When planning for an upcoming photo session, one of the biggest questions clients often have is “what should I wear?.” You want your photos to be perfect and suddenly when you look through your closet you feel like you need to buy a whole new outfit. While I am 100% behind a shopping spree, chances are you can find at least one thing that you already have that will work for your session. It can be especially difficult to coordinate outfits between multiple people for a family session so hopefully it becomes a bit easier with these tips in mind.
Colours
Your closet is likely already filled with colours that you already like on yourself, so don’t feel like you have to switch it up for your photos, just stick to the shades you already love in colours that suit the season and location of your photo session. For example, if you are taking spring photos, pastels suit the season best or if you are taking photos at the beach, blues and light neutrals such as beige and cream will match perfectly. However, when in doubt, stick to neutrals and muted earth tones as they will compliment just about any setting without distracting from you!
If you are taking any type of group photos such as a family session, it is very important to make sure that your colours are either exact matches or complimentary colours. If they are only slightly different, those differences in the shades will only be highlighted in your photos. If you are unsure, try to pair complimentary colours such blush, terracotta, and sage green from the colour palette above.
Prints
Prints can be difficult to get right for photos so when in doubt, stick to solid colours. However, printed clothing can look amazing in photos if done correctly. The most important thing to keep in mind about prints is to avoid obvious large logos, graphic tees, and busy prints. By “busy” prints I mean smaller prints as there is more going on visually that will distract from your face and the clothes will become the main focus which is often not what we want.
Silhouettes and Fabrics
Another important consideration is what type of clothing you wear. Choosing light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are ideal for casual and summer sessions while heavier, sturdier fabrics are preferred for more formal and winter sessions. It is also important to decide where you want to dress on the casual-formal scale. I always think that somewhere in the middle is perfect as there is no need to wear a suit or a sweatsuit to your photos, just a simple dressed up version of yourself is perfect. Additionally, try to choose silhouettes that are classic rather than trendy especially if you want to display your photos for years to come. Your photos will outlast trends and your latest obsessions so choosing classic silhouettes will make your photos feel timeless as well.
Footwear
Accessories are often left to be an afterthought when planning an outfit but comfort is key for enjoying your session and getting photos that you’ll love so make sure that whatever footwear you choose has been tried on and ideally broken in with comfortable soles that you can walk around in, especially if your session is outdoors as lots of walking can be required to move between photo spots in the area.
At the end of the day, choosing what to wear for your photo session doesn’t have to be overwhelming or require a completely new wardrobe. By sticking to colours you already love, keeping prints simple, choosing comfortable fabrics, and coordinating thoughtfully with others, you can create a look that feels natural and true to you. The goal is for your outfit to enhance (not distract from) the moment being captured. When you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it shows in your photos, resulting in images that feel timeless, effortless, and authentically you.
Thanks for reading!
