- Solid colors photograph best—avoid busy patterns, logos, and neon
- Fit matters more than brand—tailored and well-fitting always wins
- Bring 3-4 outfits to show range and give yourself options
- Steam everything the night before—wrinkles are brutal on camera
The number one question we get after booking: "What should I wear?" It's a fair question—your outfit can make or break your photos. Here's our complete guide, broken down by shoot type.
Universal Rules That Apply to Every Shoot
Match the Outfit to the Background
An outfit is not evaluated in isolation. Ask what will sit directly behind your shoulders and body.
- Dark clothing can disappear into a shaded or dark studio background.
- White can lose detail in bright direct sun if exposure is not handled carefully.
- Small high-contrast patterns may create moiré on camera.
- Reflective fabrics and jewelry can pull attention or create difficult highlights.
- Green clothing may blend into foliage-heavy parks.
Send phone photographs of complete outfits to the photographer, ideally in daylight. Include the shoes and outer layer; both affect the final silhouette.
Use a Three-Look System
For a session with wardrobe changes, give every look a different purpose:
- Primary: the safest, most important look for the main use.
- Variation: a different layer, neckline, or formality level.
- Personality: a look that adds specificity without becoming costume.
Three deliberate looks usually create more useful range than a suitcase of unrelated options.
- Solid colors over patterns. Navy, emerald, burgundy, black, cream, rust, and olive all photograph beautifully. Busy patterns compete with your face for attention.
- Fit over brand. A $30 blazer that fits perfectly will always look better than a $500 one that's too big. Get things tailored.
- No logos or text. They date photos instantly and distract from you.
- Layers add depth. A jacket over a shirt, a scarf with a sweater—layers create visual interest and let you switch looks mid-outfit.
- Steam or iron everything. Wrinkles are visible in every single frame and they're tedious to edit out.
For Professional Headshots
Your headshot should match the energy of your industry:
- Corporate (finance, law, consulting): Well-tailored suit or blazer. Solid, dark colors. Simple jewelry if any.
- Creative (tech, design, media): Smart-casual. A clean button-down, a nice sweater, or a polished tee under a blazer.
- Healthcare: Clean, professional. White coat optional—many doctors prefer a polished business look instead.
Bring 2-3 tops and we'll help you choose on the day. More on our headshot sessions here.
Avoid pure white shirts—they can blow out under professional lighting and pull focus from your face. Off-white, light blue, or light pink are better alternatives.
For Dating Profile Photos
The goal is to look like the best version of your everyday self—not a costume:
- Outfit 1 (casual): Your go-to weekend look. Well-fitting jeans, a clean t-shirt or casual button-down, clean sneakers.
- Outfit 2 (smart-casual): What you'd wear on a second or third date. A nice shirt, chinos or a good pair of pants, maybe a blazer.
- Outfit 3 (personality): Something that shows who you are—a favorite jacket, a statement piece, or an outfit for an activity you love.
Check out our men's dating photography and women's dating photography pages for more specific guidance.
For Personal Branding
Your wardrobe should match your brand energy:
- Authority look: Blazer, clean lines, confident posture. Think "I'm the expert."
- Approachable look: Smart-casual, warmer colors, relaxed pose. Think "I'm easy to work with."
- Working look: Whatever you actually wear when doing your job—at a desk, in a studio, meeting with clients.
Our personal branding sessions include a pre-session brand strategy call to plan your wardrobe.
For Women Specifically
- Makeup: Slightly more defined than normal. Matte foundations photograph better than dewy. False lashes optional but effective.
- Jewelry: Less is more on camera. Statement earrings OR a statement necklace—not both.
- Shoes: They matter more than you think—especially for full-body shots. Heels elongate, but wear what feels natural to you.
- Hair: Style it how you normally would. Don't get a dramatic new cut or color the day before—go at least a week early.
For Men Specifically
- Grooming: Clean up the beard or get a trim a few days before (not the day of—fresh cuts look too sharp). Moisturize.
- Shoes: Clean, not scuffed. Dress shoes or clean white sneakers depending on the vibe.
- Sleeves: Rolled-up sleeves can add a relaxed, confident look. Don't forget to push your watch up slightly.
- No sunglasses: Eye contact builds trust, whether it's for dating or professional use.
What NOT to Wear
Pack for NYC Logistics
- Put complete looks together on hangers or in separate garment bags.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and change into the photographed pair near the location.
- Carry a lint roller, safety pins, fashion tape, stain wipe, and small steamer if practical.
- Pack weather layers that can be removed without disrupting hair or makeup.
- Empty visible pockets before each scene.
- Remove transit wristbands, hair ties, badges, and temporary items unless intentional.
For a location route, choose one compact bag that can be set down safely and moved quickly.
Final Fit Check
Photograph each outfit from the front, side, and seated position. Check pulling buttons, gaping collars, sleeve length, waistband fit, visible underlayers, and whether you can move naturally. Comfort is visible.
- Neon or fluorescent colors (they reflect onto your skin)
- Busy patterns, stripes, or plaid (they create visual noise and can cause moiré patterns)
- Anything brand new you haven't worn before (it might fit weird or feel uncomfortable)
- Logos, graphic tees, or branded items
- All black everything (unless you're going for a very specific editorial look)
Make every look earn a place
Plan wardrobe around the shoot goal, background, and final crop.
Tell us the session type, setting, and intended image uses. Bring complete outfit options, and the photographer can refine the final combination against the actual light.
