Some call it a “pop,” some call it a “punch”…guess it depends on if you’re in a combative mood or not while you’re tying a scarf.
One of my favorite photo session tricks to make almost any outfit work is to add a scarf in complementary colors.
For example…let’s take a basic black shirt, grey jacket, and jeans. Right now, you’re feeling safe. If it worked for Danny and the T-Birds in “Grease,” how could jeans and a basic black t-shirt go wrong?
Never mind.
Truth is, it might not actually “go wrong,” but it might be a little bland…blah…non-memorable. And photos are about memories, after all. Life gives us plenty of opportunities for non-memorable attire {a dark move theater, for example.}
Add a patterned, complementary scarf to the mix and a basic outfit suddenly comes to life. {Bonus points for the cute earrings and shoes.}
Basic black just got camera-ready! The above outfit would look fabulous in an eclectic urban setting or in front of an amazingly lush, fully-blooming garden.
Just NOT in front of a prom backdrop.
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{Surely it goes without saying that even the ferns are embarrassed to be in this photo.}
Ok, so now you’re feeling confident with the safety net outfit of black and denim. So slide your pinky toe outside of the comfort zone and let’s check out a few more basic colors brought to life through scarfing.
While at first it might appear a little intimidating, the outfit below is beautifully simple. Jeans, a solid but colorful top, and a cute brown cardigan.
{I thought it might be intimidating because at first glance, the scarf looks more like a tube top, which is a unanimous photo shoot “don’t,” but alas, it’s our hero…The Scarf.
SHAZAM!–add the brilliant orange silk scarf, and this photo session outfit has layers and depth and varying texture. The burnt orange now seems perfectly toasted and fabulously colorful with the scarf as a whimsical accent.
{I could definitely write another post on the smokin’ hot leopard belt and jewelry, but I’m trying to stay focused.}
{As you can tell.}
Lastly, we are going to spice up the plainest of janes…the cream cardigan.
Typically, white isn’t the best color for photo shoots, unless you’re in a wedding dress.
People with amazing skin tones can wear whites just fine, but most of us look like a giant bottle of Elmer’s paste. If you even remember what paste is/was. {do they still sell it?}
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Let me find out…
“Kiddos, do you know what paste is?”
In unison: “No.”
9 year-old: “Is it like glue or something?”
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But this is where the scarf gets all Wonder Woman on us and saves the day:
I KNOW!!
It would be especially great if the other family members wore bold, warm colors. Boring cream became the backdrop for photo shoot awesomeness.
You could also go this direction if plum is your bag, baby:
The earrings and shoes highlight the scarf…just leave the beautiful camel coat in the car;)
If I was involved in an Eiffel Tower prom photo shoot anytime soon, I would totally wear the red/leopard ensemble.
Hopefully you’re feeling inspired to spice up your closet basics with a scarf. Maybe the next scheduled photo session doesn’t require an entirely new outfit–just a scarf. They’re like buttah.
I also hope you’re inspired to go pull out the prom pictures and “Hold On to the Night.” Or is that just us?
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