Choosing the Right Outfit for Your Photoshoot
One of the first questions clients ask me is, “Where should we do the photos?” Most people know the general look they want but aren’t sure how to achieve it. I help clients brainstorm the vibe and suggest locations that fit their vision.
Once the location is set, the next step is one of the most important: choosing what to wear. Your outfit should complement the setting. A beach, a city street, or a garden all have different moods, and the right clothing can enhance your photos or clash with the environment.
Feeling stressed about outfits is normal. Hiring a professional photographer is a special investment, and you want things to turn out just right. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. I guide clients through planning locations, outfits, and other details to make the process easier.
Choosing what to wear doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on one or two details you love and build around them. You don’t need to be a color expert, just think about what looks good to you in everyday life.
This advice works for anyone getting professional portraits: graduates, couples, families, or anyone celebrating a milestone. The right outfit can make a big difference in your final images.
Start With Comfort & Confidence
Feeling comfortable in your clothing has a bigger impact on your photos than most people realize. If you’re wearing something that pinches, itches, or restricts movement, it can distract you and take away from the experience. Your photo session is about more than just the final images. It is also about the memories you create along the way. I always want you to leave your session feeling confident, happy, and like you had fun.
The best outfits are ones you genuinely love wearing. The kind of clothes that make you feel good all day long. Light fabrics are ideal in Florida’s weather, and comfortable shoes are a must, especially since most sessions involve a little walking.
Clothes that are too tight, itchy, or shoes you can’t comfortably walk in are almost always a regrettable choice. If you have a non-negotiable pair of shoes you want to wear, I suggest bringing a comfy backup that’s easy to switch in and out of. Just keep in mind it will take a few extra minutes during your session.
A helpful tip is to try on your outfit a few days before your shoot. This gives you time to make adjustments if something doesn’t feel right. I also don’t recommend ordering a brand-new outfit online the week of your session. Delivery delays or sizing issues can leave you scrambling and ultimately unhappy with your choice.
Colors That Always Photograph Well
When it comes to portraits, neutral and solid colors almost always photograph the best. They keep the focus on you rather than distracting from the subject of the photo. Neutral tones also blend nicely with many environments and allow your expressions and poses to stand out. Patterns can work well too, as long as they aren’t so bold that they pull attention away from you.
Personally, I love photographing green. I feel like everyone looks good in some shade of green, and locations with greenery are always beautiful to photograph. It’s a color that tends to complement natural backgrounds and many different skin tones.
There are also a few colors that can cause problems on camera. Neon shades, for example, tend to be very distracting and they do not age well in photos. If you’re investing in professional portraits, it’s usually better to choose colors that will still look timeless years from now.
If you’re coordinating outfits with other people, using color palettes or color families can be really helpful. Matching exact outfits does not always look the best unless you’re dressing small kids or twins. Instead, choosing colors that complement each other creates a look that feels polished and effortless.
In general, I tend to prefer neutral palettes and soft tones. Bold colors can work if you’re going for a specific look, but most of the time softer colors photograph more naturally.
Patterns, Textures, & Layers
Patterns and textures can add visual interest to your photos, but the key is balance. You want enough detail to keep things interesting without creating something that distracts from you.
Subtle patterns usually work best. Soft stripes and florals tend to photograph beautifully. Florals, for example, look especially nice in garden or nature settings because they blend naturally with the environment. Just make sure the colors in the pattern are not overly busy. Stripes can also be flattering, but I recommend avoiding loud stripes. You do not want to end up looking like the "Hamburglar"! Plaid can also look really nice, it's a classic go-to pattern.
Some patterns can be distracting on camera. High-contrast or complex patterns can create strange visual effects in photos, like tiny pinstripes or small checks such as gingham. It is also best to avoid bold geometric prints, large logos, glitter, or sequins. These elements can pull attention away from your face and do not always age well in photos.
Textures are a great way to add depth and dimension. When outfits are too plain, photos can sometimes look a little flat. For Florida photoshoots, lightweight and breathable fabrics work best because of the heat and humidity. Materials like cotton and linen photograph nicely while still keeping you comfortable. Just make sure wrinkles are taken care of beforehand. Fabrics that do not breathe well, like polyester or nylon, can become uncomfortable quickly in Florida weather.
Layering can also add interest to photos, although in Florida’s climate that can be tricky most of the year. Instead of heavy layers, try mixing textures like denim, silk, or light knits to create depth. Flowy materials can add beautiful movement to photos, but keep in mind that wind can sometimes make excess fabric harder to manage.
Layers can also give you a little variety during your session. Something simple like adding or removing a jacket, cardigan, or accessory can slightly change the look of your outfit without needing a full outfit change. Small adjustments like this can help create more variety in your final gallery.
Outfits That Always Look Good on Camera
There are certain outfits that tend to photograph beautifully again and again. One thing I especially love photographing is anything flowy. Fabrics that move naturally create beautiful movement and depth that can feel almost cinematic in photos. I also love when outfits are color coordinated in a way that looks effortless rather than overly planned.
If you’re unsure what to wear, here are a few outfit ideas that consistently photograph well.
Basics might seem boring, but you do not want your outfit to outshine you. Keeping things simple often works best.
Pieces:
Jeans, neutral pants, sweaters, button-down shirts, sundresses, and simple comfortable shoes.
Why it photographs well:
Simple, classic pieces keep the focus on your face and expressions. These outfits also tend to feel comfortable and natural, which helps people relax in front of the camera.
Casual Classic Outfit
Dressy Outfit
Solid colors can look really chic in photos. Stripes and plaids can also look polished and slightly more formal. A nicely tailored suit that fits well always photographs beautifully.
Pieces:
Midi or maxi dresses, tailored suits, dress pants with a blouse, polished shoes, and minimal accessories.
Why it photographs well:
Dressier outfits add a sense of occasion and elevate the overall feel of the photos. Clean lines and well-fitted clothing photograph especially well.
Couple Outfit
When photographing couples, I usually recommend coordinating colors rather than matching exactly. This is where referring to color palettes really comes in handy.
Pieces:
Outfits in complementary colors or tones, such as neutrals mixed with soft colors, denim paired with flowy fabrics, or one person slightly dressier than the other.
Why it photographs well:
Coordinated outfits look thoughtful and balanced without feeling overly staged. It helps the couple look cohesive while still allowing each person’s style to come through.
Seasonal Outfit
Here in Florida, people sometimes stage “seasons” for their photos, like wearing warm and festive outfits for holiday cards. It’s totally up to you how you want your seasonal photos to look.
Pieces:
Spring: light dresses, breathable fabrics, soft colors
Fall: earth tones, light sweaters or jackets
Winter or holiday: cozy textures, scarves, festive colors
Why it photographs well:
Seasonal outfits help your photos feel connected to a specific moment in time and can add a little storytelling to the images. Just make sure you are not sacrificing comfort or health to achieve the look. Heatstroke is not worth the photos.
Graduation Outfit
Femme college graduates often like to wear white dresses for their photos. White dresses are traditionally worn to symbolize a fresh start and new beginnings, and they create a clean, photogenic look under graduation gowns. The tradition dates back to the early 1900s and works well because the white contrasts nicely with darker academic robes. Masc graduates often wear a solid-colored button-down shirt with dress pants for a polished and timeless look.
Pieces:
Femme: A white dress or another solid-colored outfit worn under the graduation gown, paired with comfortable shoes for walking around campus or outdoor locations.
Masc: A solid-colored button-down shirt with dress pants, paired with polished shoes and optional minimal accessories.
Why it photographs well:
Simple, classic outfits under the gown keep the focus on the graduate and the milestone being celebrated. Both femme and masc outfit options create clean lines that contrast nicely with robes and help highlight the graduate in a timeless way.
Accessories That Elevate Photos
Accessories can be a great way to add personality to your outfit without overpowering it. Subtle, simple jewelry often photographs beautifully because it adds a little detail without distracting from your face. A nice watch can also look very polished in portraits.
For couples, engagement and wedding rings are another detail I love to photograph. I almost always try to capture a few photos that highlight the ring during an engagement or couples session. These small detail shots can become some of the most meaningful images from the session.
Other accessories like hats, light jackets, or scarves can work well too, depending on the setting and the overall look you’re going for. Small touches like these can help complete an outfit and make it feel more intentional.
There are a few accessories I usually recommend avoiding. Hair ties worn on the wrist can be distracting in photos, and smartwatches can take away from the timeless feel we are usually trying to create in portraits. Classic accessories tend to age better and keep the focus on you rather than the technology or trends of a specific time.
If you’re unsure, it is never a bad idea to bring a couple of accessory options with you. Sometimes seeing everything together in the location lighting makes it easier to decide what works best.
What to Avoid Wearing
Some clothing choices can cause problems in photos, so it is helpful to keep a few things in mind when planning your outfit.
Large logos or graphic designs can be distracting and pull attention away from your face. Very busy patterns can have the same effect and make the photo feel less timeless.
Wrinkled clothing can also stand out more than people expect in photos, especially in natural light. Taking a few minutes to steam or iron your outfit beforehand can make a big difference.
Clothing that does not fit well is another common issue. Outfits that are too tight, too loose, or constantly need adjusting can make it harder to relax during the session. The goal is to choose something that looks polished but still allows you to move comfortably and feel like yourself.
Pro Tip:
Bring a Second Outfit
Bringing a second outfit is always a good idea if you’re able to. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a session, like a sudden downpour we have to wait out or a small accident that affects your original outfit. Having a backup option can save the day. It is also helpful if you are feeling a little indecisive, since I can help give input on the spot.
A good outfit change usually offers a different look while still coordinating with the same location. For example, you might switch from a casual outfit to something slightly dressier, or trade a flowy dress for a more structured look. Even small changes like switching tops, adding a jacket, or changing shoes can make a noticeable difference.
Outfit changes can also add variety to your final gallery. They can make your set of portraits feel more dynamic and help convey different moods or moments.
Closing Thoughts
What you wear in your photos is important, but it is not something you should lose sleep over. With a little inspiration and some thoughtful planning, putting together a great outfit can actually be pretty simple. The goal is to choose something that feels like you and works naturally with the setting of your photos.
To help make the process easier, I created a Style Guide for Lifestyle Sessions that includes examples, ideas, and tips for preparing for your portrait session. I provide it for free to all of my clients when they book a session with me.
I genuinely enjoy talking about clothes and fashion, so I am always happy to help brainstorm outfit ideas. Pinterest can be a great tool for gathering inspiration, and I often encourage clients to create boards to share their ideas. I am even open to collaborating on Pinterest boards together so we can both add inspiration. Or you can simply send me a board you have made and I would love to take a look.
If you are thinking about booking a portrait session, feel free to reach out. I would love to help you plan a session that feels relaxed, fun, and completely you.
Let's Chat
Have questions about outfits, styling, or your upcoming photoshoot? I’m happy to help! Fill out this form and I’ll get back to you with tips, guidance, or session details so we can plan a photoshoot that feels fun, relaxed, and completely you.
