What to Wear for Your Photoshoot: A Complete Styling Guide for Timeless, Natural Images

One of the very first questions I get asked after a session is booked is:

“What should we wear?”

And honestly — I love that question. What you wear plays a huge role in how your images feel, how timeless they are, and how beautifully they come together as a story. Styling isn’t about following trends or dressing up as someone you’re not — it’s about choosing pieces that photograph well, feel like you, and allow the focus to remain where it belongs: your connection, your expressions, and the genuine moments we create together.

Over the years, through countless family sessions, equine shoots, branding sessions, and intimate lifestyle moments, I’ve learned exactly what works best on camera — and what doesn’t. This guide is here to take the stress out of choosing outfits and help you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.

Why Neutrals Always Win on Camera

I always recommend wearing neutral or softly muted tones for photoshoots. Not because they’re boring — but because they’re timeless.

Neutral colours create a cohesive, elegant look that doesn’t distract from the emotion in your images. They allow natural light to wrap softly around you, they blend beautifully with outdoor settings, and they ensure your photos won’t feel dated years from now.

Some of my favourite tried-and-true shades include:

• Beige

• Cream & Ivory

• Oatmeal & Stone

• Tan, Taupe & Camel

• Dove Grey & Slate

• Olive & Dusty Sage

• Muted Terracotta

• Soft Blush

• Charcoal (in small doses)

These tones photograph beautifully in every season and complement almost any location — whether we’re shooting in golden fields, forests, paddocks, the beach, or your own home.

Most importantly, neutrals keep the focus on you, not your outfit.

How Neutrals Enhance the Style of My Photography

My photography style is warm, natural, and inviting. I work with natural light, soft tones, and real moments — and your outfit choices play a big role in supporting that aesthetic.

Neutral and muted colours:

• Reflect light softly onto your skin

• Create a calm, cohesive visual story

• Enhance warmth without overpowering the frame

• Allow emotions and interactions to stand out

• Keep images feeling organic and effortless

When everything works together — light, location, movement, and styling — your gallery feels intentional, connected, and emotionally rich.

Think “Soft and Cohesive,” Not “Matchy”

One of the biggest styling myths is that everyone needs to wear the same colour. Instead of matching exactly, aim for coordination.

Choose:

• A shared colour palette (3–5 tones)

• Different textures and layers within those tones

• Slight variations in shade to add depth

For example:

• Cream, sage, and soft brown

• Beige, ivory, and muted terracotta

• Olive, stone, and charcoal

This approach adds visual interest while still feeling harmonious.

Texture Is Your Secret Styling Weapon

Texture adds depth and movement to photographs, especially when working with neutral colours.

Look for:

• Linen, cotton, knitwear

• Soft dresses with movement

• Light layers like cardigans, overshirts, or shawls

• Subtle details like pleats, buttons, or embroidery

Textures photograph beautifully in natural light and help images feel warm and tactile — almost like you can feel the moment just by looking at the photo.

What to Avoid (And Why)

While personal style is always welcome, there are a few things I recommend avoiding for photoshoots:

• Bold logos or large graphics – these pull attention away from faces

• Neon or overly bright colours – they reflect colour onto skin and distract from the scene

• Busy patterns – they can overwhelm the image and date quickly

• Pure black or stark white – they can lose detail in highlights and shadows

Soft, muted alternatives will always photograph more beautifully and stand the test of time.

Styling Tips for Different Types of Sessions

Family Sessions

Choose a colour palette and build around it. Start with one outfit you love, then coordinate the rest of the family around those tones. Barefoot moments, flowy dresses, rolled-up sleeves — comfort always photographs best.

Couples & Engagements

Soft, romantic tones work beautifully. Think movement, connection, and outfits that feel natural when you walk, laugh, and hold hands.

Equine Sessions

Earthy tones are perfect here — olive, stone, camel, cream. These shades complement horses beautifully and blend naturally with paddocks, stables, and open landscapes.

Branding & Lifestyle

Neutrals with intention. Choose outfits that reflect your brand but still align with soft, timeless tones. Layers and texture work wonderfully for branding imagery.

Comfort = Confidence

One of the most important things to remember: if you’re uncomfortable, it will show.

Choose outfits you can move in, sit in, walk in, and breathe in. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your posture, your expressions, and your connection with the people (or animals) you’re sharing the frame with.

Your photoshoot isn’t about perfect outfits — it’s about real moments, genuine emotion, and capturing this season of your life exactly as it is.

Neutral and softly muted tones simply create the foundation that allows those moments to shine. They ensure your images feel elegant, balanced, and timeless — no matter the setting, the season, or the story we’re telling together.

If you’re ever unsure about what to wear, I’m always happy to help guide you. Styling is part of the experience, and I want you to walk into your session feeling calm, confident, and excited.

Because when you feel like yourself — that’s when the magic happens ✨