Session Styling Advice
Deciding what to wear for your photoshoot can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of the process, but it doesn’t have to be. The right outfits can elevate your images, help you feel confident, and create photos that feel timeless and true to you. Here’s how to style yourself (and anyone joining you) in a way that feels effortless and intentional.
You Don’t Need a Whole New Wardrobe
Styling yourself is important, but that doesn’t mean you need to run out and buy all brand-new outfits just for photos. In fact, some of the best looks come straight from your own closet.
Start with pieces you already love and feel good in. If you’re constantly adjusting it, pulling it up, or wondering if it looks “right,” it’ll show in your photos. Neutral staples, flowy fabrics, classic silhouettes, and well-loved basics often photograph beautifully. If you want to elevate the look, consider adding one new piece—like a jacket, accessory, or pair of shoes—rather than starting from scratch.
Color Theory: Coordinating Without Matching
When styling outfits for couples, families, or groups, the goal isn’t to match, it’s to coordinate. Think in terms of a cohesive color palette rather than identical colors.
Soft neutrals, earth tones, and muted shades tend to photograph best and age well over time. Choose 2–4 colors and build outfits around those tones. Mixing textures and subtle patterns within the same palette adds depth without overwhelming the image.
Also, consider your location. If you’re shooting in a natural setting, warmer tones and softer colors often complement the environment. Urban backdrops pair well with clean lines, structured pieces, and deeper or moodier hues. The key is making sure your outfits enhance the backdrop instead of competing with it.
Location & Seasonal Outfit Choices
Your photoshoot location and the season you’re shooting in play a huge role in how your outfits will photograph. Dressing with both in mind helps create images that feel natural, cohesive, and timeless.
For outdoor locations, think about the colors and textures already present around you. Open fields, beaches, and nature-heavy settings pair beautifully with soft neutrals, warm earth tones, and organic fabrics like linen, cotton, and knits. For urban or architectural locations, structured pieces, clean lines, denim, and elevated basics tend to shine and give the images a more editorial feel.
Seasonality matters just as much.
Spring is perfect for light layers, soft pastels, florals in moderation, and breathable fabrics.
Summer sessions photograph best with airy silhouettes, natural fibers, and lighter color palettes that don’t feel heavy on camera.
Fall is ideal for richer tones, layering, texture (like sweaters and jackets), and deeper neutrals.
Winter calls for cozy layers, timeless outerwear, boots, and intentional textures that add warmth and depth without bulk.
No matter the season, layering is your best friend. It adds visual interest and allows for variety throughout your session. The goal is always to dress in a way that complements the environment while still feeling like you.
One of my biggest pieces of advice is - if you dress neutrally in your day to day life, dress in that color way. If you always tend to lean towards colors, dress that way!
The all white studio is a popular choice by my clients in the cooler months. One of my most asked questions is how to style for the studio.
What to Avoid When Styling Your Session
There are a few things I recommend steering clear of to ensure your photos feel cohesive and timeless:
Busy textures or bold patterns that pull attention away from you
Bright, neon colors. These tend to bleed on your skin in photos and create color casts
LOGOS - they are distracting to the eye and take away from the “feel” of a photo
Colors that blend too much into your location (think beige outfits in tall dry grass or deep greens in a forest setting)
Anything you wouldn’t normally wear—if it doesn’t feel like you, it won’t photograph like you
Uncomfortable outfits that restrict movement or make you self-conscious
Your photos should reflect who you are, not a version of yourself you don’t recognize.
Need More Outfit Inspiration?
I’ve curated a Pinterest board filled with outfit combinations, textures, and color palettes I love and often recommend to clients. If you’re feeling stuck or just want a little extra inspiration, it’s a great place to start.
Favorite Stores
I wanted to share some of my favorite places to find clothing. You can buy clothing anywhere YOU want, but these are just some of my most frequented sites!
Amazon: You can find great pieces on here for low prices, never underestimate Amazon clothing!
Aritzia: You can find more of those classic pieces, basics, sweaters, and more.
Madewell: Both men + women’s clothing, great for neutral and classic patterns, staple pieces.
Princess Polly: I’ve found some great dresses here, specifically this one - Cartmel Check Maxi Dress
Zara: Sometimes this site can be hard to navigate, but I always LOVE their pieces, basic or stand-out items.
Old Navy & GAP: Always a deal here! Great for finding family outfits all in one place.
Neutral Ground: Love supporting small businesses and boutiques! The name is the game here, great staple neutral pieces.
CHILIPEP: Another small business, but for kids! Here are some fun, colorful kids clothing choices.
Poshmark & Depop are great online sites for shopping secondhand!
Those are all big names…as a business owner I love would for you to find pieces from a local or small business online OR even second hand at thrift stores and antique stores. Whatever works best for you and your needs, do it!
As always, if you’re unsure about your outfit choices, I’m more than happy to help guide you. Styling is part of the experience and I want you to feel confident every step of the way.
xx, Zoe
