When you start planning what to wear for your session, it might feel like a quick checklist task—neutrals? check. coordinated? check.
So here’s how to plan an outfit that does more than just “look good”—one that FEELS like you:
But here’s the thing: what you wear sets the tone for your entire shoot.
It’s not just about color palettes (though that matters too). It’s about telling a story.
I. Start with the Feeling
Before you even peek into your closet, take a second to ask yourself:
“How do I want this session to feel?”
Your outfit should match that energy.
Romantic & Dreamy? Think soft fabrics like linen or chiffon, delicate details like ruffles or lace, and longer dresses that flow when you move.
Playful & Casual? Try a cozy sweater, jeans, and boots you can kick off for barefoot-in-the-grass moments.
Bold & Moody? Deep tones (like rust, charcoal, or emerald), layered textures, and silhouettes that feel confident and grounded.
It’s not about dressing up—it’s about dressing into the story you want to tell.
II. Choose Clothes That Let You Move
The best photos aren’t stiff—they’re full of motion.
Whether you're twirling in a field, dancing on a mountaintop, or lifting your little one high into the air, you need to be able to move. That means:
- Avoid super tight fits or stiff fabrics that restrict you.
- Pick pieces that flow, drape, stretch, and feel good when you’re walking, sitting, or spinning.
- Long dresses, oversized sweaters, flowy skirts, or button-ups that flutter in the breeze? GOLD.
Because movement tells emotion. And your clothes should support that—not fight it.
III. Let Color Tell Your Story
Forget trendy colors or matching outfits—let’s talk palette and emotion.
Choose shades that:
- Compliment your setting — warm tones in fall leaves, soft neutrals at the lake, moody colors for mountain backdrops.
- Flatter your skin tone — if a color makes your eyes pop or warms your skin, it’s a YES.
- Support the vibe — soft tones for light, tender moments; richer tones for cozy, moody energy.
Avoid bright neons, large logos, or super-busy patterns that distract from you. Subtle texture (knits, lace, waffle weave) adds so much more than a print ever could.
IV. Coordinate Without Matching
The goal isn’t to match—it’s to harmonize.
Instead of identical outfits, aim for complementary tones that tell a visual story together. Think in layers of light, medium, and deep tones in a shared palette:
Example:
Parent in soft cream.
Partner in dusty olive.
Kids in oatmeal, caramel, or soft denim.
Each piece flows into the next without being identical.
Avoid everyone in white shirts and jeans—it flattens the energy. Color adds mood. Variations in tone add life.
V. Layer Up for Depth + Dimension
Layers are one of the easiest ways to add visual interest and storytelling.
Try this:
A cardigan over a dress (you can remove it for a totally different vibe mid-shoot)
A denim or leather jacket thrown over your shoulder
Scarves, hats, a belt with texture, or layered jewelry
Layers give us flexibility to play during your session and offer more variety in your final gallery without an outfit change.
Bonus: Layers = cozy, snuggly vibes. Perfect for couples + families.
VI. Shoes Matter (Even If They Barely Show)
They ground your look—literally. Don’t let shoes be an afterthought.
Choose footwear that:
- Feels aligned with your outfit (think rustic boots for the woods, strappy sandals for beachy vibes, or simple flats for laid-back sessions)
- Won’t pull attention or clash with your tones
- Feels comfortable enough to walk, play, run, or dance
If we’re heading into nature, avoid heels. And barefoot can be a gorgeous option—just let me know ahead of time so we pick the right location.
Planning your session should feel fun, not stressful.
Text me your outfit options. Email me your inspiration. Send over your Pinterest board if you have one. I’ll help you narrow it down to what makes sense for your story, your session, and your personality.
This is your chance to feel like you—but with a little cinematic sparkle ✨
Because this session isn’t about dressing up to impress—it’s about wearing something that feels like home, like love, like you.
Let’s make something honest, beautiful, and timeless.
Creating & Styling a Color Palette
Color palettes are one of the easiest ways to build outfits that feel intentional, cohesive, and beautiful on camera. Instead of trying to match perfectly, choose a palette you love and let everyone pull tones from it — creams, browns, muted greens, soft blues, or warm rusts. These palettes work for both couples and families: one person can wear the deeper tones (like olive, cocoa, or rust), while the other layers in the lighter neutrals (cream, oat, denim) to keep the look balanced. For families, think of the palette as your guide: mix textures, layers, and tones within it so everyone coordinates without looking too “matched.” When your colors live in the same palette, your outfits naturally feel harmonious, effortless, and cinematic — no stress, no guesswork.
Layering is the secret to outfits that look natural, cozy, and beautifully textured in photos. Start with a simple base — a cream tee, a soft knit, or a neutral dress — and build from there. Add pieces with depth: cardigans, jackets, shackets, denim layers, scarves, or vests in the deeper tones of your palette (like cocoa, olive, or rust).
For couples, think “balance”: if one partner wears a heavier layer or darker tone, the other can keep it lighter with cream, oat, or denim.
For families, mix textures instead of matching styles — waffle knits, ribbed sweaters, linen, denim, wool. This adds interest without chaos.
Keep accessories simple and earthy (brown boots, neutral hats, subtle jewelry) to stay cohesive. And remember — layers photograph beautifully because they move, catch light, and tell a story. The goal isn’t perfection… it’s warmth, depth, and outfits that feel like you.
Seasonal Ideas:
Summer
Golden light, movement, and a breezy, sunkissed feel. Keep it simple, breathable, and bold in texture, not color.
Color Palette: Sand, muted terracotta, olive, soft denim, cream, rust
Her:
- Flowy maxi dress with open back or flutter sleeves
- Two-piece sets or lightweight jumpsuits
- Leather slides or barefoot in the sand
- Loose waves or braid, minimal jewelry
Him:
- Rolled-sleeve button-up or lightweight tee
- Linen or cotton trousers or rolled jeans
- No-show loafers, boots, or sandals
- Open collar or single-breasted jacket for elevated casual
Extra Touches:
- Champagne pop, dock or lake setting, golden hour shoot
- Bring a fan, touch-up powder, and water — it gets hot!
Spring
Think romantic, airy, and full of life. Florals, soft colors, and playful textures shine this time of year.
Color Palette: Blush, sage, dove gray, ivory, dusty blue, warm peach
Her:
- Flowy maxi or midi dress in soft floral or solid pastel
- Eyelet lace or gauze textures
- Strappy sandals, woven mules, or barefoot in grass
- Light sweater or wrap for layering
Him:
- White or oatmeal linen shirt
- Khaki chinos or light-wash jeans
- Loafers or casual leather shoes
- Optional suspenders or light sport coat for texture
Extra Touches:
- Wildflower bouquet, sun hat, or vintage picnic blanket
- Meadow, orchard, or garden location
Fall
The season of cozy tones, texture layering, and nostalgic warmth. Nature brings rich hues — your outfits can soften and complement.
Color Palette: Burnt orange, forest green, camel, maroon, charcoal, cream
Her:
- Knit sweater with long skirt or dress layered with jacket
- Wide-brim felt hat, leather ankle boots
- Velvet, corduroy, or soft wool textures
- Rich lip or nail color adds depth
Him:
- Henley or flannel over neutral tee
- Dark jeans or brown chinos
- Chelsea boots or rugged leather shoes
- Wool or canvas jacket
Extra Touches:
- Blanket wrap or plaid scarf
- Leaves, open fields, or forest for backdrop
Winter
Intimate, still, and cinematic. Embrace layering and contrast — softness against stark natural tones.
Color Palette: Deep emerald, icy blue, charcoal, ivory, mocha, warm white
Her:
- Sweater dress, long coat over satin dress, or layered knits
- Faux fur or teddy-style coat
- Tights and heeled boots or over-the-knee boots
- Statement earrings or textured scarf
Him:
- Chunky knit sweater or fitted wool coat
- Tailored pants or dark denim
- Lace-up boots or leather dress shoes
- Layers: flannel under coat, scarf, beanie if snowy
Extra Touches:
- Cozy props: thermos with cocoa, lantern, vintage sled
- Evergreen forest, snowy trail, or downtown lights setting
