3 Tips on What to Wear for Your Portrait Session
Your outfit choices can make a big difference in the success of your portrait session. What you wear sets the tone for your photos and helps showcase your personality and style. But, you don’t need to stress about what to wear if you follow these three essential tips for choosing the perfect wardrobe for your session:
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
If you're taking photos with family or a group of people, aim to coordinate your outfits rather than matching exactly. Choose a color palette with 2-3 complementary colors and have everyone incorporate those tones in their clothing. This creates a cohesive look without feeling overly planned or rigid.
Loud patterns or logos can distract from the faces in the photo. Go with subtle textures, like knitted items or linen fabrics, which add visual interest without becoming a focal point of the photograph.
Rules are also made to be broken: You may actually choose to match, in the case of family pajamas at Christmas or wearing all black against a black backdrop so that your faces pop from the background, etc.
2. Consider the Location and Season
Your outfit should complement the environment where your photos will be taken. For example:
For a beach session, light, airy fabrics in soft colors work well.
For a fall shoot in the woods, think earth tones and cozy layers.
For an urban setting, sleek, modern styles in neutral or bold tones might be best.
Also, take the season into account. Dressing appropriately for the weather ensures you’ll be comfortable and confident, which will shine through in the photos.
I love studio photography with its controlled climate, lighting, and backdrop. It’s simple and timeless and can be scheduled any time of year without worrying about needing to reschedule due to bad weather.
3. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories can add a touch of personality to your photos but should be chosen carefully. Statement necklaces, scarves, hats, or even a favorite watch can enhance your look, but avoid anything too bulky or distracting.
Pro Tip: Shoes matter! Make sure your footwear matches the overall vibe of your outfit and the setting. Even if you’re tempted to wear those old, comfy sneakers, they don’t usually photograph as well as you’d hope.
Personally, I love to see bare feet on little ones or with a more formal outfit, nice dark-colored dress shoes.
With these 3 simple tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to feeling confident and looking amazing in your portrait session. Remember, the most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself!
If you would like help in selecting your outfits, I am available for consultation prior to your session. So remember, don’t stress it! Let’s have some fun together!!
-xo, Trisha