“What should I wear?” is almost always the first question I get after someone books a portrait session. It makes sense. Clothing affects how you look, but more importantly, it affects how you feel, and that shows up in every frame. After years behind the camera, I’ve learned that the right outfit isn’t about following trends. It’s about choosing pieces that let your personality lead. Here’s my practical guide to deciding what to wear for your portrait session.
Start With How You Want to Feel
Before you open your closet, think about the story you want your portraits to tell. Are these professional headshots for your website? A personal milestone? Updated photos that simply feel like the current you? Your goal shapes everything else.
- Professional and polished: tailored pieces, clean lines, classic colors.
- Relaxed and approachable: soft knits, denim, natural fabrics.
- Bold and creative: statement colors, interesting textures, a signature accessory.
When you feel confident and comfortable, you’ll stand taller, smile more easily, and forget about the camera much faster.
Choose Colors That Flatter the Camera
Solid colors win almost every time
Solids keep the focus on your face. Rich jewel tones like emerald, navy, burgundy, and deep teal photograph beautifully across skin tones. Warm earth tones such as rust, camel, and olive look especially lovely in natural outdoor light.
Be thoughtful with white and black
Pure white can lose detail in bright sunlight, while head-to-toe black can look flat in darker settings. Neither is off-limits. Soft ivory or cream is often easier to photograph than stark white, and black works well when you add texture or pair it with a lighter layer.
Consider your background
If we’re shooting in a green park, a bright green shirt might blend in. If we’re in an urban setting with gray concrete, a pop of color can make you stand out. Tell me where you’d like to shoot, and I’ll help you pick colors that complement the location.
Patterns, Logos, and Textures
Small, busy patterns such as tight stripes or tiny checks can create a distracting shimmer effect on camera. Large logos and graphic text pull the viewer’s attention away from you and can date your photos quickly. Instead, I recommend adding interest through texture:
- Chunky knit sweaters
- Linen and cotton with natural wrinkles
- Soft suede or leather jackets
- Subtle ribbing or lace details
Texture adds depth without competing with your face.
Fit Is Everything
The most expensive outfit won’t look good if it doesn’t fit well. Clothes that are too tight can pull and create unflattering lines, and clothes that are too loose can make you look shapeless in photos. Choose pieces that fit the way they’re meant to, and do a quick sit-and-stand test at home. If something rides up, bunches, or needs constant adjusting, save it for another day.
Bring Options (But Not Your Whole Closet)
With my Portraits session, we have a full hour together, which is usually enough time for two outfit looks. I recommend bringing:
- Your main outfit, the one you feel best in.
- A contrasting alternative, such as one dressy look and one casual look.
- A layer, like a blazer, cardigan, or denim jacket, which instantly creates variety.
Hang everything on hangers and bring it in a garment bag so it arrives wrinkle-free.
Accessories That Add Personality
Accessories are a wonderful way to make your portraits feel personal. A favorite watch, a meaningful necklace, glasses you wear every day, or a hat that’s part of your signature style can all tell a story. The key is balance. Choose one or two standout pieces rather than layering on everything at once. If you wear glasses, keep them on. I’ll adjust angles and lighting to minimize glare.
Grooming and Final Prep
Hair and makeup
Get your haircut about a week before your session so it has time to settle. If you’re wearing makeup, go slightly fuller than your everyday look, but stay true to yourself. Matte products photograph better than heavy shimmer. A professional makeup artist is always a nice touch, but it’s not required.
Small details matter
- Lint-roll your clothes before you arrive
- Check shoes for scuffs, since they may appear in full-length shots
- Remove bulky items from your pockets
- Bring lip balm, a comb, and blotting papers
What to Wear for Group or Family Portraits
If you’re bringing a partner, kids, or other family members, coordinate rather than match. Choose a palette of two to four complementary colors and let each person wear a different combination. This looks cohesive and modern, while identical outfits can feel dated. Lay everyone’s clothes out together the night before to see how they work as a group.
When in Doubt, Ask Me
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Before every session, I’m happy to look over outfit photos and share honest feedback. I’d much rather spend five minutes on a quick text than have you feel uncertain on the day of your shoot.
Book Your Portrait Session
My Portraits package includes a one-hour session, ten professionally edited photos, a private online gallery, and prints, so you’ll walk away with images you’re proud to share and display. If you’re ready for portraits that feel like the real you, book a session and let’s find a time that works. Have questions first? Visit my contact page and I’ll be glad to help you plan every detail, right down to what to wear.
