What to Wear: A Style Guide for Your Photo Session

One of the most common questions I get asked after a client books a session is: “What should I wear?”

It’s a valid concern! Your clothes play a huge role in the overall “feel” of your photos. While you want to look like yourself, you also want to choose outfits that photograph well and won’t look dated in six months.

Here are my top tips for styling your next session.

1. Stick to Neutrals and Earth Tones

Bright, neon colors can reflect onto your skin and create “color casts” that are hard to correct. Neutrals like cream, beige, grey, and navy—or earth tones like terracotta and forest green—are universally flattering and keep the focus on you, not your shirt.

2. Say No to Busy Patterns

Small, intricate patterns (like tiny checkers or thin stripes) can create a “moiré” effect on digital sensors, causing a strange wavy pattern in the final image. Large, bold patterns can be distracting. When in doubt, go for solid colors or very subtle textures.

3. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Avoid the ”90s family in denim” look. Instead of wearing the exact same color, choose a color palette and have everyone wear different shades and textures within that palette. This creates a much more organic and sophisticated look.

4. Prioritize Comfort (Within Reason)

If you feel uncomfortable, it will show on your face. Make sure your clothes fit well and that you can move in them. If we’re shooting outdoors, consider the terrain—heels might look great, but they’re tough to walk in through a grassy field!

5. Don’t Forget the Details

Iron your clothes! Small wrinkles become very obvious under professional lighting. Also, pay attention to your shoes—they often make it into the frame, so make sure they’re clean and match the vibe of your outfit.

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Still not sure?
I’m always happy to chat through outfit ideas with my clients before the shoot. Shoot me a message and let’s make sure you look and feel your best.