Photo-op → photo-ready

Breaking down my subtle mindset shift re: getting dressed and taking outfit photos

This summer I read several articles¹ discussing the synergistic rise of Gen-Z favorites TikTok and Shein: addicting ’fit check/haul videos 🤝 low-priced, literally endless product selection. I’m a millennial, so my go-to platform has been Instagram, but I’m no stranger to the thrill of posting outfits on social media. 

For me, the peak of Take Outfit Photos for Instagram was probably 2017 to 2019. I was several years into the working life and finally started traveling for fun and buying items not exclusively from Gap/Banana and Loft. New clothes in new locales was a proven recipe for “feed-worthy ’grams” at the time. 

Photos from the peak of my “post #ootds for Instagram” era.  

My impulse for that sort of posing and posting waned with the pandemic. For almost two years, I wasn’t getting dressed for anything at all, which meant little use in buying new stuff, which meant less desire to put together fresh outfits and share on IG. 

But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped enjoying getting dressed. Rather, lately I’ve started to think a little differently about my urge to take outfit photos and share them. 

I traveled a few times this summer, did many fun things, and wore practically no new clothes (my only clothing purchase since May remains the white tank in my last Wardrobe Rebuild update — oops, I guess the rebuild hasn’t progressed much 🙊). Since everything I wore was old, I felt less impulse and pressure to get the perfect “outfit photo”. 

Later, when I reviewed whatever photos that did get taken on various outings, I realized that some of my favorite snapshots of myself from the summer involve outfits that I didn’t think were particularly “exciting” at the time (again, there was nothing new!). Yet, I really liked the vibe of the outfits in the context of what was happening in the photos. In those images, the outfits weren’t necessarily intended to be the main point. They just felt natural and fitting.

I started thinking about how I can keep this dynamic going — an approach to getting dressed and taking photos that feels chill and easygoing (and more removed from the lure of social media) from start to finish. 

Less stress about what to wear. Less stress about getting the perfect picture. More intrinsic confidence in styling choices. More mental space freed up for enjoying the moment.

I think this subtle mindset shift can be summarized as moving from photo-op to photo-ready dressing. Let me explain:  

Photo-op dressing 

• Getting dressed with the expectation of capturing a really good photo of the outfit at some point in the day. 

• Often driven by novelty. I think the obsession with new is the crux of how TikTok and fast fashion fuel each other — the expectation that clothes and content both have to be updated constantly.

Photo-ready dressing

• Getting dressed with the goal of looking comfortable, at ease, and appropriate in whatever setting/context you'll be in that day². 

• …and that comfort and ease will radiate in any photos that do get taken. 

In other words:

Rather than thinking of clothes, especially new clothes, as a means to put together “photo-worthy”, never-before-posted outfits, build and use the wardrobe as a trusty companion that can flex to support life’s daily and special occasions. 

Some of my favorite snapshots from summer, featuring outfits made up of all old pieces. One funny thing about rewearing things a lot is that in place of the thrill of novelty, you get an opportunity to form personal traditions. For instance, this is the second time I’ve worn this sky/berry-colored tunic to a winery and now I’m thinking of making this my “winery shirt” 😆 It’s loose, provides good sun protection, and if I spill some Cabernet on myself, the stain will kind of blend in? 

Looking over these summer photos reminded me that I actually did add something to my wardrobe recently: a sun hat I stumbled upon at Costco. It fits my (apparently sizable) head comfortably, is squishable but retains its shape (so it’s easy to pack), and feels sturdy. I’m very happy with it.

Anyway, that’s photo-op vs. photo-ready dressing. This is an idea-in-progress. Do let me know if anything resonates or if you have related thoughts. 

— Jenny 

1

• https://www.wired.com/story/fast-cheap-out-of-control-inside-rise-of-shein 

• https://airmail.news/issues/2022-4-30/the-view-from-here

• https://www.wsj.com/articles/shein-haul-backlash-11656504321

2. I liked how Tibi’s Amy Smilovic described this sort of context-driven dressing in this Instagram post: “‘Fitting in’ is about feeling like yourself no matter where you are - but being totally appropriate for the area - the temperature, the floral, the fauna, the people, the vibe.”