Photographer standing on coastal cliffs wearing light tank top and jeans with ocean view.

My Best Styling Advice -

Picking your outfit for a photoshoot may seem like an easy task that can be left until the last minute - but TRUST ME, you'll regret that when the clothes you imagined wearing doesn't fit right or look as good as you thought it would in your head!

To ease that headache, I've compiled a list of some of my best tips for choosing what to wear.

Decide on a Vibe


The first thing you need to do upon planning a session is to decide on an overall vibe / mood you'd love the photos to emulate. For example: modern, elegant, boho, unique, moody, classic, bold, intimate, etc. Let's say you are doing your photoshoot at a garden, you can still choose if you want the photos to be playful and fun, soft and romantic, chic and sophisticated, etc. There's no wrong answer! This is just a great question to ask yourself and keep at the forefront of your mind when choosing your outfit, because what you wear will make or break that vibe.

A couple walks together on a scenic coastal path wearing casual denim and white outfits.
Woman in black dress and cowboy boots with two children posing by desert plants.
Couple embracing in front of Palace of Fine Arts dome in San Francisco at sunset.

Consider the Location


In my opinion, you can't pick out your outfits until you first know the location you'll be shooting at. The reason I say this is because the location will help determine a lot of the styling choices. For example, you might wear a flowy, whymsical dress if you're shooting at a beach, but not necessarily in a downtown of a city. So make sure you have your location locked down, then consider what style and colors will complement that area. See how in the example photos below, the outfits match the backdrop.

Couple in white outfits walking along Mediterranean-style steps with terracotta planters at a luxury resort.
Stylish couple sharing an intimate moment against modern urban architecture at sunset.
Romantic couple embracing on misty beach with waves rolling in behind them.

Let's talk COLORS!


Colors are undeniably a pivotal part of any outfit. In general, I believe the most flattering colors to photograph on people are the neutral-toned, muted ones. Think tan, white, olive green, etc. These are more timeless and a safe bet with any skin tone. "Jewel tones" like ruby red or sapphire blue are another common recommendation from photographers. Again, the main thing to consider is how the colors you wear will work with the background and reflect the desired vibe of your photos. If you want a fun, youthful look - consider a pop of bright color. If you're more grungy, feel free to wear all the dark clothing your heart desires.

Couple posing by swimming pool with row of tall cypress trees in background.
A pregnant woman in a red floral dress poses outdoors under blooming tree branches.
A sweet moment shared on a coastal cliff at sunset while a child plays nearby.

Prints + Patterns


A little splash of pattern is totally okay and even encouraged for photoshoots - however, it is a thin line to walk on! I usually advise my clients to avoid super busy patterns as it might be distracting to the images, particularly if the background will be busy as well. If you are being photographed as a couple, only one person should wear the main pattern/print while the other person keeps it more plain. With larger groups such as a family of 5, you may elect to have only 1 or 2 people wear a pattern (make sure they don't clash!) and have the others wear a solid color. My big no-no is not to wear big logos, especially with writing such as the large letters of a Gap t-shirt.

Couple sharing intimate moment on foggy beach with coastal cliffs in background.
Couple standing together in tall pampas grass field with rolling hills in background.
A family walks together through a park filled with golden autumn leaves.

Do the Mobility Test


To put it simple - wear something you feel comfortable moving around in! For example, if you feel stiff in a tight jacket that limits your arm mobility, I would opt for something else. Try your outfit on and practice moving around and posing in front of a mirror. Photographers like me LOVE a flowy dress or skirt because it can add a gorgeous touch of drama to the photos when you move them around. Sitting poses are some of my favorites too, so make sure you wear something you'd be comfortable sitting down in.


P.S. Please don't assume that I can photoshop things out, like the back of a dress not fitting right or a bra strap showing - make sure the outfit is camera-ready!

A romantic dance pose on a rocky beach at sunset.
Couple sitting on coastal cliff path overlooking ocean on sunny day.
A woman in a flowing red gown poses dramatically against coastal cliffs and ocean waves.

Matching vs. Coordinating


Trying to make outfits for a couple or group look good together can be very tricky. In general, I prefer to coordinate outfits instead of fully match. Look for a few colors that are not identical but in the same family of tones. Vary the shades and don't be afraid to show each person's personality! When in doubt, you can never go wrong with white, tan, and another color like a deep blue to pop. As always, keep in mind the location you'll be shooting at to make sure it will all work together.

Family of four in casual attire standing against modern white wall architecture.
A couple embraces on a sandy beach with dramatic rocky cliffs in the background at sunset.
A tender moment shared with a newborn baby in a bright modern living room with family photos.

It's all in the Details


Smaller details like earrings, watches, hair accessories, belts and more can add a lot to the photos and make the outfit appear more intentional. And of course, an outfit is not complete without shoes! Unless you're going barefoot on the beach, remember to try on your shoe choice when planning your outfit. It's also good practice to make sure your nails are clean or plan ahead to get them manicured, because I love getting those close up shots! So when it comes to putting together your outfit, remember to accessorize and pay close attention to those small, often overlooked details.

A classical stone statue adorned with wedding shoes stands among cypress trees in a garden setting.
Close-up detail of wedding attire showing emerald green details, rings, and delicate white fabric.
A stylish couple holds hands in front of an ornate Spanish colonial building entrance.

Have Confidence


While I stand by my previous tips, it's important to recognize that style is subjective. Everyone has their own unique taste when it comes to clothing, and so my biggest tip is to wear something that feels authentically YOU. Wearing something you feel confident in will translate greatly in the photos and make you have a much better photoshoot experience overall. So whatever you choose to wear, just make sure you feel good in it!

A romantic embrace on a foggy coastline with a city skyline visible in the background.
An expectant mother in a white sweater dress poses against a natural outdoor setting.
A couple poses between classical white columns in matching black outfits.
Photographer in white top and jeans holding camera against geometric tiled wall.

Thanks for reading!

I hope my Styling Guide gave you some ideas on choosing your outfits. My final tip would be to look on Pinterest or Instagram for outfit inspo, or if you see an outfit that really speaks to you, try to nail down what exactly is drawing you to it so you can try to recreate it. Don't be afraid to send me pictures of your outfits ahead of time for my advice either - I'm always happy to help.

Happy styling!