Listen, it’s not 2001 anymore, okay? There are better photoshoot outfit ideas than wearing the same outfit and calling it a day!
We’re Sioux Falls photographers. We’ve photographed everything from family sessions to senior portraits and everything in between. You name it, and we’ve probably done it. We’ve learned a thing or two about the outfits that work well for sessions and those you’ll want to avoid.
Throughout this post, you’ll learn the best outfit ideas and photoshoot tips to boost your confidence.
Photoshoot Outfit Ideas & Tips
Choose Earth Tones & Neutrals
When in doubt, keep in mind this simple rule that we tell all of our clients: Earth tones and neutrals always look good on any background. If you’re unsure what to wear, you can’t go wrong with anything in colors like muted greens, creamy beiges, and warm taupes. They’ll look good no matter the setting you’re in.
Colors like this are also highly versatile, never go out of style, and work for any “level” of outfit, whether dressy, casual, or somewhere in between. They can work great for anything from editorial and romantic to relaxed and casual. Plus, they’re effortless to coordinate (more on that later) without being 100% matching in your outfits.
Have some fun with neutrals and Earth tones by utilizing suede or knitted textures to add some extra depth.
Avoid Super Small, Intricate Patterns
Patterns don’t always look great on camera, especially if they are small and intricate. Sometimes, they might appear warped or do funky effects, taking the focus away from you and whoever else is in the photo!
Larger patterns can sometimes work if they’re more minimal and fit the aesthetic you’re going for in your session, but solid colors can usually be a safer option. Solid colors also tend to photograph a little more cleanly and won’t clash as much with your location, whatever that may be.
Coordinate, DON’T Match
We know that about 20 years ago, matching outfits was the “thing” to do, but matching outfits are so not a good idea anymore. If done today, it’s a trend that can often feel outdated… which works if “nostalgia” is what you’re going for, but the odds are that you aren’t.
Instead, opt to coordinate your outfits, but don’t match. Try to at least make sure that you’re all dressed for the same occasion. This means you should try to decide overall if you want to be dressy, casual, or somewhere in between, and then all dress to that same level so it all feels coordinated.
Complement Your Setting
One of the biggest mistakes we don’t want you to make is blending into your background. Once your location is set, pick an outfit that complements your setting. For instance, if you’re having a picnic in the park, it may not be the best idea to wear something the same color as the grass or even the color of your picnic blanket.
An easy way to do this is to pick colors subtly contrasting your setting. For example, in the park, a warmer color like mustard, rust, or soft pink would pop a little bit more against the grass. If you take the time to consider your surroundings, your outfit won’t compete and get lost.
The same goes for indoor shoots! If your backdrop is going to be fairly neutral and minimalistic, you can contrast a bit more with your outfits to ensure you don’t blend in. Your location should add to your photos, not distract from them.
Complement Each Other
Complementing your outfits is the perfect way to avoid matching. For instance, if one of you is in a red dress, maybe someone else will have a slight red accent in their outfit so that it looks like you do go together, but you’re not dressed all in the same color.
The goal here is to balance so everyone’s outfits feel connected but still have space for individuality. Play around with complementary color schemes if you want, too, to add a sense of harmony that’s also a bit stylish and fashion-forward.
Make Sure Your Personalities Shine Through
This is one of our favorite photoshoot outfit ideas because you want your personality to shine through in the imagery. Dress to your personality, whether a bit more laid-back or bold. You can choose pieces that make you feel comfortable and like you.
Don’t try to pick outfits you wouldn’t normally wear. If you usually don’t wear heels but want a dressy vibe for your photos, you can opt for nice leather sneakers or comfortable boots. If you are uncomfortable, it will show through in the pictures, no matter how hard you try.
Avoid Too Many Outfit Changes
Outfits contribute to the overall flow of your session, even though you may not realize it. We typically cap at 2 or 3 outfits to preserve the natural flow of sessions. Too many outfit changes make for a disjointed session, and momentum is important.
Every time you change your outfit, you reset the energy of the photoshoot because it can take a second or two to get back into it. Fewer outfits also mean you can make the most of each outfit while still getting a bit of variety.
Embrace Layers
An easy way to have different outfits but save time is to embrace layers. Layers also add tremendous depth to photos. Of course, this is a bit easier to do in fall and winter.
You can use layers like cardigans or jackets to give you more options during your session. These can be great because you can easily remove them, and they can act as props!
Accessorize Intentionally
Lastly, don’t over-accessorize. Accessories make a difference in your photos and can add some personality to your photos, but you want to create balance and harmony.
Think about the vibe of your photoshoot and wear accessories that you’d normally wear. Avoid hats, as they can cast a shadow across your face!
With accessories, less is always more. Choose just one or two impactful pieces and add to your outfits rather than distract.
Start Planning Your Photoshoot Outfits!
You know some of the best photoshoot outfit ideas, so you can ensure you aren’t 100% matching or blending in during your session. Rely on neutrals if you have to, and ensure you are comfortable.
Are you planning a session of your own? We offer a variety of sessions, from senior portraits to couples photos and many others in between. Click here to get in touch.
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