What to Wear for Your Portrait or Branding Session: Beyond Rules, Into Expression

When it comes to preparing for your portrait or branding experience, one of the most common questions I get is: “What should I wear?” And while there are certainly practical considerations that help you look your best on camera, what matters most is how your clothing helps you feel.

Because this isn’t just about looking polished. It’s about reflecting your essence.

Whether you’re preparing for a soulful portrait, a bold personal branding session, or a creative team shoot, the styling process is a powerful part of how we express your story.

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My Approach to Styling (and Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All)

I don’t work with formulas. You won’t get a rigid checklist of what to wear and what to avoid. Instead, we begin with a pre-session conversation where I tune into you: your energy, your vision, your story, and how you want to feel when you see your images.

Styling isn’t about fitting into a mould. It’s about expanding into who you already are.

For portrait clients, this might mean a sweeping dress, a tailored blazer, a chunky knit, or something minimal that lets your natural energy speak. For branding clients, it’s about aligning the visual with your message—professional but not stiff, expressive but intentional. If you’re a creative, we might lean into texture, bold shapes, or signature colour. If you’re corporate, we’ll aim for timeless, sleek, and confident.

And for some, it’s the contrast—something that reflects who you’re becoming.

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Outfits That Work (and Why)

No matter the session type, here are some tried-and-true styling tips that photograph beautifully under natural and studio lighting:

• Fitted over floaty: Structured clothing tends to define your shape more clearly on camera. Think blazers, cinched dresses, high-waisted trousers, fitted knits. Avoid overly loose or baggy clothing unless balanced with fitted elements.
• Mid-tone & rich colours: Neutrals like soft grey, cream, olive, camel, or stone always work. Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, navy, or deep rust add drama. Avoid bright neons, loud prints, or overly shiny fabrics unless they’re central to your brand.
• Texture > pattern: Lace, silk, chiffon, velvet, wool—these add richness and depth, especially in black-and-white portraits. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, and small pinstripes (which can distort on camera).
• Shoes & bottoms matter too: If we’re doing full-length or seated portraits, shoes should match the tone of your outfit—clean, polished, intentional. For branding clients, avoid overly casual trainers unless they’re part of your visual identity.
• Jewellery & accessories: Keep it simple unless accessories are core to your brand. Layers of delicate gold, a statement earring, or a meaningful piece can add elegance and personality. Avoid over-accessorising, as it can distract.

For Personal Portraits: Range, Mood, and Energy

Bring a variety of looks—think 4–6 options that express different moods or parts of you:

• One soft and romantic (e.g. pale tones, flowing fabric)
• One bold or structured (e.g. blazer, darker colours, sleek silhouette)
• One that feels like you on your best day
• One that feels slightly outside your comfort zone (you might love it most)
• One classic and timeless (think monochrome or all-black with texture)

This gives us space to explore different energies without feeling boxed in.

Undergarments matter—strapless bras, nude knickers, and shapewear can be helpful depending on your outfit. I’m here to help you plan it all.

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For Branding Sessions: Style That Matches Your Message

Branding photography is all about consistency, intentionality, and emotional tone. What you wear should reflect not just your job title—but your energy, leadership style, and how you want people to feel when they work with you.

Questions we’ll explore:

• What colours align with your brand?
• Are you bold, grounded, creative, calm, visionary?
• What environments will your images appear in?
• Do you need outfit changes to reflect different services or moods?

Bring 3–5 curated looks:

• One clean, classic business look
• One elevated casual or lifestyle look (e.g. jeans & blouse, or midi dress)
• One creative or personal expression (e.g. colours, textures, something artistic)
• Optional: a look with your brand’s signature colour
• Optional: a neutral foundation outfit to layer with accessories or props

For team or staff portraits, ensure tonal harmony—choose colours in the same palette without everyone matching exactly. Avoid logos (unless branded) and keep fit clean and professional.

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Couples, Partners, and Groups: Visual Connection

When photographing more than one person, coordination is key. You don’t need to match—but you do need to harmonise.

What works:

• Shared colour palette (e.g. neutrals, muted tones, all jewel tones)
• Similar formality level (no one in a cocktail dress while the other’s in jeans)
• Complimentary tones: camel + cream, navy + soft grey, black + ivory

What to avoid:

• One person in a bright colour that overpowers the rest
• Clashing patterns, neon tones, or textures that fight each other
• Mismatched vibe (e.g. one glam, one gym-ready)

We’ll plan this together so everyone feels included and aligned.

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Last-Minute Tips to Keep It Easy

• Try everything on beforehand—including accessories and undergarments
• Steam or iron your chosen outfits and hang them up ready
• Avoid tight elastic that leaves marks on your skin (like socks or leggings)
• Pack shoes intentionally—clean and appropriate to each outfit
• Lay outfits out by mood or story, not just colour. This helps us shape the session with flow.

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Let It Be About You

At the end of the day, there are no rules—only resonance. I’m not here to make you look like someone else. I’m here to reflect you.

Whether you arrive in a structured jumpsuit, a silk gown, or a borrowed knit that holds emotional memory—it’s about what helps you feel anchored, expressive, and at ease.

Let’s create imagery that reflects the many sides of who you are.

And yes—if you’re still unsure what to wear, I’ll walk you through it step by step. That’s part of the magic.