The selection of proper clothing is an important factor in the creation of a portrait. If clothing is dominant it can draw attention away form the subject of the portrait. Here are a few suggestioned guidelines for clothing selection for a portrait sitting.
1. Clothing should be simple, keep away from bold patterns, stripes or designs.
2. The focal point is where the eye is drawn first in an image and where it returns. The brightest and darkest points are usually the focal point.
3.Color of the clothing in a group should be consistent with the other people being photographed. Try to use the same color or tonal value. As a rule, color below the waistline should be darker than above the waistline. Lighter colored pants worn below a darker colored top can draw attention to the lower part of your body and away from your face.
4. A wide open neckline can thicken a persons neck in an image. A neckline that comes up to the base of the neck, like a V-neck or turtle neck will tend to thin the neck and frame your face.
5. For and outdoor sitting think along the lines of earth tones, like green, dark navy or maroon as examples. For an informal sitting demin or dark cotton pants with a shirt of the same tonal vlaue, photographs great.