What to Wear for Your Portrait Session: Outfit Tips to Help You Feel Confident and Look Great

So, you’ve booked your portrait session, and now you’re probably asking yourself, “What should I wear?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Choosing the right outfit for your photos can feel a little overwhelming, but I’m here to help guide you through it. The goal is to pick something that not only looks great but also helps you feel your best. Here are some tips to make sure your outfit hits all the right notes for your session.

1. Start with Comfort First

Here’s the thing—if you don’t feel comfortable in your clothes, it will show in your photos. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or moving around, you want to feel relaxed and confident. So, if that means wearing your favorite pair of jeans, go for it! The last thing you want is to spend the entire session adjusting your clothes or feeling self-conscious. Feeling good in your outfit is key to looking good in your photos.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

If you’re doing a couple’s or family portrait, coordinating outfits is a great idea, but try to avoid everyone wearing the exact same thing. Instead, think about complementary colors and tones. For example, you could all wear soft neutrals like cream, beige, and gray, or go for earthy tones like rust, olive, and mustard. These colors blend well together without looking too “matchy-matchy,” which creates a more natural and stylish vibe.

3. Stick with Solid Colors or Simple Patterns

While bold patterns and bright prints can be fun, they tend to pull attention away from your face. The safest bet is to go with solid colors—they’re timeless and keep the focus where it should be: on you! If you love prints, opt for smaller, subtle patterns like pinstripes or polka dots. These add a bit of texture without being too distracting. Think of your outfit as part of the story, not the main character!

4. Consider Your Location

Your outfit should fit the vibe of the location. For outdoor sessions in a park or field, soft, earthy tones work beautifully—think pastels, warm neutrals, or muted colors. If your session is in an urban setting or around bold architecture, you can have more fun with brighter colors or edgy styles. Always think about how your outfit will complement the scenery, not compete with it.

5. Accessorize Thoughtfully

Accessories are a great way to personalize your look and add a little flair. A cool necklace, a stylish hat, or even a scarf can bring an extra touch to your outfit. But remember, less is more! You don’t want to overdo it with too many accessories, as they can take attention away from your face. Choose a few pieces that feel like you and roll with it.

6. Dress for the Season

You want your photos to reflect the time of year, so dress accordingly. For spring or summer sessions, think light and airy—flowy dresses, linen, or lighter fabrics that move easily. For fall or winter, layers are your best friend! Cozy sweaters, stylish jackets, and scarves not only look great but also keep you warm, which is especially important for outdoor sessions. Layering also gives you the option to change up your look easily during the shoot.

7. Think About Your Shoes

Don’t forget about your shoes! They can make or break your outfit, and yes, they’ll probably show up in some of the photos. Choose something that works with the overall vibe of your look. For outdoor sessions, you might want to bring a pair of comfy shoes for walking between locations and a more stylish pair for the actual photos. If we’re walking through grass, maybe leave the high heels at home, or at least have a backup pair ready!

8. Avoid Large Logos and Graphics

It’s best to avoid shirts with big logos, brand names, or bold graphics, as they can be super distracting and make your photos look a bit dated. Instead, stick with classic styles that are simple and clean. This way, the focus stays on your expressions and interactions rather than on the brand you're wearing.

9. Pay Attention to Fit

Wearing clothes that fit well is crucial. Baggy clothes can make you look larger than you are, while overly tight clothes might make you feel uncomfortable. Opt for outfits that flatter your body shape and allow you to move comfortably. When your clothes fit well, you’ll feel more confident and natural, which will come through in the photos.

10. Layers, Layers, Layers!

Don’t be afraid to play around with layers. A jacket, cardigan, or even a light scarf can add dimension and texture to your look, making your photos feel more dynamic. Plus, layers give you options—you can switch up your look throughout the session without a full outfit change.

11. Plan Ahead

It’s a good idea to plan your outfit well before the day of your shoot. Lay out your clothes and try them on ahead of time to make sure they fit and look the way you want. If you need to steam or iron anything, do it the day before so you’re not rushing around last minute. Being prepared will help you feel relaxed and ready to have fun during the session.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel like yourself. When you’re confident in your outfit, it shows through in your photos, and you’ll love the results even more. Whether you’re going for casual vibes or something a little dressier, the key is to wear something that makes you feel amazing.

Still not sure what to wear? Let’s talk! I’m here to help with any questions or advice you need. After all, part of my job is making sure you have a stress-free, fun experience in front of the camera. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!