Imagine that we're painting a picture...
The scene has been painted and we're about to paint you into it! What are we going to have you wearing in this work of art?
why this matters
I created this guide with you in mind, to help you through the process of choosing what to wear at your session! Hear me out...
What you wear is like the quality of paint you use to create a piece of art. Poor quality, and the art suffers! At the end of the day, I want you to feel like yourself when you look back at these photos, and part of that is wearing what most feels like you!
What you wear can make or break your photos!
ok, let's jump in...
what do you already own?
Take a look at what's already in your closet, and go from there!
Don't immediately jump to: "I’m gonna buy something new that I'd never wear in real life!" If you want something new and special for your shoot, that is absolutely fine (this is literally me every time I do family photos). But just make sure it reflects who you've been all along!
If you want something new, maybe wear it a few times before the actual shoot day, and think about how you like it on yourself. How does it make you feel when you are in social settings or when you look in the mirror?
Same thing with something you've always owned. Make sure you do love wearing it, and it makes you feel confident and comfortable.
all you
Make sure it has that classic, trademark, YOU Stamp on it! Whether it's something old or new!
movement
Make sure you can move in your outfit very easily, and it's a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well!
Think: Flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft
Avoid: Stiff, crisp, business, startchy
timeless
Look for a piece that you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could probably still wear it!
what to avoid
Crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted or overly formal.
Blazers or business-wear. We want the comfortable, cozy, fun version of you!
Sports/athletic wear, gym clothes, or gym shoes.
Logos or branding that are bigger than a quarter. Ideally, try to look for something without any branding or words on it at all.
Distracting patterns. Some patterns (like a flannel shirt or floral dress) are great, but we want to make sure the patterns you choose enhance rather than distract.
Lastly, trendy patterns and bright/neon colors.
let's talk about colors
You want to avoid the highly-manufactured, bright, aggressive colors and tones that just don’t look like they belong in a natural setting because they will stand out like a sore thumb and will end up looking out of place in the final photo.
When it comes to color, you want to stand out from your surroundings but still look like you belong there.
That said, one or two pops of color pair nicely with neutrals everywhere else.
I always recommend neutrals and earth-toned colors that visually fit into the natural, earthy surroundings where we will be shooting!
Outfit Ideas for Girls
Cosmetics & Footwear
Leather/suede boots, timeless sneakers (non-athletic), leather sandals, or barefoot are all recommended! Remember to consider the session location. Shoes should be appropriate for the surroundings.
Makeup should make sense with the scene/vibe.Hair needs to move. It’s best worn down!
Clothes
Flowy dresses
Oversized, roomy sweaters
Jumpsuits
A simple tee and jeans
Denim and crop top or tank
A statement jacket
Winter Overcoat
Wide-brim fedora hat
Outfit Ideas for Guys
Cosmetics & Footwear
Leather/suede boots, timeless sneakers (non-athletic), leather sandals, or barefoot are all recommended! Again, remember to consider the session location. Shoes should be appropriate for the surroundings.
Try to wear your hair naturally or with limited product.
Clothes
Statement jackets
Henleys or soft button-up shirts
Textured sweaters
Flannels
A simple tee and denim
Khakis, chinos, or jeans
Winter overcoat
location & season
When you think about what clothes will look best for your shoot specifically, you want to take into account the location of your session and the season it will be.
Back to the painting analogy at the beginning, think about your location as a painting that is already painted, and now we have to paint YOU into the picture. What are we going to have you wearing? What will look best up against that backdrop? What makes most sense in that location?
And while we’re on the topic of location, don’t be afraid to bring along some personality pieces too. Ask yourself, “What would I typically bring along to this location?” Maybe it’s a motorcycle, picnic blanket, bikes, a campfire, skateboard, or even your fur baby! Props are absolutely not necessary, but they can be a fun way to add variety and personality to your session.
Here in the midwest, the winter months don’t offer much color, so you want to add something with color or bold texture that makes your photos POP and gives them dimension.
The summer months, on the other hand, are a completely different story! You could probably wear all whites/creams or all neutrals and still get away with it because the light and color of the season would be captivating enough on their own!
When you think about what clothes will look best for your shoot specifically, you want to take into account the location of your session and the season it will be.
Back to the painting analogy at the beginning, think about your location as a painting that is already painted, and now we have to paint YOU into the picture. What are we going to have you wearing? What will look best up against that backdrop? What makes most sense in that location?
And while we’re on the topic of location, don’t be afraid to bring along some personality pieces too. Ask yourself, “What would I typically bring along to this location?” Maybe it’s a motorcycle, picnic blanket, bikes, a campfire, skateboard, or even your fur baby! Props are absolutely not necessary, but they can be a fun way to add variety and personality to your session.
Here in the midwest, the winter months don’t offer much color, so you want to add something with color or bold texture that makes your photos POP and gives them dimension.
The summer months, on the other hand, are a completely different story! You could probably wear all whites/creams or all neutrals and still get away with it because the light and color of the season would be captivating enough on their own!
Second, take the season into account.
Location can often dictate what the best colors and outfits are going to be, because the location is bringing its own vibe, colors, textures, and theme.
final notes
Don't. Stress. (Seriously!)
Last thing: don’t stress about this! This is a guide, not rules. We’ll make sure you look real goooood no matter what you show up in, so don’t worry!
Bring options
Bring some options to the shoot! It’s always nice to have different pieces to choose from the day-of.
Keep in touch
Don’t be afraid to keep me in the loop about what you’re planning on wearing! If you have specific questions, I am more offer some guidance.
Check out my Pinterest boards
Also, check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration! They are full of visual ideas!
