What Should We Wear for Our Photo Session?

One of the most common questions I receive before a session is, "What should we wear?" The good news is that you don't need a completely new wardrobe! A few simple guidelines can help create timeless, beautiful images that keep the focus on you and your loved ones.

General Session Attire Tips

🙌What Works Best

• Neutral colors photograph beautifully and never go out of style.

• Earth tones such as cream, beige, tan, olive green, rust, navy, dusty blue, and soft blush are great choices.

• Layers add visual interest (cardigans, jackets, scarves, vests).

• Dresses photograph beautifully and create flattering movement, especially for women and girls.

• Coordinating colors work better than matching outfits.

• Simple accessories can add personality:

  • Sun hats

  • Hair bows

  • Simple jewelry

  • Suspenders for little boys

  • Cozy scarves or layered textures

⚠️What to Avoid

• Bright neon colors that distract from faces.

• Pure white clothing (it can lose detail in photos).

• Large logos, graphics, or brand names.

• Heavy patterns that pull attention away from people.

• Clothing that wrinkles easily.

• Athletic shoes, flip-flops, or worn footwear (unless appropriate for the session).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family Sessions

The goal is coordination, not matching.

Instead of everyone wearing the exact same outfit, choose a color palette and build around it.

Example Palette:

• Cream

• Tan

• Olive Green

• Dusty Blue

This creates variety while keeping everyone visually connected.

For moms and daughters, dresses often photograph especially well and add beautiful movement to your images.

Planned out, coordinating outfits make all the difference!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Extended Family Sessions

Extended family sessions can include many people, so coordination becomes even more important.

A Simple Formula

Choose one unifying element:

• Everyone wears tan, khaki, cream, denim, or blue jeans.

Then assign each family unit its own coordinating accent color:

• Family 1: Dark Green

• Family 2: Navy Blue

• Family 3: Burgundy

• Family 4: Rust or Mustard

This helps each immediate family look cohesive while still creating a polished overall appearance for the entire group.

Avoid having every person wear the exact same color shirt. Coordinated color palettes create much more visual interest.

🎓Senior Sessions

Senior sessions are a great opportunity to show personality.

Consider bringing:

• One casual outfit

• One dressy outfit

• An outfit that reflects hobbies, sports, music, or activities

• A college shirt or future career-related attire

For girls, flowy dresses are always a beautiful option. For guys, layers such as jackets, flannels, or sweaters add variety and depth.

💍Engagement Sessions

Think of engagement sessions as a date night with a photographer tagging along.

Great choices include:

• Neutral and earth-tone colors

• Soft textures

• Dressy casual outfits

• One dressy look and one casual look if time allows

Avoid wearing identical outfits. Instead, choose colors that complement one another.

🫄Maternity Sessions

Soft, flowing fabrics photograph beautifully for maternity sessions.

Consider:

• Long dresses

• Neutral colors

• Simple patterns

• Comfortable shoes

The goal is comfort, elegance, and allowing your beautiful baby bump to be the focus.

🎄Christmas & Holiday Sessions

This is one of the few times where plaid can be a fantastic choice!

Holiday sessions are perfect for:

• Christmas plaid

• Cozy sweaters

• Rich greens

• Deep reds

• Creams and neutrals

• Coordinated winter accessories

Even during holiday sessions, try to avoid overly busy patterns or bright graphic holiday clothing. A classic, timeless approach tends to age much better.

👗Try Everything On Before Your Session

This is one of the most overlooked tips!

A few days before your session:

• Put on every outfit.

• Sit down.

• Stand up.

• Walk around.

• Lift your arms.

• Have someone take a quick phone photo.

Check for:

• Undergarments showing

• Gaps between buttons

• Bra straps slipping out

• Shirts riding up

• Tight clothing creating discomfort

• Wrinkles

• Shoes that don't match the outfit

Most importantly, make sure you feel confident and comfortable. If you're constantly adjusting your outfit, it will show in your photos.

💭Final Thoughts

The best outfit is one that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. Neutral colors, coordinated palettes, simple accessories, and comfortable clothing will help create timeless images you'll love for years to come.

If you're unsure about outfit choices, feel free to send me photos of your options. I'm always happy to help you coordinate the perfect look for your session!