All eyes on you? Here’s how to be camera-ready every single day
Stylists Anisha Gandhi and Priyanka Srivastava share tips for staying photo-ready, emphasizing preparation, bold choices, and versatile wardrobe essentials.
In an era when every moment could become a post, and every outing has the potential to go viral, there’s no downtime for chicness. The cameras are everywhere, and at some point, everyone gets into the frame. Being perpetually photo-ready takes prep, creativity, and attention to detail. It’s more about how you style than how much you spend. Stylists Anisha Gandhi and Priyanka Srivastava, who keep celebrities such as Richa Chadha and Kalki Koechlin in the spotlight, share their top tips.
Prep school. “Only 10% of style is creativity,” says Gandhi. “The rest is preparation.” Insta-worthy clips don’t come out of random closet picks. So, examine everything you own, including underwear, accessories and shoes. What doesn’t fit will only drag a photo down. What bunches up, pops open, looks sheer under bright light, is faded or unflattering will look exactly that in front of a camera. Invest in seamless innerwear and pick them in deep-nude colours. Avoid white lingerie. It becomes visible under thin fabric when the camera flash or bright lights. And send small fixes for alteration. “Never underestimate the power of a perfectly tailored outfit. It not only looks good, but being photo-ready at any time also boosts your confidence,” adds Srivastava.
The breakdown. Life’s too short to make new styling decisions every morning. “Create a capsule wardrobe for the week,” recommends Gandhi. “Lay out each day’s outfit, match them with accessories, and photograph each look.” Iron what’s needed, fix what’s fraying in advance. It saves time over the week and gives you a good idea of what each fit looks like in front of a camera.
Get real. Blah looks make for blah photos. “Step out of your comfort zone with calculated risks,” says Gandhi. “Incorporate this season’s maximalist trends with bold accessories such as statement necklaces or sculptural earrings.” Try not to look like a store mannequin. “Your style is your identity. It should be an authentic reflection of who you are.” Srivastava takes it up a notch: “Style should also reflect who you want to be. It’s about bridging the gap between your present self and your aspirations.” She recommends building a wardrobe base of versatile staples: Structured blazers or tailored jumpsuits, and adding experimental touches, such as neon accents or metallic fabrics. “High-waisted cargo denims, matching caps, sneakers and light gold accessories are my all-time favourite go-to looks.”
Sense the pattern. Busy prints rarely photograph or film well. “Fine checks and thin pinstripes can distort under certain lighting,” cautions Srivastava. Who wants that? Instead, pick bigger, high contrast prints, block colours, muted metallics and no more than two or three colours in an outfit for a clean, sophisticated look. Saturated colours (a deep red, a bold turquoise) will stand out in low light and hazy selfies. Textured fabrics – smocking, micropleats, chunky knits, thick weaves – hold their shape rather than flow with the body’s dips and curves. Do a quick check in the mirror to confirm that they don’t create odd angles, especially at the waist and hip.
Mix it up. The key to standing out lies in mastering contrasts: Bright and muted, formal and casual, and Western and traditional elements. “Pair a silk sari with a leather jacket, or add oxidised silver jewellery to a contemporary power suit,” recommends Srivastava. “A satin slip dress paired with a tailored trench coat is an understated, yet bold combination,” says Gandhi. Button up the coat for one set of pics, take it off for another for more diverse shots.
Extra touches. “Minimalist jewellery is timeless, but don’t shy away from bold pieces to elevate neutral ensembles,” advises Srivastava. Diamond studs, chunky gold hoops, a tennis bracelet, or a statement clutch will catch the eye, and the lens. And for the face, it helps to subtly highlight the features with mascara, nude eye shadow, the blackest black liner, and a cool-toned lipstick. Most make-up artists recommend using concealer for spots or areas of discolouration, rather than a full face of foundation. “This way, you’re always camera-ready without seeming overdone.” Flyaway hair can ruin even the best moment. Loose waves, a polished bun, side-parted ponytails, or sleek middle parts are universally flattering and photograph beautifully. “Learn what works for you, whether it’s soft curls for volume or straight locks,” says Srivastava.
Always at hand
To stay ready for the lens at all times, stock your bag with…
A mattifying powder for touch-ups
Anti-frizz hair spray or serum
A scarf to play up a look
A bold lipstick and eyeliner
A hair clasp
