What Should You Wear to Your Photo Session?

Don't Overthink It!


What clothes to wear to a photo session is one of the biggest concerns for anyone! We stress about wearing the perfect shirt, the perfect skirt, and finding the best accessories - not just for us but for everyone in the family.

But you don't need to stress!


Finding clothes to wear can be pretty simple if you follow a few parameters. Before I give some examples, here are some majorly important rules to follow as you prep to get your photos taken:


  1. Wear clothes that represent YOU. These photos are here to capture the authentic and unique you - not some TilTok/Pinterest Trend version of you.
  2. Wear what makes you comfortable! If you don't feel confident in it, you probably won't like the photos as much or have as much fun!
  3. Think about colors that you like yourself in, or clothes that highlight features that your like!


Keeping those rules in mind, let's dive into some tips for what to wear to your photo session!

An intimate outdoor family portrait session among trees in a forest setting.
A senior couple walking hand in hand on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees.
A couple shares an intimate moment at the beach with a lighthouse visible in the background.

If you love prints and patterns, wear them! But keep them simple. Moderation is key because overpowering patterns can take the eye to your shirt instead of you!

A couple embraces in casual fall attire against a backdrop of autumn foliage.

Think of the season. Are you photographing in fall? Browns, off-white, and greens are just a few great fall colors that can flatter anyone.


Having your session in summer? Blues, yellows, and other vibrant colors can really add to a summer photo!


This same idea goes with location! Are you photographing on the beach? Blues, creams, and tans go well against beautiful waters and sandy beaches.

Watercolor swatches showing monochromatic, analogous, complementary and triadic color combinations.

Think: Color Wheel!


You don't have to match the exact same shade of blue to make your photos look amazing. Actually, everyone wearing the exact same shade can sometimes be daunting to shop for! Instead, think of colors that go well together. Searching for color palettes is a great way to find colors that compliment each other and look beautiful side by side. Or pull up a color wheel and find some color schemes using that! Here's a quick color breakdown to help you on your quest for the perfect color scheme:


Monochromatic: Different tints, tones, and shades of one color, plus a neutral.


Complementary: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel in different tones, tints, and shades.


Analogous: Colors that sit next to each other in the color wheel.


Triadic: Colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.


A casual summer outfit featuring a colorful patterned shirt and high-waisted jeans posed next to a tree trunk.
A summer outfit with striped palazzo pants and off-shoulder top in front of a red barn building.

Again, just be you! This is the perfect opportunity to dress up and have fun with your family or your loved ones. These photos will tell your story, and it's the memories and love represented in the photos that matter - your clothes are just there to help tell it!