What to Wear: A Simple Style Guide

One of the most common questions I receive before a session is, "What should we wear?" The right wardrobe can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your photos, helping create images that feel timeless, natural, and beautifully connected.

Choosing the Best Time and Date

As a natural light photographer, I plan sessions around the most beautiful light of the day. Natural sunlight creates photographs that feel fresh, authentic, and true to life. Together, we'll choose a location and time that allows us to take advantage of the best lighting, helping create images you'll love for years to come.

For Women: Dresses Photograph Beautifully

Dresses and skirts are some of my favorite wardrobe choices because they flatter every body type and photograph beautifully. Long, flowy dresses add movement, softness, and elegance to your images, creating a timeless look that feels effortless and natural.

Choosing Colors

When selecting outfits, I recommend softer, lighter tones and muted colors. These shades keep the focus on the people in the photograph rather than the clothing.

Some of my favorite colors for sessions include:

  • Soft pinks

  • Muted blues

  • Creams and ivory

  • Heather gray

  • Warm browns

  • Soft whites

  • Earthy neutrals

Avoid neon colors, bright graphics, and bold patterns whenever possible. Softer color palettes blend beautifully with natural outdoor settings and create a cohesive, timeless look.

For Men

For the most polished look, I recommend fitted pants in neutral shades such as navy, gray, khaki, or brown. Button-down shirts, sweaters, henleys, and layered pieces photograph exceptionally well.

Try to avoid:

  • Large logos

  • Graphic tees

  • Athletic wear

  • Baggy clothing

  • Busy plaids or bold patterns

  • Shorts and sandals (when possible)

Simple, well-fitted clothing helps keep the focus where it belongs—on your face and your connection with the people you love.

Coordinating Your Family

The key to successful family styling is coordinating rather than matching.

Instead of everyone wearing the exact same colors, choose a color palette that works together. Think about each family member having a different "dominant color" while incorporating a few shared accent colors throughout the group.

For example:

  • Mom: Soft sage dress

  • Dad: Navy shirt with khaki pants

  • Daughter: Cream dress with sage details

  • Son: Light blue shirt with tan pants

This creates visual interest while still feeling cohesive and connected.

Final Thoughts

The best outfits are the ones that make you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. Choose clothing that allows you to move, cuddle, play, and enjoy your time together. Your session is about capturing genuine connection and creating beautiful memories—not stressing about what to wear.

If you'd like help selecting outfits, feel free to send me photos of your options. I'm always happy to help you create a wardrobe plan that photographs beautifully and feels authentically you.

Maile Wixsom