Outfit Guide
I know that deciding what to wear for a photo session can feel overwhelming.
That is why I’ve created a list of dos + don’ts to help you pick your outfits, whether it is a family session or an engagement session.
And don’t forget, I'm here for you! If you're stuck or need any guidance, shoot me an email.
A note on sourcing outfits…
I am a big fan of using clothing already hanging in your closet or finding items secondhand if possible. Some of my favorite places to buy secondhand are Darling Boutique in downtown Charlottesville, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark.
Of course, it’s sometimes harder to find what you’re looking for secondhand, so buying is necessary. If you need help finding things to purchase, let me know and I’ll be glad to help you!
Do:
Wear clothes that fit well. If you feel comfortable, you’ll look natural and at ease. Wear something that makes you feel confident.
Complement each other, but don't match. Although matching can be cute, it's generally best to pick outfits that work well together instead.
Wear complementary colors. Use a limited color palette that complements complexions.
Choose colors that work with the season and the location. [Examples: Mustard, olive, warm neutrals in fall; pastels, light neutrals in spring]
Wear prints wisely. Sometimes mixing prints works!
Dress for the season/weather. You'll be more comfortable, and the photos will appear more natural.
Complement the setting. Wear textures and colors that complement the location. [Example: If the setting is a lot of green, wear lighter neutrals or pastels.]
Wear clothes that reflect your style. Keep it classic and timeless, but don't be afraid to add some personality.
Pick one person’s outfit first and plan the rest around that outfit.
Lay all the outfits flat on the floor or on a bed to see them together. Being a visual person, I think this is the best way to make sure everything works together.
Don’t:
Wear a lot of busy patterns and extreme colors. Small, intricate patterns and overly bright colors are distracting and can clash with the location.
Wear poorly fitting clothes. Clothes that are too big or too small may be restrictive or wrinkled and can look odd in photos.
Wear too much white or black. White can lose detail when shot in front of a light background. Black shows all of the lint :)
Wear distracting items. Big jewelry, sunglasses, Apple watches, and hair bands on your wrist are more noticeable in photos. Best to keep it simple, unless you really want to include those items!
Dress like an advertisement. Avoid any apparel with bold branding, like logos, characters, or slogans.