What to Wear

Choosing the right outfits helps your session — whether it’s for families, motherhood, maternity, newborn, or couples — feel natural, timeless, and comfortable.

This guide keeps everything simple and stress-free.

Couple embraces while taking photos in misty mountain landscape with evergreen trees and fall foliage.

A muted earth tone color palette featuring beige, sage green, slate blue, and warm brown swatches arranged in a grid.

COLORS THAT PHOTOGRAPH BEAUTIFULLY

• cream

• oatmeal

• tan

• sage

• soft greens

• light denim

• warm browns

• muted clay

• dusty rose

Avoid neon, super-saturated colors, and bright whites.

Two people stand among evergreen trees in a misty mountain landscape during an outdoor photo session.

Couple walking through autumn foliage and tall grass in a scenic outdoor setting during golden hour.

TEXTURES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Textures photograph beautifully and add depth:

• knits

• linen

• denim

• ribbed sweaters

• cotton

• gauze fabrics

• cardigans

• layers for kids

Avoid shiny fabrics, logos, and stiff materials.

Multiple exposure photograph of a couple dancing together against a rocky cliff backdrop in vintage-style clothing.

MOVEMENT MATTERS

Your session includes a lot of natural interaction: walking, playing, cuddling, lifting kids, exploring, and soft moments.

Choose outfits you can move in:

• flowy dresses

• loose tops

• comfortable jeans

• soft sweaters

• layers

• boots or sandals

DRESS LIKE YOU BELONG TOGETHER — NOT LIKE TWINS

Choose tones that work together instead of identical outfits.

Great combos:

• cream + tan + sage

• denim + oatmeal + warm brown

• soft rust + neutrals

• muted greens + textures

Let one person anchor the palette, and build around them.

FOR COUPLES

Great options:

• jeans + a soft sweater

• a flowy dress + boots

• button-up shirt + chinos

• layered textures (jacket, cardigan, flannel)

• neutrals + earth tones

Avoid anything that needs constant adjusting.

FOR FAMILIES

Kids look best in comfortable, simple clothing with soft textures.

Tips:

• layered textures

• cozy knits

• soft cotton

• avoid characters or neon

• comfortable shoes

Comfort = natural smiles + easy movement.

FOR NEWBORN SESSIONS

Baby:

• simple onesies

• knits

• swaddles in neutral tones

• bare feet

Parents:

• cozy loungewear

• knits

• soft neutrals

• comfortable fabrics

Avoid bright colors, props, and big patterns.

WHAT TO AVOID

To keep your photos clean, cohesive, and timeless, try to avoid:

• Wrinkled clothing — steam or iron ahead of time

• Neon or vivid colors — they reflect onto skin

• Bright whites — can blow out in soft PNW light

• Logos + graphics — they’re distracting

• Large, busy patterns — pull focus from your faces

• Baseball caps — cause deep shadows

• Short dresses — limit movement

• Stiff materials — look awkward and restrict movement

• Anything you need to constantly adjust

• Old sneakers or bulky shoes

• Shirts with visible bra straps that slip often

• Heavy makeup that easily transfers

Keeping things simple + comfortable makes the biggest difference.

A sequence of images showing someone lying in grass enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors in natural sunlight.

Two people embrace warmly in a sun-dappled forest setting wearing casual attire.

A couple shares a romantic moment in a sunlit forest clearing, embracing while surrounded by tall evergreen trees.

SEASONAL NOTES

Spring: soft layers, neutrals, sweaters

Summer: linen, breathable fabrics, flowy dresses

Fall: warm tones, knits, layers

Winter (PNW): coats, boots, cozy textures, earth tones

DRESSING FOR THE SEASON

It's important that your outfits (and shoes) match the season we’re shooting in.

This keeps everything looking natural and prevents discomfort that shows in photos.

Spring

• Soft layers for unpredictable temperatures

• Comfortable shoes for damp grass

• Light jackets or sweaters

Avoid sandals unless it’s warm.

Summer

• Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton

• Flowy dresses + breathable tops

• Sandals or barefoot options

Avoid dark or heavy fabrics.

Fall

• Warm tones + textured layers

• Boots or closed-toe shoes

• Cardigans, sweaters, and scarves

Avoid thin dresses without layers.

Winter (PNW)

• Coats, sweaters, boots

• Warm layers that blend with the environment

• Hats, knits, and neutrals photograph beautifully

Avoid wearing clothing that looks summery — it feels out of place.

Why this matters

• You stay comfortable

• Kids stay happier

• Outfits blend naturally with surroundings

• Photos feel cohesive and timeless

• You won’t look cold or uncomfortable in your images

Black and white security camera footage shows someone walking through what appears to be a hallway or corridor.

NEED VISUAL INSPIRATION?

If you’d like to see outfit ideas, color palettes, and styling inspiration, I’ve put together a Pinterest board to help you visualize what photographs beautifully.

Visit my Pinterest here:

Feel free to save outfits you love and send me any ideas you’re leaning toward — I’m always happy to help you choose the perfect look.