What to Wear for a Studio Photoshoot (That You’ll Still Love in 10 Years)

You’ve booked your photoshoot. You’re excited. And now… you’re staring at your closet wondering what on earth to wear.
Trust me — you’re not alone. Picking outfits for photos can feel like a high-stakes decision (these pictures could be your headshot, your dating profile pic, or the photo your grandkids will see someday).

The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful. In my studio, I guide you through outfit choices so you look amazing in the moment and still love your photos years from now. Here’s how to nail it.

1. Stick to timeless over trendy

Fashion trends come and go, but great photos are forever. A clean cream blouse, a well-fitted blazer, a simple black dress — these will always look polished. You can still add a touch of personality with accessories or textures, but keeping the core pieces classic helps your portraits age beautifully.

2. Choose colors that work with your skin tone

I’m a big fan of solid, neutral, or jewel tones for studio work. They photograph well, flatter almost everyone, and don’t distract from you. Avoid neon colors or overly busy patterns — they can create odd color casts on skin or pull focus from your face.

A white background works beautifully with almost any color, but if you want to use a colored backdrop, be more intentional—neutrals always work best. They let you be the focus instead of competing with the scene.

If you’re taking portraits as a pair or group, aim for a cohesive palette instead of identical outfits. Think complementary tones rather than everyone wearing the exact same shade.

3. Pick fabrics with texture and movement

Soft knits, silks, linen, or structured cotton all look amazing under my large north-facing studio windows. Natural light loves texture, and the right fabric can add depth to your images without overpowering them.

If your outfit is prone to wrinkling, bring it on a hanger and change at the studio. Wrinkles instantly take away from the clean, elevated vibe we’re going for, and while I can do a little post-edit magic, it’s always better to start fresh.

4. Make sure the fit is comfortable and flattering

Too-tight clothing can limit movement and make you feel self-conscious, while oversized pieces can swallow you up on camera. The sweet spot is tailored pieces that let you breathe, move, and pose with ease.

5. Keep accessories simple

A delicate necklace, a pair of small hoops, or a watch is enough. Remember — these images are about your face, expression, and presence. If your accessories steal the show, you might regret it later. Small things can sneak into your photos—like a hair tie on your wrist or an Apple Watch you forgot to take off. Remove anything you don’t want permanently documented.

6. Shoes matter (even if we don’t always see them)

In full-body shots, clean, simple shoes pull everything together. For women, a pair of neutral strappy heels works beautifully. For men, a polished loafer or clean sneaker can fit the vibe.

7. Hair & makeup: polished but not overdone

Soft, well-blended makeup photographs better than heavy contour. Keep your hair styled in a way you actually wear it — you want to feel like you, not a stranger. dont forget to tame those flyaways. A little hair wax or hairspray goes a long way toward keeping those wispy strands in place—especially if we’re shooting in natural light where every detail pops.

8. What NOT to wear

• Distracting logos or text

• Wrinkled fabrics

• Super shiny materials (can create harsh light spots)

• Clothing you don’t feel 100% comfortable in

Wardrobe styling might feel like a small detail, but in photography, it’s one of the biggest factors in creating timeless images. If you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to give feedback on outfit choices before your session. After all, we’re creating something you’ll want to keep looking at for years.

9. How I help you decide

When you book with me, we’ll talk through your outfit options ahead of time. You can send me photos of your ideas, and I’ll help you narrow them down. I also have studio props and seating that work well with certain outfit choices, so I can help you plan for variety.

When in doubt, bring a couple of extra options. We can look at them together and decide what will work best in the light and setting. My job is to guide you so you look and feel amazing — all you have to do is show up (and maybe bring that lint roller).

💡 Final tip: Lay out your outfits at least a day before your shoot and give them a quick steam. Small details make a big difference in photos.

Ready to put these tips to use?

If you’ve been meaning to refresh your portraits, now’s the perfect time to make it happen. I’ll walk you through the whole process — from picking your outfits to posing in flattering natural light — so you can actually enjoy being in front of the camera. book your session here!