What to Wear to Your Portrait Session: A Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best

Written by Serah Prince, Certified Professional Photographer at Magnolia Fire Photography

One of the most common questions I get before a portrait session is, "What should we wear?" And it’s a great question! Your wardrobe plays a big role in the final look and feel of your portraits—not just in how you appear, but in how your portraits will fit into your home for years to come.

Don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone. When you book a session with me, I’ll guide you every step of the way, from choosing color schemes to helping you coordinate outfits that photograph beautifully. My goal is to help you look your best, feel comfortable, and create artwork that flows seamlessly with your home.

Let’s walk through some of the most important things to consider when choosing what to wear for your portrait session.

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, think about coordinating colors that complement each other without being too uniform. Start with a color palette—three to four colors that work well together—and mix textures and patterns carefully within those tones.

Example:

For a fall family session, you might start with warm neutrals like cream, camel, rust, and navy. Mom could wear a flowy cream dress, dad could wear a camel sweater, and the kids could be in navy and rust accents. Each person brings in a unique touch while staying within the same harmonious color story.

2. Dress for the Season

Your wardrobe should reflect the season—not only for comfort but to make your portraits feel timeless.

  • Spring: Light pastels, soft florals, and breezy fabrics.
  • Summer: Cool tones like soft blues, whites, and blush with lightweight materials.
  • Fall: Rich, warm colors like burgundy, mustard, rust, olive, and layered textures.
  • Winter: Jewel tones like emerald, navy, and deep reds with cozy knits, scarves, and structured pieces.

Example:

If you're booking a winter headshot session, a deep green blouse paired with gold accessories can pop beautifully against a neutral background and still feel seasonally appropriate.

3. Consider Your Home’s Color Scheme (Yes, You Should Match the Couch!)

When choosing wardrobe colors, think about where these portraits will live. If your home is filled with cool greys and blues, an autumn portrait session in bright oranges and reds might feel out of place when displayed on your wall.

Your portraits should complement your home’s decor so that they feel like a natural, beautiful part of your space.

Example:

If your living room has soft blue and grey tones, you might select outfits in navy, cream, soft sage, and dusty rose for a family session. This way, your final portraits will flow seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic.

4. Let Personality Shine

While it’s important to coordinate, don’t lose your individuality. Your wardrobe should reflect who you are. If your son always wears cowboy boots—include them! If your daughter loves hair bows—let her wear one. These little touches tell your family’s story.

Example:

For a senior portrait session, maybe your daughter loves bold fashion. She can absolutely wear that bright red dress she feels amazing in. We’ll balance it by choosing a neutral background or adding more muted outfit options for variety.

5. Serah Will Guide You Every Step of the Way

You don’t need to figure this out alone! I offer personalized wardrobe consultations as part of my full-service experience. I’ll help you:

  • Select a color palette that complements your skin tones and home decor
  • Coordinate outfits for the whole family (yes, including dads!)
  • Choose pieces that will photograph well and flatter your body type
  • Incorporate accessories and layers to add interest without distraction

I can even recommend professional hair and makeup artists to complete your look and ensure you feel confident on the day of your session.

Final Thoughts

The goal is to create timeless, elegant portraits that you’ll be proud to display for generations. When you think about what to wear, focus on comfort, color harmony, personal style, and how your portraits will fit within your home.

If you’re feeling unsure, remember—I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create a beautiful, coordinated look that still celebrates your family’s unique story.

Ready to start planning your portrait session? Let’s connect! I’d love to help you create your best portrait yet.