress and think changing the belt is a good choice. I’m not sure if the patterned tights give the professional vibe you seek to portray. I’m a huge fan of Clarks, Indigo by Clarks shoes, Born and Sofft shoes.
P.S. Don’t be afraid of the narrow belts. If your top/dress/sweater/etc is streamlined, a narrow belt will add just a bit of oomph.
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March 23rd, 2011 on 9:25 am
Oh, I forgot to mention 2 other things:
1. Impeccable grooming is key. If your hair, nails and skin are neat and groomed, you will look more put together.
2. You can wear scarves as belts or as hair accessories (http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-scarf_tying_guide.html). I know you’re into thrifting, so I’ll give you my favorite thrifting secret: scarves. I pick up pure silk scarves for under $2. I have found vintage Vera Neumann and Balenciaga scarves for next to nothing.
I hope this helps!
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March 23rd, 2011 on 5:40 pm
I have these shoes from Clarks, and they’re surprisingly comfortable.
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-sugar-pop-black-leather
You might also want to check out Clarks Unstructured line. My husband swears by them. (Women’s shoes in the line all start with un.) Personally, most of their shoes are a little casual/frumpy for my taste-but that’s because I sit behind a desk most of the day. I’m pretty sure that if I were on my feet for ten hours, I’d stop caring and embrace them whole-heartedly
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March 24th, 2011 on 8:58 am
i’m a little late on this one, but here’s the link to my board-ideas:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/app#foo
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leslie Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 9:05 am
sorry, link doesn’t work…
i would wear trousers, no a skirt {bending and stuff}
i would wear a blouse {casual, non-loud colour}
and i would always wear flats….they are just so much more comfortable….
the pants i would prefer would be black
the blouse/tunic pastel: rose or blue
and a top underneath, so when you sweat, the top will “soak it in”:)
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March 31st, 2011 on 1:08 pm
http://www.polyvore.com/jenna_cole/set?id=29903381
A life time ago I was a merchandiser and stylist for a quick minute(my sister who is your age is one now, she’s a bit more punk rock in style though.)
I would say no to the patterned tights, stick to either nude nylons or bare legs, they make nude nylons that have a thong on the foot for wearing with open toed shoes now. Ignore the price of the skirt, I wanted a nice A line skirt and that was the best choice, they are easy to come by in a thrift shop.
I saw that you liked the Cole Haan bow heels, they make them in flats. I know you like your current shoes, but they look a bit casual instead of put together wedding photographer who is creative and vibrant.
I’d love you to find a really nice black wrap dress, something that will shrink with you, it would be a bit more sophisticated than the button down shirt dress. I’ve also added culottes, if you can find a pair buy them, looks like a skirt but is flowy pants, paired with a nice short sleeve white blouse you can’t go wrong. Since your shooting weddings you don’t want to look too casual. A good photographer to me shout blend into the crowd at a wedding, not too casual not too dressy, but also project that they are indeed the photographer and not just a cousin with a nice camera. A blend of artsy and business because you need people to listen to you when you direct them.
I also only picked cuff style bracelets so there was no jingling while you shoot, almost all the necklaces are shorter, long necklaces don’t hang right on a large bust(I’m speaking from personal experience here!) and get in the way, plus if your wearing a belt the necklace looks better closer to the collar bone. Belts are really awesome on you so if you see something nice, bright and cheap grab it and then find other accessories to go with it.
I kept the accesories bright, young and sophisticated but not juvenile. If you think something is juvenile then chances are it is. Also buy some dance shorts, basically they are black stretchy shorts for wearing under skirts, we used to call them dance pants, that way you don’t have to worry about showing off your underwear while shooting.
It took me a few days to do this because I’ve got a 5.5 month old and my first try crashed and burned.
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