Clothes Make Perfect Portrait: A Guide to Dressing for Photography

Here’s the truth nobody tells you: your outfit can make or break your photos. Not because you need to look like a fashion model, but because some clothes just photograph better than others.

You know those photos where someone looks amazing and you can’t quite figure out why? It’s usually the clothing choices. And those photos where everyone looks a bit “off” even though they’re dressed nicely? Same reason – what looks great in person doesn’t always translate to camera.

The good news? Once you know the rules, it’s actually pretty simple.

The Universal Rules (That Apply to Every Session)

Colors That Always Work

Solid colors are your friend. Navy, burgundy, forest green, cream, soft pink, dusty blue – these never let you down.

Earth tones photograph beautifully. Think warm browns, soft grays, muted oranges, sage greens.

Classic combinations never fail. Navy and white, cream and brown, gray and soft pink.

Colors to Avoid (Unless You Want to Look Washed Out)

Neon anything. It reflects weird light onto your face and competes with your skin tone.

Pure white. Makes the camera overexpose and can make you look ghostly. Cream or off-white works much better.

All black everything. One person in black can look elegant, but everyone in black looks like they’re going to a funeral.

Patterns: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

What works: Small, subtle patterns like tiny polka dots or thin stripes.

What doesn’t: Large florals, busy plaids, bold stripes, anything that vibrates or creates visual chaos.

The rule: If the pattern draws attention away from faces, skip it.

Family Session Clothing Guide

The Coordination Secret

Don’t match – coordinate. Pick 2-3 colors that work well together and let everyone choose something within that palette.

Example color schemes that work:

• Navy, cream, and soft pink
• Gray, burgundy, and cream
• Sage green, brown, and cream
• Dusty blue, white, and light gray

What Each Family Member Should Wear

Mum: Flowing blouse or fitted sweater, avoid anything too trendy (you’ll regret it in 5 years). Jeans or nice trousers work great.

Dad: Button-down shirt (doesn’t have to be formal), sweater, or polo. Avoid t-shirts with logos or graphics.

Teenagers: Let them have some input but steer toward solid colors. A nice top with jeans usually works.

Young children: Comfortable clothes they can move in. Dresses for girls, nice shirts for boys. Avoid character clothing unless it’s their birthday session.

Textures That Add Interest

• Chunky knits
• Denim jackets
• Cardigans
• Scarves (not bulky ones)
• Leather jackets (for older kids/teens)

Birthday Session Style Guide

Let Their Personality Shine

Birthday photos should show who they are right now, so their favorite colors and styles matter more than perfect coordination.

For younger children (1-5 years):

• Birthday outfit: Something special but comfortable
• Avoid tutus that are too puffy (hide their body shape)
• Suspenders and bow ties are adorable on little boys
• Flower crowns work better than tiaras (more natural looking)

For school age (6-12 years):

• Let them choose between 2-3 pre-approved options
• Include something representing their current interests
• Sports jerseys work if that’s their passion
• Avoid anything they’ll outgrow quickly

For teenagers:

• They should have significant input on styling
• Focus on clothes that make them feel confident
• Consider their personal style – preppy, artistic, sporty
• Avoid trends that will look dated quickly

Birthday Color Ideas

• Classic: Navy and gold, pink and cream, mint and gray
• Bold: Bright colors that match their personality
• Themed: Colors that match their favorite character or interest

Maternity Session Fashion

The Goal: Show That Beautiful Bump

Your outfit should highlight your pregnancy, not hide it.

What works beautifully:

• Fitted tops that show your bump silhouette
• Flowing maxi dresses (but not too loose)
• Off-shoulder or wrap styles
• Empire waist dresses
• Form-fitting sweaters

Colors that flatter:

• Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy)
• Soft pastels (blush, lavender, sage)
• Classic neutrals (cream, gray, navy)
• Earth tones (warm browns, soft oranges)

Partner Coordination

Your partner should complement, not match. If you’re wearing a flowing dress, they can wear a button-down and nice trousers.

Good combinations:

• You in blush dress, partner in gray shirt
• You in navy, partner in cream sweater
• You in emerald, partner in dark jeans and white shirt

Comfort Considerations

• Choose fabrics that stretch and breathe
• Avoid anything too tight around your ribs
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be standing and posing)
• Layers you can add or remove as needed

Baby & Toddler Session Outfits

The Reality of Dressing Small Humans

Comfort trumps everything else. Uncomfortable children don’t cooperate, and uncooperative children don’t photograph well.

For babies (0-12 months):

• Soft, stretchy fabrics
• Easy access for diaper changes
• Avoid anything scratchy or restrictive
• Simple onesies in nice colors work perfectly

For toddlers (1-3 years):

• Clothes they can move freely in
• Nothing too precious (they might get messy)
• Avoid buttons they can pop or zippers they can undo
• Comfortable shoes they can actually walk in

For preschoolers (3-5 years):

• Let them have some input (within reason)
• Avoid anything brand new that feels strange
• Include a comfort item if they need it
• Consider their current obsessions

Parent Outfits for Child Sessions

You’ll likely be in some photos, so coordinate with your child’s outfit. Keep it simple – you want the focus on them.

Graduation & School Session Attire

Classic Professional Looks

This is about looking polished and confident while showing your personality.

For school photos:

• Button-down shirts in solid colors
• Sweaters or cardigans
• Avoid logos, graphics, or busy patterns
• Choose colors that complement your skin tone

For graduation photos:

• Whatever makes you feel confident and accomplished
• Consider your field of study (creative vs. business vs. medical)
• Include any required academic regalia
• Think about what you’ll want to see in 20 years

What to Avoid

• Clothing that’s too trendy (will look dated)
• Anything uncomfortable (shows in your expression)
• Colors that wash you out
• Busy patterns that distract from your face

Seasonal Clothing Considerations

Spring Sessions

• Light layers you can add or remove
• Soft pastels and fresh colors
• Light fabrics that move nicely
• Cardigans for cooler moments

Summer Sessions

• Breathable fabrics (cotton, linen blends)
• Avoid all black (gets too hot)
• Bring layers for air-conditioned studios
• Light colors that won’t show sweat

Autumn Sessions

• Rich, warm colors (burgundy, orange, brown)
• Cozy textures (knits, scarves)
• Layers for changing temperatures
• Consider the beautiful fall backdrop colors

Winter Sessions

• Jewel tones and rich colors
• Cozy textures without bulk
• Layers you can remove in heated studios
• Don’t forget comfortable indoor shoes

The Technical Stuff (That Actually Matters)

Why Some Fabrics Photograph Better

Good choices: Cotton, wool blends, jersey knits, cashmere, linen Avoid: Shiny fabrics, sequins, metallic threads, stiff polyester

Fit Matters More Than Size

• Clothes should skim your body, not cling or hang loose
• Well-fitted clothes always look more expensive
• Avoid anything too tight (creates unflattering lines)
• Avoid anything too loose (hides your shape)

Accessories That Work

jewelry: Simple and classic beats bold and trendy Scarves: Great for adding color and texture Belts: Can define waist and add visual interest Watches: Classic pieces add polish

What to Pack for Your Session

The Essential Backup Kit

• Lint roller (seriously, pet hair shows up everywhere)
• Safety pins for quick fixes
• Stain removal pen
• Small mirror for last-minute checks
• Hair ties and bobby pins
• Tissues for nervous moments

For Families with Young Children

• Extra outfits for accidents
• Wet wipes for sticky fingers
• Comfortable backup shoes
• Snacks that won’t stain

The Day-Of Reality Check

Before You Leave Home

Do the sit test. Sit down in your outfit. Does it bunch weird? Feel too tight? Look inappropriate? Fix it now.

Check the mirror from all angles. Turn around, bend over slightly, raise your arms. You’ll be moving during the session.

Iron everything. What looks fine to your eye will be obvious in professional photos.

What We’ve Learned from Thousands of Sessions

The families who look best in photos aren’t the ones who spent the most money on outfits. They’re the ones who chose clothes that fit well, coordinated thoughtfully, and felt comfortable in what they wore.

Your confidence shows in photos. If you feel good in your outfit, you’ll look good in your photos.

The goal isn’t to look like someone else – it’s to look like the best version of yourself.

The Bottom Line

Good clothing choices make our job easier and your photos better. But don’t stress about perfection. We’ve photographed families in everything from formal wear to pajamas, and the best photos always happen when people feel comfortable and confident.

Focus on coordination over perfection, comfort over fashion, and timeless over trendy. The rest we can handle with good lighting and professional expertise.

Your photos should show who you are, not who you think you should be. Dress like the best version of yourself, and that’s exactly what we’ll capture.