Whether you’re showing up solo, with your partner, or wrangling the whole fam, figuring out what to wear can feel…a little overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to stress or shop for a whole new wardrobe.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to choose outfits that not only look great in photos, but also help you feel comfortable, confident, and true to you.
Come As You Are (But Styled)
The goal of your session isn’t to look like someone else, it’s to feel like yourself and see that reflected in your photos. Your outfit should enhance your natural vibe, not cover it up. Think of it like dressing for your favorite kind of day: one where you feel confident, comfortable, and ready for anything. That’s the energy we want to capture.
A great outfit doesn’t have to be complicated or trendy, it just has to feel right on you. You should be able to move, laugh, and sit comfortably without fidgeting or adjusting anything every two seconds. If you feel awkward in what you’re wearing, it’ll show. If you feel like you, that’s when the magic happens.
Keep it cohesive, NOt matchy
If you’re planning a session with multiple people, go for coordinated, not matching. Skip the identical outfits and instead build a cohesive color palette using 2–3 complementary tones that work well together and build around that palette. One person might wear a pattern, another a solid, and someone else a textured piece — the goal is to look cohesive without being uniform.
Earth tones work beautifully in almost every setting, and they're probably already in your closet. Think cream, tan, olive, denim, rust, soft blues, dusty rose, mustard, etc. They’re flattering on all skin tones, photograph beautifully in natural light, and mix together easily.
Bonus Tip: Start with one outfit you love (the ladies, let's be honest), and coordinate everyone else’s look around that.
Textures, Layers & Patterns
Denim, linen, waffle knit, corduroy, gauze cotton, and light layers all look amazing on camera. They create visual interest without being distracting, and photograph especially well in outdoor settings.
Patterns are totally okay! Just keep them soft and minimal. I especially love floral, plaid, and gingham for a natural, timeless vibe. If one person is wearing a print, it’s best to dress others in solids or very subtle patterns to keep the overall look balanced.
Avoid loud logos, large text, fine stripes, or overly busy patterns. They can distract from your face, compete with the connection we’re trying to capture, and sometimes photograph oddly on camera.
Accessorize Naturally
Accessories are a fun way to add personality and texture without going overboard. Think hats, jewelry, scarves, hair clips, or even a light jacket. They add variation to your look and give your hands something to play with during the session (which helps with those natural, candid shots).
Layering also brings a lot of dimension to your outfit. A cardigan, flannel, or light coat can completely shift the look, and they’re easy to take on or off for variety in your gallery.
Comfort is Everything!
We’ll likely be walking, sitting, moving around, and maybe even climbing on things — so your outfit needs to keep up. Wear shoes that are cute and practical for wherever we’re shooting. Boots, sneakers, sandals with straps, and even barefoot (yes, really) can all work depending on the location.
Skip anything that feels too tight, stiff, itchy, or restricting — especially for kids! We want everyone to feel relaxed and be able to move freely. And if someone kicks off their shoes or rolls in the grass mid-session? That’s usually when the best photos happen.
Think Location & Season
What you wear should complement the space we’re shooting in, not compete with it.
Beaches, fields, or open skies: Stick to soft, airy colors like cream, sage, dusty pink, or muted blues.
Woods or fall foliage: Rich, earthy tones like rust, olive, mustard, or navy pop beautifully.
Urban or industrial spots: Monochrome, black and white, or moody tones can be super striking.
Also be weather-aware! Bring a warm layer in cooler seasons or plan for breathable fabrics in the heat. Your comfort always comes first, because if you’re freezing or sweating, that’ll show in your body language (and probably on your face).
What to wear
For the ladies
There are so many great outfit options that photograph beautifully, it all comes down to what feels most you.
Flowy dresses and skirts (especially midi or maxi length) are especially flattering and photograph beautifully. They bring natural softness and movement to your images and add a timeless, easygoing feel. But that's just one option! Textured knits, soft blouses, or layered tops with wide-leg pants, jeans or even overalls can look just as stylish and camera-ready.
Stick with fabrics that move well and don’t wrinkle too easily. Linen, gauze, cotton blends, and anything with a soft drape are all great choices. Avoid anything too stiff, tight, or fussy. The best outfit is one that lets you be present, move comfortably, and feel confident from start to finish.
For the guys
Unless you’re tying the knot, no need to dust off the suit. Your outfit should look pulled together but feel totally comfortable,
especially if you’ll be moving around or playing with kids.
Stick with neutral or earth-toned pants (think khaki, taupe, olive, or soft gray) and pair them with a button-down, henley, or a clean, well-fitted tee. Layers like an open flannel or lightweight jacket can add extra style without feeling too formal. And yes, jeans are totally okay, especially when styled with intention.
Just make sure whatever you wear lets you move easily.
A session should feel like an adventure, not a stiff family portrait from the ’90s.
Want to see some outfit ideas I love?
Check out my Pinterest board where I’ve gathered a bunch of outfit ideas that reflect the kind of style and color palettes that work well in sessions.
(P.S. They aren’t my photos, just styles I love & lots of great inspo!)
What to avoid
While your session is all about expressing your style, there are a few things that tend to be distracting or difficult on camera. Here’s what I recommend skipping:
- Loud logos, brand names, or graphic tees: They pull focus away from your face and the connection we’re capturing.
- Neon colors or super bright whites: These can reflect light in weird ways and clash with natural tones in your environment.
- Black shirts, leggings, or jeans: They tend to photograph very flat and dark, especially in shaded areas, and often blend into the background. They also don’t read as very dressy or intentional in photos and there are usually better options that feel just as comfy but more polished.
- Fine stripes or overly small patterns: These can cause strange effects in photos and may make you look wider on camera than you are. Go for bolder patterns or solid textures instead.
- Clothes that wrinkle easily or feel stiff: They’re uncomfortable to wear and usually don’t photograph well. Think flowy, breathable, and low-maintenance.
- Athletic sneakers or shoes with cartoon characters: Especially in family sessions, try to avoid bright, bulky, or overly casual shoes. Neutral, simple footwear always looks better in photos.
And most importantly, don’t wear anything that makes you feel self-conscious! If you’re uncomfortable in it, that’ll come through in your photos. Comfort + confidence = everything else.
At the end of the day, these are your photos, and your outfits should help tell your story, not distract from it. Choose clothes that feel true to you, allow you to move, and help you show up feeling like your most relaxed, confident self.
And if you’re still not sure? I’m just a text away. I love helping clients figure this stuff out and I’m always happy to give feedback, ideas, or even look through your “maybes.” You’re not expected to show up styled like a magazine, you’re showing up as you, and that’s more than enough.
Just keep it simple, comfortable, and real. The rest will fall into place.
