Your session is booked! So now we sit looking at our closet trying to decide what we look best in. The right outfits can elevate your session, help you feel confident, and create images you’ll love for years. Here's a simple guide to help you choose clothing that photographs beautifully and feels authentically you.


I'll keep this straightforward and avoid the embellishments we absolutely adore on all posts. I know you're not here for a long description about my life and thoughts. We're just here for instruction, so here you go.


1. Stick with Soft, Neutral, or Earthy Colors

Colors are key. Neutrals and earthy tones tend to photograph the best — think beige, ivory, cream, tan, olive, rust, dusty rose, or slate/navy blue. These shades are timeless and work well in almost any location, whether you're shooting in the woods, on the beach, or downtown.

Avoid neon or overly saturated colors, as they can distract from the emotion and connection between you. (Unless it's the bright floral dress! Which we'll get to) Bold colors can also cast unflattering tones on your skin, especially in certain lighting conditions.


2. Avoid Loud Patterns and Logos

Solid colors are your friend. Subtle textures (like linen, knit, or ribbed materials) add depth without distraction. Busy patterns — like stripes or plaids — tend to clash or draw attention away from your faces. Logos, graphics, and text on clothing should be avoided altogether.


If one of you is wearing a print (like a floral dress which we love), the other should wear a solid that complements it. A pop of print or color here is the one exception to the rule, but make sure your partner is wearing something more neutral. Think harmony, not matching.


3. Coordinate, Don’t Match

The classic "everyone in white shirts and jeans" look rarely translates well on camera. All white outfits? Unless you're aiming for a cult aesthetic, I'd steer clear. Instead, think coordinated. Choose outfits that feel like they belong together without being identical. Start with one outfit as a base and build the other around complementary tones and styles. Alternatively, you can think of a color palette you thought off in step one and work off of those colors to create a cohesive look.


4. Style for You — Comfort is Confidence

Wear something that makes you feel like your best self. That could be a flowy dress, structured blazer, jeans and a crisp tee, or boots and a cozy sweater — whatever reflects you. Soft fabrics like cotton, chiffon, or linen work especially well. Alternative options are A button-up shirt, henley, or simple sweater paired with chinos, dark jeans, or neutral trousers is a great combo. Avoid shorts, athletic wear, or overly baggy items. If you’re more gender-fluid or nonbinary, mix silhouettes and styles in ways that feel affirming and authentic.

Photos capture emotion — and comfort and confidence shine brighter than anything else.


5. Suits - Tailored, Clean, and Simple

Go for well-fitted clothes that look put together without being too formal. A button-up shirt, henley, or simple sweater paired with chinos, dark jeans, or neutral trousers is a great combo. Avoid shorts, athletic wear, or overly baggy items.


6. Consider the Season and Location

If your session is outdoors, make sure your outfit makes sense for the environment. For fall shoots, embrace warm tones like burnt orange and brown with cozy layers. For spring, summer, or beach sessions, lean into light and airy vibes with soft pastels or creams.


On hot or humid days, be mindful of the fabrics you choose. Synthetic materials, in particular, tend to show sweat stains more easily. Opt for outfits that help minimize or conceal any signs of perspiration to stay comfortable and confident.


7. Add Personal Touches

These are not necessary by any means, and all we need is you. But feel free to bring items that reflect your story, or you'd like to capture — a cozy blanket, a shared hobby prop, or even your dog. Personal touches help make the shoot meaningful and unique. Accessories like jewelry you love, scarf, or even an instrument if you'd love to play can all add to the photo.


Think of the setting for these props, if we're out in nature a nice ivory blanket with some champagne and charcuterie can be incredibly romantic. If we're out in the town, perhaps something more wearable might be a better fit.



8. Other Important Notes

  • Shoes matter! Clean boots, leather sneakers, or loafers are better choices than running shoes or sandals. We'll likely be walking around a lot and you don't want your feet to start hurting or blistering during the session.
  • Fancy or Casual: You can be as dressy or casual as you'd like. For the dressier outfit, think cocktail attire, wedding guest, or date night. For casual a linen shirt and khakis for him and a sundress for her (or jeans and sweaters if it's chilly). Going for a classic look will stand the test of time.
  • Be comfortable: Choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. My style is full of movement so you may be walking, twirling, dancing, and maybe even a dip - you don't want to feel restricted when you're moving around.
  • Try it on: Try on your outfit at least a week beforehand. You don't want to suddenly spot a tear or stain in the fabric or not fit right before the shoot.
  • Makeup: If you wear makeup try to bring q-tips and/or a backup bag. On hot humid days it can definitely start melting off and you'll want to fix it. For lipsticks please make sure it's long wear and kiss-proof so it doesn't start smudging.


9. Breaking the rules

Okay, so I listed all my recommendations and you're really passionate about wearing matching patterned outfits with bright colors. No problem, let's do it, and it will still look beautiful. Again, this goes back to coordination. A matching outfit is still coordinated - and this is the golden rule all together. I'll still recommend against the all white look - but there's truly no wrong way to go about it. Wear what you love and what makes you feel authentically you.