What to Wear To Your Photo Session

If you’ve had a session or have one coming up, I’m sure you’ve thought, “Okay, what the heck do I wear?!” or “I feel like I don’t have anything to wear,” or even “Do I have to buy a new outfit?” If so, here are a few tips and tricks to take some stress off and get excited about planning your outfit for your photo session.

COMFORT IS KEY

Firstly, I’m a leggings and oversized sweater kind of girl. Fall is my season, and oversized clothes are my jam. Dressing for a photo shoot does not mean trying to dress like someone you aren’t. After all, if you’re uncomfortable, it will show. You don’t need to rock a formal gown for good photos. You can always dress up casually by adding movement (which we talk more about below). If you feel comfortable in jeans and a solid T-shirt, I would take that every day over perfectly polished if you’re not at your most comfortable!

WEAR COORDINATING, NOT MATCHING

Coordination over matching. Everyone in matching outfits in your photos can come off as a little cheesy. Not only that, but I think it can also take away from your surroundings and be a distraction. If you have a statement piece that you’ve been dying to wear, start with that. That killer article of clothing or outfit you know you need to have your pictures taken in, and go from there. If your statement piece has more than one color to it, pull colors from that into your other outfits. Don’t worry if you don’t have “that” piece yet, we’ll get there!

SOLID AND SIMPLE

Solids are a lot more forgiving than patterns. Solids keep things simple and ensure the focus is on you and your surroundings. Patterns can be distracting, especially if they are large. If you do have a pattern you want to go with, do it. The rule of thumb with patterns is small or repetitive ones. Large patterns, horizontal lines (vertical lines can be all right), and shapes can be distracting, especially if your shirt gets wrinkled or twisted. It catches the eye. In conclusion, solids are much easier to work with.

COLORS

The most famous of all the outfit questions: what colors should I wear? So, neutrals, muted, and earth tones are always a safe bet! Whites, tans, blacks, dusty blue, forest green—you get the idea. For example, Bright or neon colors are a nope from me and take the attention away from the scenery you’re in. Keeping colors simple keeps your images timeless.

Additionally, muted colors do not mean stay away from bold colors. Bold colors can always work. What this means is if you’re wanting to wear yellow, go with a mustard. If you want orange, go with a burnt orange. Green would be forest or army green, and red would be maroon, etc.

TEXTURE AND MOVEMENT

Textures can be so much fun and add so much dimension to your photos. Don’t be afraid to add some layers or some texture to your outfits. If it’s crazy hot out, go with a flowy skirt or dress. They add such a fun and romantic element to your photos. Even more, letting your hair down is a great way to add some fun movement to your photos.

OWN IT

Finally, own it! Do you need to apply every single one of these rules? Absolutely not. Don’t stress out about what you’re wearing. These are just some pointers to help you along the way. Now that you have some tips and tricks on what to wear to your photo session, own it!

NEED MORE OUTFIT INSPIRATION?
Check out this Pinterest outfit board!