What to Wear to Your Photo Session: Easy Styling Tips That Photograph Beautifully

One of the most common questions I get before a session is: “What should we wear?” And I totally get it. You want your photos to look natural, timeless, and put-together—without feeling like you're playing dress-up. Good news? It’s easier than you think.

When it comes to photos that feel natural and beautiful, what you wear plays a big role—but it shouldn’t feel stressful or staged. Whether you're planning for a full session or a quick seasonal mini, here are my go-to styling tips to help you look and feel your best in front of the lens.

I. Start with a Color Palette You Love

Instead of trying to match perfectly, choose 2–3 complementary tones (think neutrals, earthy hues, or soft pastels) and let everyone dress within that palette. The goal is to look cohesive without being too matchy-matchy. (Need help visualizing? Think beige + dusty blue + cream, or soft browns with olive and ivory.)

This family NAILED IT! The linen material is always the perfect choice in sunny south Florida! It's flowy, breathable, and comes out picture perfect EVERY TIME

II. Keep It Comfortable & True to You

The best photos happen when you're relaxed and can move freely. Choose clothes that feel good and reflect your style—just slightly elevated.

For moms: Flowy dresses, layered textures, or soft patterns are great! The most beautiful fabric to photograph is linen. You want something you can sit, run, jump and lay down in comfortably, especially if you have little ones.

For dads: A well-fitted sweater or neutral button-down with jeans, linen pants, or even khakis (yes, i know, I said it...) works perfect. It may feel a little plain or boring, but trust me, it isn't.

For kids: Comfy clothes in breathable fabrics—bonus points for overalls, knits, or simple patterns that let their personality shine. And please, be okay with a little mess! Unless we’re shooting a wedding or baptism, a free-range kid is a happy kid—and that sometimes means sitting in dirt or running into the ocean. The goal is joy, not perfection, so no need to stress over a little wear and tear.

III. Avoid Distracting Elements

This one is pretty straight forward. You want to steer clear of:

• Neon colors

• Loud logos or characters on outfits

• Super busy patterns (Stripes are sometimes ok, it depends on the colors)

• Uncomfortable jewelry statement pieces

• Anything that may reflect light (sequins tend to create a lot of noise effects in your images)

The point is, your photography session should be about capturing emotion and storytelling. I promise I am not trying to be boring, but the things listed here will almost always take away from your story and instead pull focus onto themselves.

IV. Try Adding Texture, Layers & Movement

Details like linen, cotton, cozy sweaters, or a gauzy dress bring beautiful depth and dimension to your photos. Even something as simple as a denim jacket or knit cardigan can completely elevate the look. This is also the easiest way to shift the overall vibe of your session. Want a fairy-tale feel? Flowy dresses are your best friend. Hoping for sweater weather vibes (yes, even in South Florida)? Layer up in cozy knits. Going for something country? Think flare jeans, a fun textured top, and maybe even a cowboy hat and boots! The possibilities are endless—but adding that extra touch of texture or movement helps tell your story more clearly and sets the tone for your entire shoot.

V. Try It On & Lay It Out in Advance

Before your session:

• Try everything on

• Lay it all out together

• Snap a quick photo to make sure it flows

Still unsure? Send it to me! I love helping clients feel confident about their choices and I am always here to help you nail down any of your ideas. THAT IS MY JOB!

VI. Bonus: Minis vs. Full Session Style Tips

Fall Mini Sessions: Stick to one outfit per person.

Think cozy knits, fall neutrals, boots, soft dresses. Simple is best. These sessions move quickly so making sure you have on something you feel comfortable and confident in, in any posing or movement prompt is KEY.

Full Sessions: You can bring an outfit change or incorporate more styling flexibility.

Want a barefoot beach moment and a dressed-up vibe? We’ll plan for it and capture it! Full length family and couple's sessions have a lot of flexibility and are a lot more chill. This means we definitely have room to play with different outfit choices and locations.

Your outfit isn’t the focus of the photo—you are. I’m here to help you feel calm, confident, and fully yourself in front of the camera. Styling is just one piece of the puzzle… but when it’s done right, it makes everything flow.