Key Takeaways
- Solid colors photograph best—avoid busy patterns, logos, and neon
- Fit matters more than brand—tailored and well-fitting always wins
- Bring 3-4 outfits to show range and give yourself options
- Steam everything the night before—wrinkles are brutal on camera
The number one question we get after booking: "What should I wear?" It's a fair question—your outfit can make or break your photos. Here's our complete guide, broken down by shoot type.
Universal Rules That Apply to Every Shoot
- Solid colors over patterns. Navy, emerald, burgundy, black, cream, rust, and olive all photograph beautifully. Busy patterns compete with your face for attention.
- Fit over brand. A $30 blazer that fits perfectly will always look better than a $500 one that's too big. Get things tailored.
- No logos or text. They date photos instantly and distract from you.
- Layers add depth. A jacket over a shirt, a scarf with a sweater—layers create visual interest and let you switch looks mid-outfit.
- Steam or iron everything. Wrinkles are visible in every single frame and they're tedious to edit out.
For Professional Headshots
Your headshot should match the energy of your industry:
- Corporate (finance, law, consulting): Well-tailored suit or blazer. Solid, dark colors. Simple jewelry if any.
- Creative (tech, design, media): Smart-casual. A clean button-down, a nice sweater, or a polished tee under a blazer.
- Healthcare: Clean, professional. White coat optional—many doctors prefer a polished business look instead.
Bring 2-3 tops and we'll help you choose on the day. More on our headshot sessions here.
Pro tip: Avoid pure white shirts—they can blow out under professional lighting and pull focus from your face. Off-white, light blue, or light pink are better alternatives.
For Dating Profile Photos
The goal is to look like the best version of your everyday self—not a costume:
- Outfit 1 (casual): Your go-to weekend look. Well-fitting jeans, a clean t-shirt or casual button-down, clean sneakers.
- Outfit 2 (smart-casual): What you'd wear on a second or third date. A nice shirt, chinos or a good pair of pants, maybe a blazer.
- Outfit 3 (personality): Something that shows who you are—a favorite jacket, a statement piece, or an outfit for an activity you love.
Check out our men's dating photography and women's dating photography pages for more specific guidance.
For Personal Branding
Your wardrobe should match your brand energy:
- Authority look: Blazer, clean lines, confident posture. Think "I'm the expert."
- Approachable look: Smart-casual, warmer colors, relaxed pose. Think "I'm easy to work with."
- Working look: Whatever you actually wear when doing your job—at a desk, in a studio, meeting with clients.
Our personal branding sessions include a pre-session brand strategy call to plan your wardrobe.
For Women Specifically
- Makeup: Slightly more defined than normal. Matte foundations photograph better than dewy. False lashes optional but effective.
- Jewelry: Less is more on camera. Statement earrings OR a statement necklace—not both.
- Shoes: They matter more than you think—especially for full-body shots. Heels elongate, but wear what feels natural to you.
- Hair: Style it how you normally would. Don't get a dramatic new cut or color the day before—go at least a week early.
For Men Specifically
- Grooming: Clean up the beard or get a trim a few days before (not the day of—fresh cuts look too sharp). Moisturize.
- Shoes: Clean, not scuffed. Dress shoes or clean white sneakers depending on the vibe.
- Sleeves: Rolled-up sleeves can add a relaxed, confident look. Don't forget to push your watch up slightly.
- No sunglasses: Eye contact builds trust, whether it's for dating or professional use.
What NOT to Wear
- Neon or fluorescent colors (they reflect onto your skin)
- Busy patterns, stripes, or plaid (they create visual noise and can cause moiré patterns)
- Anything brand new you haven't worn before (it might fit weird or feel uncomfortable)
- Logos, graphic tees, or branded items
- All black everything (unless you're going for a very specific editorial look)
Still not sure? Book a session and we'll send you a personalized wardrobe guide based on your shoot type, skin tone, and goals.
