11 Tricks to Looking More Photogenic

Every time I open up Instagram, I see a perfectly positioned model or influencer showing off their outfit. Without fail, I assume the seemingly perfect photo was effortless to capture. I always take it for granted that the person in the photo is naturally photogenic (and that if I’m not naturally photogenic, I’d never been able to pull off the same photo). But guess what: That couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone who frequently has their photo taken just knows what works for them, mostly from trial and error.

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For Instagram’s director of fashion partnerships, Eva Chen, it’s her baby giraffe pose, while the Barbie feet pose is a favorite among celebs and models everywhere. It’s no big secret how to produce an amazing outfit photo; it just comes down to knowing your angles.

Everyone has a different angle that works best for them, but try the following tips and you’ll realize that the perfect outfit photo is just a matter of strategy. From paying attention to camera angles to strategically positioning your body, we’re sharing our top tricks to never worrying about how to look more photogenic again. If you’re ready to up your Instagram game, look no further.

Avoid a Low Angle

Lower angles, while sometimes a cool option, are typically harder to execute well. Position your camera slightly above your eye line. Generally speaking, the higher the camera angle, the better the photo.

Put Your Hand on Your Hip

PHOTO: @AIMEESONG

Any time your arm is slightly away from the rest of your body, it adds interest to the pose.

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Sit Up or Stand Up Straight

Paying attention to your posture when taking pictures can make the world of a difference. Hunched shoulders and slumped spines will not elongate your figure. Instead, push your shoulders back stick your back end out slightly. It might seem silly to dramatize good posture, but we promise it will come across well on camera.

Avoid Bulky Clothing

Obviously, you should wear whatever you like and show off your unique style in photos, but bulky clothing tends to distract from the best part of the photo: you! Lightweight, thin fabrics, like silk, are great options for photos.  

Slightly Twist Your Body to the Side

PHOTO: @BADGALRARA_

Again, posing in a unique way adds interest to the photo. Fully to the side or even at an angle both work.

Wear Dark Clothing

PHOTO: @CHRISSYFORD

You don’t have to wear bright colors to make your photo stand out. Case in point: Chrissy Rutherford’s dark-wash denim jumpsuit and black booties.

Add a Filter

PHOTO: @NNENNAECHEM

Going for a darker Instagram filter, like X-Pro II or Mayfair, and adjusting the exposure and light filters can make for a more photogenic image.

Keep Your Chin Up and Out

This trick will elongate your neck and help to avoid any unflattering chin angles. 

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Pull Your Shoulders Back

Not only will this accentuate your collarbone, but it will also make you look more polished and put-together (if that’s what you’re going for).

Don’t Tightly Press Your Arms to Your Body

Keep your arms slightly away from your body for a better shot. Either put your hand on your hip, brush your hand through your hair, or try keeping your elbow slightly out.

Experiment With Selfies to Find Your Best Angle

PHOTO: @FONGMINLIAO

No shame here—it’s all about finding what looks best for you. A little trial and error will help you find your best angle in photos so you know exactly how to stand to create the best image.

Shop the photogenic wardrobe essentials our editors are loving right now from Fashion Nova:

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Leandra Ruched Mini Dress – Lavender, $59.99 USD

You really can’t go wrong with a dress.

Painting Pictures PU Leather Skirtall – Black, $24.99 USD

This skirt is the perfect length.

Charge It Rhinestone Blazer – Black, $69.99 USD

The word “hourglass” is what describes this stylish blazer. Need we say more?

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It’s On Deck Bodysuit – Black, $29.99 USD

Square necklines are basically a frame for your collarbones.

Ciao Bella Crossbody Bag – Black, $24.99 USD $16.98 USD

This will make wearing black feel anything but boring.

On My Side Midi Dress – Burgundy, $54.99 USD

Try any silhouette that’s belted to highlight your figure.

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Victoria High Waisted Dress Pant- Pinstripe – Black/White, $34.99 USD

Vertical stripes are pretty much guaranteed to garner likes.

Party For Two Contrast Jeans – Black/Blue, $49.99 USD

Always invest in black jeans.

Vivi Maxi Wrap Dress – Mauve, $39.99 USD

There’s a reason wrap dresses have been a classic for decades now—they look so darn good on everyone.

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Two Of A Kind Layered Jacket – Medium Blue Wash, $34.99 USD

A cropped jacket is so versatile.

Essential Faux Leather Moto Jacket – Tan, $39.99 USD $31.99 USD

Again with the belt.

Wine And Dine Velvet Corset Top – Black, $19.99 USD

Throw this on with jeans and sandals in the warmer months, and layer with a blazer in the colder seasons.

Comment below if you would enjoy a Try-On Haul and with what brand! ( Tag them)

Feature Photo: @Saweetie

SOS: BUCKET HATS HAS NOW ENTERED THE RUNWAY

Winter headwear usually means one thing: beanies. We’re talking about crisply cuffed, tiny beanies, ultra-bright neon beanies, and every other type of beanie under the chilly winter sun. Fact: We lose a significant amount of heat through our heads (though not as much as was initially believed)—which is why it’s always wise to wear a hat in the fall and wintertime cold. It’s the cold-weather accessory that keeps your noggin from freezing while also making you look more rugged and outdoorsy than you are. It is also, on occasion, a little tired. So, this year, why not change things up just a bit? If you’re looking for a break from wearing a beanie every day, consider the winterized bucket hat from honeybum.com.

Given this fact, I figured I’d scour our Instagram @beautyleebar, in search of fresh bucket hat outfit ideas. Bucket hats are by no means a new trend (they have dominated our feeds all summer), but that doesn’t mean they aren’t an accessory that could use some styling inspiration. And what better way to embrace the trend, than with a little help from our friends? Keep reading for all the various ways to wear bucket hats and to shop the key pieces to create the look for yourself.

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WAYS TO STYLE BUCKET HATS:

Swimsuit and a bucket hat. It may be fall, but that doesn’t mean your socially distanced days outside need to be over. In fact, if you slip off to the water nearby don’t forget to pair your favorite suit with a bucket hat. Instagram-cool-girls and Love Island’s Ovie Soko, is sooo the vibe. We even saw it on the runway, from Fendi and Dior to Emilio Pucci.

Groutfit (head to toe grey look) with a bucket hat. Bucket hats aren’t just for those summer days. In fact, we implore you to copyreader Sara Flaaen and wear your hat well into the winter. Just pair it with a head-to-toe sweater groutfit and you’ll be cozy and chic for the coming months.

Matching cardigan and bucket hat with white cargo pants. Another simple outfit idea that can include your favorite bucket hat, is by pairing it with a matching cardigan. Just be sure to pick the color that suits you best.

Padded black T-shirt, combat boots, and a gingham bucket hat. Maybe it’s just us, but we’re very much a fan of this grunge-inspired look. We love when an outfit nails multiple trends, and this bucket outfit idea from Div Ravindran does just that. Pairing a gingham hat with the popular padded T-shirt and combat boots is the grudge meets polished look we never knew we needed to copy.

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Monochrome look, except for the bucket hat. There’s no better way to show off your favorite printed bucket hat than by pairing it with a monochrome ensemble. Whether you opt for nude, black, or go bold like Aniyah Morinia in an all-white look, your bucket hat outfit will be sure to stun.

Matching set or boilersuit with sandals and a bucket hat. The best thing about bucket hats (other than the fact they’re great for bad hair days) is that they come in so many different variations and can be styled in so many various ways. If you’re not sure where to start, look for Cindy for inspiration and opt for an earth-toned bucket hat paired with a simple boilersuit. We promise this is a no-fail way to wear your new hat.

Sweater-vest, exaggerated collar button up, pearls, and a fuzzy bucket hat. It doesn’t get any funner or more fashionable than Nnenna Echem’s bucket hat outfit. The fuzzy hat? The sweater vest? The exaggerated collar? Perfection. And the great thing about this outfit is that you can re-create it at home.

Nude button-up with a matching bucket hat and gold hoops. The surefire way to pull off a bucket hat outfit? Just take a cue from Kristina Pittam and opt for a head-to-toe nude look. You won’t regret it.

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Oversize sweatshirt, slide sandals, bucket hat. Bucket-hat outfits aren’t just trendy—they’re the epitome of functional and fashionable. Don’t believe us? Look no further than this outfit from Rachel Nosco. Whether you’re at home or rolling out of bed for a quick run to your bodega, throwing on your go-to oversize sweatshirt with a colorful bucket hat and slides is a look you can count on.

Blazer, bra top, Capri shorts, and bucket hat. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Bra tops are here to stay. And what better way to celebrate our intimates gets the limelight they deserve than pairing them with the other trend that’s here to stay? Bucket hats. If the look is too risqué for your taste, try throwing on a blazer and a Capri short like Matilde Mantini for a more daylight-friendly look.

Matching set outfit, sandals, and bucket hat. Want the comfort of being in a bralette, without showing the whole world? Look no further than Tiffany Wang’s matching set with a bucket hat. This is a look you’ll want to bookmark for when you want to be cozy but still need to be Zoom-appropriate.

Turtleneck, jeans, and a bucket hat. We’d like to introduce you to the simplest bucket hat outfit idea that you probably already own: this look from BeautyLeeBar Editor Lee. Pull out your trusty turtleneck and jeans, and then throw on the bucket hat, and voilà!

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Bomber jacket, bra top, jeans, and a bucket hat. Not ready to bust out your turtlenecks? How about you copy Jamilla Strand and pair the crop top you’ve been wearing all summer with a bomber jacket and bucket hat for a fall-ready outfit that you won’t overheat in?

Off-the-shoulder top, statement pants, a statement bucket hat, and platform sandals. The great thing about bucket hats is that they’re meant to make a statement. We suggest like reader Max, you go bold with your bucket hat outfit, and mix-and-match your patterns for an outfit idea like no other.

Bucket hat with matching oversize cardigan, tank, and briefs. You’ve made it this far, and you’re probably thinking—these ideas are cute, but I have nowhere to go. But we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to go out in order to be able to put on your bucket hat. Just look to Amaka Hamelijnck as proof. Throw on your briefs, a halter tank, a cardigan, and your bucket hat for a cozy at-home fit that’s still chic.

Crop top, high-waisted denim, chains, ’90s shoulder bag, and a bucket hat. f you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate bucket hats into your go-to weekend ensembles, look no further than Angelina for inspiration. Just pair your trusty shoulder bag, crop top, and favorite pair of jeans with your new hat for the perfect off-duty look.

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Leather coat, white top, black jeans, oversize sunglasses, and a fuzzy bucket hat. No matter your budget, another way to make your bucket hat outfit look luxe is by playing with textures. We’d suggest looking to reader uzi for inspiration. Don’t be afraid to mix faux leather with faux fur, or luxe pieces with affordable pieces. Just try to keep them in the same color family so that you can pull this look off with ease.

Matching coat and bucket hat. We live for a matching moment—and it’s even better when the moment includes a bucket hat. No matter if you opt for a matching plaid coat and bucket hat like Lois Opoku, or pick a solid color this is an outfit combination that works for any style, any time, and just about anywhere. 

Bucket hat with matching blazer. Not to be a broken record here, but matching your bucket hat to match other parts of your outfits is too cute not to try. And reader Haydy’s matching blazer and bucket hat outfit idea is further proof this is a look that’s super easy to incorporate into any wardrobe. All you have to do is find a hat that matches your favorite outerwear.

Bucket hat with a cutout or lace up-detailed piece. Sure there are a lot of trends we say are big—but if you’ve scrolled through Instagram enough at some point you’ve probably recognized the rise in pieces with cutouts or lace-up details. And these trends will continue to be popular—so what better way to embrace the trend, than pairing it with a bucket hat. Whether you choose to opt for a look that includes both cutouts and lace-up details like Caroline Hu, or just pick one statement piece; this a look that is sure to be on-trend this season.

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Animal print bucket hat, a colorful sweater, leather pants, and a coat. If you’re not a fan of matching your outerwear or layers, then let Gemma Katrina’s be your muse, and don’t be afraid to mix it up. Just be sure to pick a bucket hat that makes a statement when styling your look.

Oversize bucket hat, puff-sleeve crop top, linen pants. While we may be excited to break out our fall and winter wardrobes, some parts of the world are still feeling the summer heat.

Shearling bucket hat with a matching coat. When it gets colder you don’t have to ditch your bucket hat—in fact, you like Olivia Natalie can use it to keep you warm by opting for a hat with faux shearling to match your coat. It’s not only cozy, but it’s chic.

Oversize cardigan, knee-high boots, and a bucket hat. Somewhere in-between not too hot, not too cold weather? Why not opt for pairing your bucket hat with an oversize cardigan and your knee-high boots like Alice Festiova? It’s perfect for transitional weather. 

Bucket hat, knit top, and cargo pants. You don’t have to limit yourself to pairing your bucket hat with just denim or dresses; in fact, if you’re in need of another bucket hat outfit idea look to Emily Aaron for inspiration. Pair your favorite knit cardigan with cargo pants for a unique way to style your go-to bucket hat.

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All-black outfit with chains and a white bucket hat. You’ve made it this far, and we wanted to remind you that to recreate your very own bucket hat outfit idea you don’t necessarily need to buy a ton of new pieces—you can work with what you got. Case in point: Michella Choi’s outfit. Pull out your favorite black jeans, top, and a bucket hat to recreate this look—there’s no need to splurge. But if you do want to, we recommend adding a statement necklace or shoulder bag to make this outfit idea feel like your very own.

Oversize blazer dress, ankle boots, and a bucket hat. What’s great about bucket hats is they really can be styled with just about anything—from oversize blazer dresses, like Lien’s (click her name to see) to pair with jeans, this is a staple that has endless iterations, and various ways to be worn. Bucket hats, therefore, are here to stay—and we’re not mad about it.

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Okay, now that we went over the different styles of wearing a bucket hat. I am sure the next question is ” where do I buy a bucket hat”? Well, @honeybum has great fluffy buck hats that come in four colors: BLACK, GREY, IVORY, and KHAKI. Happy shopping!

HONEYBUM

So Spoiled Fuzzy Bucket Hat,$16.90

Fuzzy bucket style hat.

  • Soft material.
  • 100% Polyester

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Can we wear our bucket hats yet?

I Watch Gilmore Girls Every Fall—Here Are 8 Trends From the Show I’d Wear Today

If you also have the problem of immediately pivoting your life and re-watching Gilmore Girls the second fall rolls around, this one is for you. Although my main priorities while bingeing are enjoying Lorelai’s sarcastic commentary and watching how the girls’ love lives unfold, in this year’s rewatch, I took special notice of the fashion trends from the early 2000s that I’m seeing circling back around this season.

While a majority of people may not think of Rory Gilmore as a proposed style icon (she had enough on her résumé), she did share a closet with Lorelai, who hoarded an obscene amount of trendy clothing and could never say no to a trip to the mall. If you’re in the same boat as me and are finding yourself wanting to transport back to Y2K in Gilmore fashion, I rounded up eight of the trends that the mother-daughter duo and other Stars Hollow residents often sported along with shoppable modern versions that I’d incorporate into my wardrobe today.

From cropped cardigans to skater tees, there’s a fall item in this list you’ll want to get a hold of. Scroll below to take a trip down memory lane. Where they lead, we will follow.

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Shoulder Bags

When Rory wasn’t carrying her book bag, she and Lorelai usually opted for mini shoulder bags to complete their looks. And let’s be real—they were probably filled with snacks.

Sweater-Vests

Yes, I know the sweater-vests were a part of the Chilton uniform, but they were also regularly spotted across the series. What an easy way to look collegiate and stylish, no?

Squared-Toe Boots

I’d 100% wear this entire look today. It took me a closer look while watching to realize that Lorelai loved a good square toe when it came to her fall boots.

Tie-Dye

Stars Hollow loved a good tie-dye print, as I spotted the trend on characters from Lorelai all the way to Jackson and Babette.

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Skater Tees

I’m sorry, but you know I had to squeeze a little Jess Mariano in the mix. (#TeamJess for life ?) While his assortment of graphic tees may not have meshed well with working at Luke’s, I know I wanted to get my hands on his collection. Whether you just want to be comfortable or incorporate that edgy aesthetic into your life, skater tees are the trend for you.

Silky Tops

Lorelai was known to always wear a trusty button-down while working at the Inn, but it was the silky numbers that really grabbed my attention.

Leather Blazers

Lorelai Gilmore wore a brown outfit with a leather blazer, so I also wore a brown outfit with a leather blazer. (But seriously, this outfit was ahead of its time.)

Cropped Cardigans

The Gilmore trio (yes, even Emily) often sported shorter cardigans over everything—from formal dresses at Friday night dinners to casual ensembles on the way to Luke’s. Either way, they’re a closet essential to own today. 

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COMMENT BELOW IF YOU EVER WATCHED GILMORE GIRLS OR IF YOU STILL DO!

The Cult Affordable Basic Every Fashion Person Owns

If there’s one piece that has defined fashion in 2020, it’s the padded shoulder tee. Yep, the wardrobe basic officially rose to cult status this year and it’s easy to see why. By adding statement-making shoulder pads to a standard tee, the ‘80s detail instantly updates a regular basic, making it the perfect Zoom-ready piece to slip into. While it started out as a trend we first saw with sleeveless muscle tops, shoulder pad details have since made their way to sleeved T-shirts as well as dresses.

Fashion people are definitely on board and have been debuting plenty of must-repeat looks wearing the upgraded basic. From outfits with sweatpants and sneakers to tailored trousers and boots, there’s lots of inspiration for how to style the cool staple ahead. And yes, you can count me as a big personal fan of the trend. I always have my eye on the best new fashion finds and this one has stuck with me all year. Trust me, you’ll want to get shopping.

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Remember how I said I was a big fan of the trend? Here’s the proof.

Does it get any more simple or chic?

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Here are some style tips to wear your padded tops:

♡ Bold color.

♡ Paired with Bermuda shorts and heels, you will have the perfect outfit.

♡ Just add slouchy trousers. This will elevate your look and it’ll look more expensive, specially if you wear heels and gold jewelry.

♡ Looking for a fresh way to wear your sweatpants and sneakers? This is it.

♡ Add sleeve padded tee and padded sweaters to your wardrobe.

♡ Mini skirt + Padded Tee = Yep, the perfect piece to wear

♡ And yes, there are stunning padded dresses as well.

♡ Pair with fall boots and top off with a trench coat.

♡ A way to style a padded shoulders muscle t-shirt and make your look more chic, is to pair it with leather pants, shorts, a skirt, anything leather really. Definitely an outfit I would wear 24/7 if I was in New York.

♡ Keep it basic. Padded shoulders make me feel more put together and they add more structure to an outfit. Keep your look simple & cute by pairing your padded shoulders muscle t-shirt with jeans. Throw on gold jewelry, sandals, a cute baguette bag and you’re good to go! You can wear the t-shirt with loose mom jeans or skinny jeans – you’ll look cute AF no matter what.

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Fashion Nova + Pretty Little Thing

Hannah Shoulder Pad Tee – Marsala

$24.99 SHOP NOW.

Lana Padded Shoulder Crop Top – Heather Grey

$19.99 USD $9.98 Final Sale SHOP NOW.

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Reckless Padded Top – Charcoal

$19.99 USD SHOP NOW.

Baby Girl Padded Crop Top – Charcoal

$19.99 USD SHOP NOW.

Glowed Up Padded Bodysuit – Olive

$19.99 USD SHOP NOW.

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Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to vote and make sure your ballots are secured. Everyone’s voice matters! ♡

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