What to Wear for a Portrait Photoshoot: The Complete Guide
Choosing what to wear can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
With the right clothing, your portraits will look polished, timeless, and beautifully balanced.
Here’s your easy, stress-free wardrobe guide for your Lume Visions portrait session.
1. Start With Solid Colours (They Photograph Best)
Patterns can distract. Logos date quickly.
But solid colours?
They are elegant, timeless, and flattering.
Best choices:
Black
Deep greens
Browns and creams
Rust and warm earth tones
Charcoal, navy, and muted blues
For families or groups:
Choose a coordinated palette — not identical outfits.
2. Avoid Distracting Patterns or Brand Logos
Small patterns create what photographers call “moire,” a distracting wavy effect in photos.
Large patterns draw attention away from your face.
Neutral, simple pieces keep the focus on you, not the clothing.
3. Choose Clothing That Moves Well
Flowy dresses, skirts, and draping fabrics add a sense of motion and softness to portraits.
They’re especially beautiful for:
maternity sessions
women’s portraits
mother-child portraits
In fine art photography, fabric becomes part of the composition — almost sculptural.
4. Pick Pieces That Fit Comfortably
If clothing is too tight, too loose, or constantly needs adjusting, it will affect both:
the posing
your confidence during the session
Comfort = confidence.
Confidence = beautiful portraits.
5. Texture Photographs Better Than Busy Prints
Consider fabrics like:
linen
silk
knits
lace
velvet
Texture adds visual interest without overwhelming the composition.
6. Think About Necklines
Necklines subtly change how the face and shoulders are framed.
Great options include:
off-shoulder
scoop neck
V-neck
boat neck
These draw attention upward and elongate the neck.
7. Bring Options — Not Just One Outfit
We recommend bringing 2–4 outfits depending on your session.
This gives us flexibility to match:
backgrounds
lighting
mood
posing
Sometimes the outfit you least expect ends up being the favourite look.
8. For Headshots & Branding
Keep it simple, clean, and polished.
Best choices:
fitted blazer
solid blouse
minimal jewelry
tailored pieces
Avoid overly trendy items — your headshot should feel modern but long-lasting.
9. For Men
Timeless options include:
fitted Henley shirts
button-downs
dark sweaters
tonal layers
jackets or sport coats
Avoid overly bold colours or shiny fabrics.
10. Final Touches Matter
A few small details make a big difference:
clothes steam better than they iron
lint roll darker fabrics
avoid neon nail polish
keep jewelry minimal
moisturize hands and lips before the session
Final Thoughts
Your wardrobe sets the tone for your entire portrait session.
Choose outfits that feel like you — elevated, confident, and timeless.
At Lume Visions, we’re here to guide you through styling every step of the way, so you feel comfortable, beautiful, and ready for portraits you’ll cherish for years.
