Deciding what to wear for your photo session can feel overwhelming. What styles look best? What colors should you choose? How can you look cohesive without being too matchy-matchy? Follow these four simple tips to take the stress out of wardrobe planning and ensure your photos turn out beautifully.
Pick a Color Scheme
The key to a well-coordinated look is choosing a cohesive color scheme. Instead of selecting identical outfits, focus on a complementary palette. Pick 2-3 colors and mix in neutral tones to create balance.
A great starting point is choosing one patterned piece as your focal item, such as a floral dress, plaid shirt, or patterned pants. Once you have that statement piece, pull colors from it for the rest of the outfits. Don’t be afraid to mix different textures and subtle patterns to add depth and visual interest.
Pull it Together
When coordinating outfits, consider how the colors will be distributed. For example, if you choose navy, rust, and tan as your color scheme, avoid dressing everyone in navy pants and tan tops, as this creates a visual separation in the photos.
Instead, mix up silhouettes and textures to add variety. Dresses, skirts, long jackets, or patterned pants can all create a more dynamic and visually appealing composition. If you're thinking of wearing jeans, try pairing them with a flowy blouse, layers, and accessories to elevate the look.
Style it Up
Now that you’ve selected your colors, it’s time to focus on the style of clothing. Here are a few tried-and-true wardrobe tips:
- Well-fitted pants in a neutral color or solid denim (no rips or holes) work well on the bottom.
- Closed-toed shoes photograph well and help create a polished look.
- For a dressier feel, pair dark jeans with a button-down shirt and a blazer.
- For a casual vibe, opt for a well-fitted henley shirt or solid-colored top.
- Dresses and skirts always photograph beautifully—flowy fabrics, midi and maxi skirts, and dresses with movement add a soft, romantic feel to images.
- Heels elongate the leg, but comfort is key—opt for heeled boots or wedges if needed.
One important rule: Avoid clothing with large logos, graphics, or neon colors, as these can be distracting and take away from the timeless feel of your photos.
Final Touches
The little details make all the difference! Accessories like necklaces, earrings, headbands, belts, and hats can bring an outfit together seamlessly.
Other final touches to consider:
- Keep nails well-groomed and in neutral or complementary shades.
- Choose clean, well-matched shoes and socks, as they will be visible in some photos.
- Steam or iron any wrinkled fabrics and avoid wearing easily wrinkled clothing on the drive to your session.
- Prioritize comfort—especially for kids! Scratchy fabrics or uncomfortable shoes will make little ones unhappy, which can affect the mood of the session.
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable! Your outfit should reflect your personality while ensuring you look and feel your best. With a little planning, your photos will capture beautiful, authentic moments that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Outfit inspiration via Pinterest