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Wardrobe & Styling Guide

Choosing what to wear is one of the most important parts of preparing for your portrait session. The clothing you select influences the overall mood, style, and timelessness of your images.

This guide has been created to help simplify the process by providing recommendations on colors, textures, seasonal considerations, and outfit coordination. My goal is not to tell you what to wear, but to help you select clothing that feels authentic to you while photographing beautifully.

Building Your Wardrobe

Choosing what to wear is one of the most important parts of preparing for your portrait session. Clothing influences the overall mood, style, and timelessness of your images, but it should never feel overwhelming.

The goal is not to create a version of yourself that feels unfamiliar. Instead, focus on selecting pieces that reflect your personality, photograph beautifully, and allow you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your session.

The following recommendations are designed to help you build a wardrobe that complements both your surroundings and the artwork we create together.

  • The most successful portrait wardrobes are often the ones that feel the most authentic.

    Whether your style is classic, relaxed, equestrian-inspired, refined, or casual, your clothing should feel like a natural extension of who you are. Portraits should reflect your personality and the connection you share with your dog, horse, or loved ones rather than feeling driven by trends.

    When in doubt, choose pieces you genuinely enjoy wearing rather than something purchased solely for the session.

  • Portrait sessions involve walking, sitting, standing, moving, and interacting naturally throughout the experience. Clothing that fits comfortably allows you to focus on the moment rather than constantly adjusting straps, smoothing fabric, or worrying about how something looks.

    If an outfit feels restrictive, uncomfortable, or requires frequent adjustment in everyday life, it will likely feel the same during your session. Choosing comfortable, well-fitting pieces helps create more natural expressions and relaxed portraits.

  • As you select your wardrobe, consider where you hope to display your finished artwork.

    Portraits intended for a living room, entryway, or bedroom often benefit from timeless colors and styles that complement the space around them. While clothing does not need to perfectly match your home décor, choosing pieces with a classic and enduring feel can help your artwork remain beautiful and relevant for years to come.

    The goal is to create portraits that not only capture this chapter of your story, but also feel at home within the spaces where you live every day.

Comfort

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Clothing That is You

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What is it That You Want to Express

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Comfort · Clothing That is You · What is it That You Want to Express ·

What Photographs Beautifully

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Neutral & Earth Tones

    Color can have a significant impact on the mood and visual impact of your portraits. Soft neutrals, earth tones, muted blues, sage greens, warm browns, creams, and rich jewel tones often photograph beautifully in natural environments.

    When selecting colors, consider both the season and your surroundings. The goal is not necessarily to blend in, but rather to create harmony between you, your dog, and the landscape.

    Most importantly, choose colors that you feel confident wearing and that complement your natural features.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Texture & Layers

    Texture adds depth, interest, and dimension to portraits. Knit sweaters, linen fabrics, wool coats, flowing dresses, scarves, vests, and layered pieces often photograph beautifully because they create subtle visual interest without overwhelming the image.

    Layers can also provide variety during your session while maintaining a cohesive look. A simple jacket, cardigan, or scarf can completely change the feel of an outfit without requiring a full wardrobe change.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Coordinating Without Matching

    If multiple people will be included in your session, aim to coordinate rather than match exactly.

    Choose colors that complement one another and vary textures and tones to create visual balance. This approach feels more natural and timeless than identical outfits while still creating a cohesive look throughout your portraits.

    Think of your wardrobe as a collection of pieces that work together rather than a set of matching uniforms.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Movement & Flow

    Clothing with natural movement often adds a sense of elegance and life to portraits. Flowing dresses, skirts, long coats, and lightweight fabrics can create beautiful motion when walking, turning, or interacting with your dog.

    Movement isn't required, but it can add an extra layer of visual interest and help create portraits that feel natural and effortless.

  • Don't Forget the Details

    Simple accessories can help complete an outfit and add a personal touch to your portraits. Thoughtfully chosen jewelry, hats, scarves, boots, or equestrian accessories can enhance the overall look while remaining true to your personal style.

    As with clothing, less is often more. The goal is to complement the portrait rather than compete with it.

What to Avoid

Wrinkled Clothing

Low cut blouses

Large Logos

Neon Colors

Busy Patterns

Athletic Wear

Clothing That Requires Constant Adjustment

Dressing For The Seasons (Guidelines)

  • Summer

    Summer offers lush landscapes, long evenings, and vibrant natural surroundings. Lightweight fabrics and breathable materials are ideal for staying comfortable during warmer weather.

    Consider:
    • Soft off whites and creams (avoid stark white)
    • Dusty blues
    • Warm neutrals
    • Muted greens
    • Earth tones

    For canine sessions, remember that both you and your dog may be spending time outdoors in warmer temperatures. Comfort should remain a priority when selecting your wardrobe.

  • Autumn

    Autumn is one of the most popular seasons for portrait sessions thanks to its rich colors, cooler temperatures, and beautiful natural textures.

    Consider:
    • Camel
    • Rust
    • Burgundy
    • Forest green
    • Mustard
    • Deep navy

    Layers such as sweaters, scarves, jackets, and boots often photograph beautifully and add depth and variety to your portraits.

  • Winter

    Winter portraits can feel elegant, peaceful, and timeless. Bare trees, soft light, and seasonal textures create a unique atmosphere that allows both subjects and artwork to stand out.

    Consider:
    • Cream
    • Charcoal
    • Deep green
    • Navy
    • Warm browns
    • Rich jewel tones

    Structured coats, knit sweaters, scarves, and textured layers can add warmth and visual interest while helping you remain comfortable throughout the session.

  • Spring

    Spring sessions are often characterized by fresh greens, flowering trees, and soft, natural colors. Light layers, flowing fabrics, and softer color palettes photograph beautifully during this time of year.

    Consider:
    • Sage green
    • Soft blue
    • Cream
    • Blush
    • Lavender
    • Light neutrals

    Spring is also an excellent season for incorporating light textures and layers while remaining comfortable in changing temperatures.

Where to Shop

The truth is that many clients already have wonderful options in their own closet. The goal is not to purchase an entirely new wardrobe, but rather to select pieces that feel authentic, fit well, and photograph beautifully.

If you're looking for inspiration or a few additions to your wardrobe, the retailers below are excellent places to begin.

  • Relaxed & Contemporary

  • Equestrian Inspired

    • For clients seeking an equestrian-inspired look or preparing for a horse and rider session:

      • SmartPak
      • Dover Saddlery
      • The Tack Shop of Lexington

      These retailers offer clothing and accessories that blend practicality with classic equestrian style.

  • Classic & Timeless

    • For clients who prefer clean lines, neutral palettes, and enduring styles:

      • J.Crew
      • Madewell
      • Talbots
      • Banana Republic
      • Nordstrom

      These retailers offer versatile pieces that photograph beautifully and remain stylish for years to come.

  • Outdoor & Layering

    For sessions that take place in fields, woodlands, trails, and other natural settings, layering can add both comfort and visual interest. These retailers offer pieces that blend beautifully with outdoor environments while maintaining a refined and timeless look.

    • L.L.Bean
    • Orvis
    • Faherty
    • J.Crew
    • Madewell
    • Free People

    Look for knit sweaters, textured cardigans, denim jackets, lightweight coats, scarves, and boots that can add depth and variety to your portraits.

Inspiration

Equine Portrait Wardrobe Inspiration

Canine Portrait Wardrobe Inspiration

Senior Portrait Wardrobe Inspiration

The best wardrobe choices are often the ones that feel most natural to you. Clothing should complement the portrait, not distract from it.

If you're unsure about an outfit, I'm always happy to help. Feel free to send photographs of your options before your session, and together we'll choose pieces that photograph beautifully while remaining true to your personal style.