What to wear for photos!

What Photographs Best: How to Choose Outfits That Look Amazing in Photos

Choosing the right outfits for your photo session can make a powerful difference in how your images look and feel. The best photos aren’t created by expensive clothes or matching outfits — they’re created by thoughtful, simple choices that photograph beautifully and let your personality shine.

When outfits work together naturally, your images feel timeless, emotional, and effortless. When they don’t, they can distract from faces, connection, and the story being captured. This guide will help you understand exactly what photographs best so you can feel confident walking into your session.

Soft, Neutral Colors Always Win

Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully in almost every setting and lighting condition. These colors reflect light gently, flatter skin tones, and keep the focus on your faces rather than your clothing.

Colors that consistently photograph well include:

• Cream

• Ivory

• Beige

• Oatmeal

• Taupe

• Soft gray

• Dusty blue

• Sage green

• Blush

• Muted mauve

• Warm brown

These tones blend seamlessly with natural backgrounds and studio setups, creating images that feel calm, warm, and timeless.

Avoid overly bright neons, harsh reds, and extremely dark blacks, as they tend to overpower photos and pull attention away from expressions and emotion.

Textures Add Depth and Interest

One of the biggest secrets to beautiful photos is texture. Textures give images richness without being distracting.

Great textures include:

• Knits and sweaters

• Linen

• Denim

• Lace

• Waffle fabrics

• Ribbed materials

• Soft cotton

• Chunky cardigans

A simple cream sweater or soft knit dress will always photograph better than a stiff, shiny, or overly structured outfit. Texture creates visual interest while still keeping the look soft and natural.

Comfort Creates Confidence

The most important thing you can wear is comfort.

If you are constantly adjusting your clothes, pulling fabric, fixing straps, or feeling self-conscious, it will show in your photos. When you feel comfortable, your body relaxes. Your smile becomes natural. Your connection feels real.

Choose outfits that:

• Fit well

• Allow you to move freely

• Don’t dig, pinch, or slide

• Make you feel confident

When you feel good, you look good — and that always photographs beautifully.

Coordination Over Matching

Matching outfits used to be popular. Coordinated outfits are what create stunning images today.

Instead of everyone wearing the same color, aim for a cohesive color palette. Choose 3–5 colors and build everyone’s outfit around them.

Example palette:
Cream, sage, denim, and blush

One person might wear cream.
Another might wear denim.
Another might wear sage.
Someone else might add blush.

Everything works together without being identical.

This approach creates photos that feel styled, intentional, and modern.

Simple Patterns Work Best

Patterns can be beautiful in photos — when they are subtle.

Good patterns include:

• Small florals

• Soft stripes

• Light plaids

• Delicate prints

Avoid:

• Large logos

• Bold graphics

• Heavy wording

• Loud prints

• Tiny busy patterns

These tend to distract from faces and can create visual “noise” in images.

If one person wears a pattern, balance it by keeping everyone else in solids.

Layering Creates Dimension

Layers add movement, depth, and visual interest to photos.

Great layering pieces include:

• Cardigans

• Denim jackets

• Light sweaters

• Vests

• Scarves

• Shawls

Layers also give you variety. They allow for multiple looks during one session without changing outfits.

A simple outfit becomes elevated with the right layer.

Well-Fitted Clothing Matters

Clothing that fits properly photographs better than anything trendy.

Too tight can be uncomfortable and unflattering.
Too loose can look bulky and shapeless.

Aim for clothing that skims the body naturally and moves well.

Tailored doesn’t mean tight — it means intentional.

Footwear Finishes the Look

Shoes matter more than people realize.

Choose shoes that match the mood of your session:

For casual sessions:

• Clean sneakers

• Neutral sandals

• Flats

• Boots

For dressy sessions:

• Heels

• Wedges

• Dress shoes

• Ballet flats

Avoid athletic shoes, loud colors, and worn-out footwear unless it fits the specific theme.

Timeless Beats Trendy Every Time

Trends come and go. Photos last forever.

Trendy pieces often look dated within a few years. Timeless pieces continue to feel beautiful decades later.

Timeless styles include:

• Neutral dresses

• Button-down shirts

• Soft sweaters

• Denim

• Simple accessories

• Clean silhouettes

When in doubt, choose classic over trendy.

Accessories: Less Is More

Accessories should complement, not compete.

Choose:

• Simple necklaces

• Stud earrings

• Small hoops

• Delicate bracelets

• Minimal watches

Avoid oversized statement pieces that pull attention away from faces.

The Goal: Let Your Connection Shine

The best photos are not about outfits.

They’re about:

• Laughter

• Eye contact

• Touch

• Emotion

• Connection

• Love

Clothing should support that — not steal attention from it.

When outfits are soft, coordinated, comfortable, and intentional, your images become timeless keepsakes that focus on what truly matters: you and the people you love.