Need a little help choosing what to wear to a portrait session? If you’re not sure where to begin, I have a few easy tips on how to dress for the session of your dreams!

Tip #1…on comfort

The last thing you want during your portrait session is to feel distracted by an outfit that’s too tight, itchy, or in constant need of adjusting. You should be comfortable in what you wear, so you can enjoy the experience and be fully in the moment. When choosing what to wear to a portrait session, reach for the tried and true staples from your closet that you’d happily wear all day. If you’re buying something new, try it on ahead of time and make sure it feels good and allows you to move freely.

Also, keep in mind the season and weather forecast for the day of your session. Feeling too hot or cold can be just as distracting – so bring a backup outfit or consider layers to add/remove as needed.

Beyond physical comfort, confidence matters just as much. I always find clients are much more comfortable during sessions when they’re wearing clothes they feel confident and good about themselves in. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows – and that’s when your personality will really shine in front of the camera! 

Some options that never miss: flowy maxi dresses, relaxed jeans with a blouse, and linen shirts. For men, keep it simple with a button-down shirt or pullover. For your kiddos, go with clothes that are easy to move around in. And don’t forget comfy shoes that fit the location!

Tip #2…on color

When planning what to wear to a portrait session, skip large prints, logos, or bright / neon colors – they don’t photograph well and can distract from the emotion in your photos. Neutral colors such as beige, grey, white, black, denim, rust, mustard, and blush all look beautiful in the locations I typically shoot at, and give a timeless feel to your images.

You can also play with seasonal colors: pale pinks or lavender in spring, warm yellows or blues in summer, burnt oranges or browns in fall, and forest greens or navy in winter. When in doubt, earthy tones are always a safe and flattering choice any time of year. 

Tip #3…on coordinating outfits

Coordinating outfits is key when deciding what to wear to a portrait session, but you actually want to avoid being too “matchy, matchy”. Ideally, your outfits will compliment each other but not blend into each other. If you are wearing the same thing, there won’t be any contrast or movement in your photographs. 

A great approach is to start with one favorite outfit you know you want featured – maybe mom found the perfect dress, or your toddler has an adorable sweater. Build the rest of the outfits around that piece by choosing a limited color palette. If two people will be wearing the same color, vary the clothing styles (for example, a blue sweater and a blue polo). If the main outfit has a pattern, keep the other outfit patterns to a minimum or completely solid to avoid clashing.

Add variety and visual interest with subtle patterns, layers, different fabric textures, and accessories. Lay everything out so you can see it all together before your session, to double check that everything looks cohesive. 

If you’re still unsure about what to wear to your upcoming portrait session, feel free to send some outfit options my way! I’m always happy to offer suggestions and answer any questions you may have. You can also check out my instagram to get inspired by what my other clients are wearing!

At the end of the day, the best outfit is the one that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and truly yourself! Have fun!