The goal isn't to look like someone else—it's to look like the very best version of yourselves. The right clothing helps create timeless, natural images that highlight your connection with each other instead of distracting from it.

Choose outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and like *you*. When you're relaxed, your personalities and love for one another become the focus of every photograph.

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Start with One Outfit

Instead of each person choosing clothing separately, have one person pick an outfit they love first. Then build the second outfit around it using complementary colors and textures.

Think "coordinated", not "matching".

✔ Soft blues with cream

✔ Olive with tan

✔ Rust with ivory

✔ Dusty rose with gray

✔ Navy with camel

Instead of:

✘ Matching white shirts and jeans

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NOTE: Choose a Color Palette that coordinates with the photo location

• Lots of green and trees? Avoid wearing green.
• Photos against red rocks - wear a contrasting color.

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Beautiful Choices

* Cream

* Ivory

* Beige

* Camel

* Taupe

* Olive

* Sage

* Rust

* Mustard

* Burgundy

* Dusty Blue

* Navy

* Forest Green

* Chocolate Brown

A few accent colors are wonderful—but avoid every color of the rainbow in one session.

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Avoid Busy Patterns

Patterns draw attention away from faces.

Great choices:

* Solid colors

* Small florals

* Simple plaids

* Soft stripes

* Textured fabrics

Avoid:

* Large logos

* Graphic T-shirts

* Bright neon

* Large lettering

* Busy floral prints

* Loud geometric patterns

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Layers Add Interest

Layers photograph beautifully.

Ideas include:

* Cardigans

* Denim jackets

* Knit sweaters

* Shawls

* Vests

* Scarves (fall/winter)

Textures also help:

* Linen

* Knit

* Lace

* Corduroy

* Wool

* Cotton

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Dress for the Season

Spring

* Light layers

* Soft pastels

* Floral dresses

* Linen shirts

Summer

* Flowy dresses

* Lightweight fabrics

* Short sleeves

* Light colors

Fall

* Sweaters

* Boots

* Earth tones

* Flannels

* Layers

Winter

* Long coats

* Knit sweaters

* Boots

* Rich jewel tones

* Scarves

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Shoes Matter

People often spend hours choosing clothing and forget their shoes.

Choose:

✔ Boots

✔ Dress shoes

✔ Neutral sandals

✔ Leather shoes

✔ Clean white sneakers (only if they fit your style)

Avoid:

✘ Running shoes

✘ Bright athletic shoes

✘ Flip-flops

✘ Worn-out shoes

✘ Crocs

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Jewelry

Simple usually photographs best.

Choose:

* Small necklaces

* Delicate earrings

* Wedding rings

* Watches that fit your style

Avoid:

* Large statement jewelry

* Excessive bracelets

* Neon accessories

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Hair

Wear your hair in a style that feels natural.

If you're getting a haircut:

Schedule it about **1–2 weeks before** your session so it looks natural.



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Makeup

For women - A little more makeup than normal photographs beautifully.

Suggestions:

* Even skin tone

* Soft blush

* Defined lashes

* Matte foundation if possible

* Neutral lipstick

Avoid glittery makeup that reflects light.

For men:

A little powder can reduce shine if desired.

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Facial Hair

• Freshly trimmed beards and mustaches photograph best.
• If shaving completely:
• Shave the day before or the morning of depending on how quickly your facial hair grows.

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Nails

Hands appear in many close-up photographs.

Consider:

* Clean nails

* Neutral polish

* Fresh manicure if you'd like

Avoid chipped nail polish.

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Glasses

• Wear them if they're part of who you are!
• If your lenses create glare, I can often adjust angles during the session.
• If you have non-prescription lenses available, consider bringing them as a backup.

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Pockets

Empty them before the session.

Remove:

* Phones

* Wallets

* Keys

* Bulky items

They create noticeable bulges.

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Sunglasses

Leave sunglasses off unless we're intentionally creating a few lifestyle images.

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Smart Watches

• Consider removing fitness watches if they don't match the look you're going for.
• Classic watches usually photograph beautifully.

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Coordinate—Don't Match

The most timeless couples look coordinated without wearing identical outfits.

Think:

• One partner in cream and tan.
• The other in olive and denim.

Rather than:

• Both wearing identical white shirts and jeans.

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Bring a Second Outfit (Optional)

If you'd like more variety, bring:

Dressy

* Maxi dress

* Button-up

* Boots

* Heels

* Sweater

Casual

* Jeans

* Knit sweater

* Henley

* Casual dress

* Denim jacket

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Comfort Creates Connection

If you're constantly adjusting clothing...

If your shoes hurt...

If your jacket is stiff...

…it shows.

Choose clothing you can move, sit, walk, laugh, and hug in comfortably.

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A Few Final Tips

✔ Steam or iron clothing beforehand.

✔ Remove tags and stickers.

✔ Wear well-fitting clothing.

✔ Avoid overly baggy or extremely tight clothing.

✔ Bring a lint roller if you have pets.

✔ Check pockets before leaving home.

✔ Arrive dressed and ready.

✔ Most importantly—don't stress! The best photos come from genuine moments together, not perfect poses.

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Remember...

The most beautiful images aren't created by perfect outfits—they're created by the way you look at each other, laugh together, and simply enjoy being in the moment. Your clothing should quietly support your story so your connection is what people notice first. That's what creates photographs you'll love for years to come.