Work portrait - what to wear?!

[chalkyc2]

New photos being done at work soon. Design related profession. We've been told to wear colour as black/white not so good.

My entire work wardrobe is black/white. Recommendations for an edgy/cool top for a size 16/18 please. Fairish hair and complexion. I find colour scary! But I need to look pretty strong, we don't get the photos done very regularly.

Just wear navy, burgundy or another dark block colour with a simple neckline, I’d think?

I never say this but this seems like a perfect time to get a stylist, apparently john lewis offers this, give the stylist your brief and just choose one item.

Is it a head shot or full length?

Assuming the former I'd go for a solid colour but nothing garish so, as others have said, blue, burgundy, dark green etc. Not brights. Nothing low cut or fussy around the neck. Simple jewellery (or none). Made up but not overly so.

Apparently top half to waist.

Was wondering about simple colour block top with navy jacket...or too bulky?

I'm also a 16 and fairish.
My wardrobe is traditionally grey/navy/black /white. In an attempt to brighten up a bit, I've bought some plain, bright "posh t shirt" type tops, which I seem to be wearing with everything!

Today pale pink top, grey jersey blazer, black trousers.

This top - dresses up and down very easily

You need a colour that flatters you - makes such a difference eg for me warm cookouts can light up my face but cold colours draw out eye shadows, mouth lines. Take someone with you who can be honest when you shop.

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads Ooh I like the sound of grey jersey blazer!! (Misses point of own thread, reverts to type!)

Definitely a blazer - it gives good shape and definition in a portrait and looks professional (even if it's not what you wear day to day).
I'd be annoyed if I was told not to wear black. I wore a black blazer in my professional picture and it looks good - especially because the portrait is often used in black and white so it looks quite striking.
If black really isn't allowed, I would pick a colour you love and which suits you. Hard to say what that is without knowing/seeing you! A pale pink jacket could look good from what you've said about your colouring.
Loads of cheap and colourful blazers in Mango and Zara sales at the mo.