Choosing an outfit for your photoshoot might be a bit difficult. These 10 outfit tips, based on experience and my personal taste, will give you a bit more insight into what really works on camera and what doesn’t.

1. Wear clothes you love!

First, I recommend you to wear clothes you love and feel great in. It’ll show when you feel great about what you’re wearing, and confidence makes everyone look good on camera.

2. Avoid whites and very pale pastels

It’s best to avoid white and very pale pastel colours, because your eye is automatically drawn to the lightest area of a photo. White and light coloured clothing can accentuate our bodies, and simultaneously make us look larger than we are. You’ll also blend with the scenery so much that the photo becomes less about you.

If you prefer neutral tones, earthy and warm browns or greys are perfect for you (or colours like in the image below!). Mid-tone or more vibrant rose-pink tones and corals are also flattering! Rich and deep reds, greens, purples, and blues work amazing on photos too!

3. Match the season

Go for dark and bold colours like deep red, sunset gold, and hunter green in winter and autumn. For spring, I recommend colours such as beige, dusty pink and primrose yellow. As for summer, this is the season for colours like paradise blue and pink lavender, or choose a fun floral print.

4. Fit your style to your location

Always keep your session location in mind when choosing your outfit. If your session is happening in a city setting, go for an urban outfit. Hats, layered jackets, boots or sneakers work really well. If you’ve selected a more natural environment, consider flowy fabric like linen dresses, wide-leg trousers or simple jumpsuits. Bring your favorite sunglasses, beach bag and sandals, or go barefoot!

5. Use layers!

This will add visual interest to your look and gives you multiple posing and styling options. Dresses that catch the wind behind you work really well. And jackets or sweaters that you can work into your poses – open, closed, or wrapped around you – add that little extra to your photo.

6. Bring accessories

Jewellery and accessories, such as hats, earrings, layered necklaces, bracelets and rings, add variety to your images.

7. Choose a good neckline

A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph, so be careful with that. A turtleneck or a deep V-neck top are both very good options, they tend to slim you down and frame your face beautifully.

8. Makeup, hair and nails

It can be great to have your makeup and hair professionally done before your photoshoot. If you’re booking a session with me, I can help you hire a professional makeup artist. If you’re doing it yourself, try to avoid cakey foundation (easy to spot) and shimmery makeup (usually reflects light in an unflattering way). Natural skin textures can complement a makeup look, which is why you could emphasise them even more (e.g. draw over freckles with an eyebrow or eyeliner pencil).

Putting your hair up brings attention to your face and keeping it down looks more playful, so simply go with whatever makes you feel comfortable. And don’t forget to check your nails! Half-gone nail polish is such a distraction on photos!

9. Group or family portrait session? Pick 3-4 colors!

Matching outfits is not necessarily the best idea for a dynamic picture – it’s rather a bit cheesy. Simply pick three or four colours – preferably from a matching color palette – and mix them up as much as possible.

10. Lay it all out!

Shoes, dresses, jeans, shoes, everything should be included! Take a careful look at the collection you’ve made. If your eye goes to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. It means that the item is either an amazing eye-catcher or that it’s distracting and needs to be changed.

On my Pinterest page I created a board with outfit inspiration for lovers, families and individuals. Go check it out, and get inspired by the outfits that other people wear!