One of the most common questions I get before a session is: “What should we wear?"
It’s a great question—because believe it or not, what you wear can make a big impact on how your photos feel. The right outfits don’t just look nice—they help tell your story.
When your clothing feels comfortable, true to your style, and thoughtfully put together, it allows the focus to stay where it should be: on your connection, your expressions, and those in-between moments that make a photo feel like you. Soft, coordinated colors and textures can add a sense of warmth, movement, and harmony that ties everything together beautifully.
So if you're unsure where to begin, I’ve got you. Here are a few simple, stress-free tips to help you choose outfits that not only photograph well—but make you feel confident and completely yourself.
1. Start with a Color Palette
A great starting point is to choose 2–3 colors that work well together and feel like you. Earthy tones—like sage green, soft taupe, cream, rust, or dusty blue—photograph beautifully outdoors, but you’re not limited to those. Think about colors you naturally gravitate toward, and go from there.
A little tip:
If you’re mixing whites or creams, try to keep them in the same tone family. Bright white and warm ivory can sometimes clash a bit in natural light. Sticking to all warm tones or all cool tones helps everything feel seamless in your final images.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit—matching outfits can sometimes feel stiff or overly planned. Instead, aim to coordinate your looks by mixing colors, tones, and textures that complement each other within your chosen palette.
Coordinating outfits means everyone looks like they belong together, but each person still gets to show their unique style and personality. It feels natural and relaxed, which always makes for the best photos.
For example, rather than everyone wearing plain white shirts and jeans, try mixing different shades and textures: one person might wear a soft cream dress, another a warm rust button-down with khaki pants, and kids in muted denim or soft green tones. These different pieces work together harmoniously, adding visual interest without feeling matchy-matchy.
Coordinated outfits also give your photos more depth and dimension. The variations in color and fabric catch the light differently, making the images feel richer and more dynamic.
The best part? Coordinating is flexible—you don’t have to be a fashion expert to pull it off. Choosing a simple color palette and mixing in a few complementary pieces is an easy way to create a look that’s effortless, timeless, and most importantly, you.
3. Add Layers + Texture
Layers are one of the easiest ways to add dimension and variety to your photos. They bring in subtle movement, create visual interest, and can make your outfit feel more complete without needing to add bold patterns or accessories.
Think soft cardigans, denim or linen jackets, cozy knits, flowy shawls, or even a tucked-in shirt with a structured outer layer. Texture matters too—things like waffle knit, corduroy, lace, or linen photograph beautifully and add depth without being distracting.
They’re also super practical! If your session is outdoors and the weather cools off, you’ll be glad you brought an extra layer. And from a photographer's perspective, layers give us more to play with—something as simple as slipping a jacket on or off halfway through the session can give your gallery a fresh look without needing a full outfit change.
4. Keep Patterns Simple
Patterns can be a wonderful way to add personality and charm to your outfits—but the key is to keep them subtle and balanced. Small-scale patterns like delicate florals, soft plaids, gentle stripes, or tiny dots add just enough interest without pulling focus away from the people in the photo.
Bold or busy prints, large logos, and neon colors tend to dominate the frame and distract from the natural connection and emotion we want to capture. When patterns are too loud or clashing, they can make the overall image feel chaotic rather than harmonious.
A little tip: If you want to include a pattern, consider limiting it to one person’s outfit and keeping the rest of the group in solid or neutral tones within your chosen color palette. This creates a beautiful balance and allows the patterned piece to shine without overwhelming the composition.
Remember: your photos are about you and your relationships—not just what you’re wearing. Simple, thoughtfully chosen patterns help keep the focus where it belongs.
5. Don’t Forget About Shoes
Shoes don’t have to be fancy, but they do matter. Choose something neutral and comfortable—especially if we’ll be walking around a bit. Clean sneakers, boots, or simple sandals usually work great.
Another tip: avoid shoes with big logos, bright colors, or flashy details, as these can distract from the overall look and feel of your photos.
Bonus Tip: Try It All On Together
A few days before your session, lay everything out (or try it on!) and snap a quick mirror photo. Seeing it all together can help you catch anything that feels off, and gives you time to make any last-minute tweaks if needed.
Still not sure? I'd love to help.
If you’re stuck between outfit options or just need a second opinion, feel free to send them my way. My goal is always for you to feel confident, relaxed, and completely yourself on session day—and choosing the right outfits is such a helpful first step.
Also, if you’re a visual person, I’ve put together a Pinterest board full of outfit inspiration that you can browse anytime. It’s packed with color palettes, outfit combos, and ideas to spark your creativity and make planning even easier.
