What to Wear: A Gentle Guide

The Most Important Rule

Wear something that makes you feel like yourself on your best day.

Not someone else’s idea of fashionable. Not what you think you “should” wear. Something that makes you stand a little taller and breathe a little easier.

Everything else is details.

Why This Matters

I can create beautiful light, find flattering angles, and guide you into natural poses. But if you’re uncomfortable in your clothing, it will show. Confidence is the best accessory, and confidence comes from feeling good in what you’re wearing.

General Guidelines

That said, here are some practical considerations that work well on camera:

Colors That Flatter

• Soft, muted tones tend to photograph beautifully and won’t distract from your face
• Earth tones (cream, sage, rust, soft grey) complement most skin tones
• Jewel tones (deep burgundy, emerald, sapphire) add richness without overwhelming
• Avoid very bright whites (can blow out in natural light) and neon colors (can cast unflattering color onto skin)

Textures and Fabrics

• Natural fabrics (linen, cotton, silk, wool) move beautifully and photograph with depth
• Texture (knits, lace, subtle patterns) adds visual interest without being distracting
• Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or anything that wrinkles easily

Fit and Silhouette

• Comfort is key — you’ll be moving, sitting, walking
• Well-fitted doesn’t mean tight — clothes that skim your body rather than cling tend to be most flattering
• Layer thoughtfully — jackets, cardigans, scarves add dimension and options

For Different Session Types

Portrait Sessions

Classic, timeless pieces that won’t feel dated in five years. Think: elegant blouse, simple sweater, well-fitted jeans, flowing dress.

Lifestyle Sessions

Whatever you’d actually wear on a beautiful day off. Authenticity matters more than perfection here.

Studio Sessions

This is the time for drama if you want it. Statement pieces, bold silhouettes, editorial choices.

Couples Sessions

Coordinate without matching exactly. Choose colors and styles that complement each other without being identical. One person in neutrals while the other adds a pop of color often works beautifully.

The Detail Questions

Jewelry? Yes, if you normally wear it. Keep it simple and meaningful rather than distracting.

Makeup? Whatever makes you feel polished. A bit more than everyday but not so much it feels like costume. Think: enhanced rather than transformed.

Hair? However you feel most confident. Just-styled is lovely, but so is your natural texture. Avoid styles you’ve never tried before — stick with what you know works.

Shoes? You might not think shoes matter if we’re shooting portraits, but they affect your posture and confidence. Wear something you can walk in comfortably.

My Suggestion Process

After you book, I send a detailed style guide and we’ll discuss your wardrobe options before the session. Many clients send me photos of a few outfit options and I help them choose.

I also have a small collection of scarves, simple jewelry, and props if we want to add variety during the session.

The Real Secret

The real secret to looking good in photos isn’t about the perfect outfit. It’s about feeling comfortable enough to forget what you’re wearing and just be present.

Choose clothes that feel like you. Trust yourself. Bring an extra option if you’re uncertain. And then let go and trust the process.

You’ll be beautiful either way.