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Wardrobe & Styling Guide

What you wear plays an important role in the overall look and feel of your portraits, but the goal is never perfection. The most meaningful equine portraits are those that reflect the unique partnership between horse and rider.

This guide is designed to help you choose clothing that photographs beautifully, complements your horse, and feels authentic to your personal style. Whether you envision a timeless portrait, a more refined equestrian look, or something relaxed and natural, these recommendations will help you prepare with confidence.

Building Your Wardrobe

What you wear plays an important role in the overall look and feel of your portraits. Thoughtful wardrobe choices can help create images that feel timeless, cohesive, and authentic while allowing the connection between horse and rider to remain the focus.

The guidance below is intended to help simplify the process and provide inspiration as you begin planning your session.

  • Whether your style is classic, equestrian, casual, or refined, your wardrobe should feel like a natural extension of who you are. The strongest portraits are rarely about the clothing itself. Instead, they are about the connection between horse and rider.

    Choose pieces that feel comfortable, fit well, and allow you to move naturally around your horse throughout the session.

  • As you plan your wardrobe, think about the overall feeling you would like your portraits to convey.

    A flowing dress in an open field creates a very different mood than jeans and a knit sweater at the barn. Neither approach is right or wrong. The goal is simply to choose clothing that supports the story you want your portraits to tell.

  • Your horse is an important part of the portrait, and thoughtful wardrobe choices can help create a balanced and cohesive final image.

    • While there are no strict rules, certain colors often complement specific coat colors particularly well:

    • Bays often pair beautifully with creams, navy, burgundy, forest green, and earth tones.

    • Chestnuts are complemented by navy, charcoal, cream, soft blue, and rich jewel tones.

    • Gray horses photograph beautifully against deeper colors such as navy, emerald, burgundy, and charcoal.

    • Black horses often stand out beautifully against lighter neutrals and soft earth tones.


    The goal is not to match your horse, but rather to create harmony between horse, rider, and landscape.

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.

    Equestrian Style vs Show Attire

    While traditional show attire can certainly be incorporated into a session, many clients find that more relaxed equestrian-inspired clothing creates portraits that feel timeless and personal.

    Knit sweaters, tailored jackets, dresses, boots, textured layers, and classic equestrian pieces often photograph beautifully while still feeling connected to the equestrian lifestyle.

  • 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 Photographs Beautifully

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

What to Avoid

Clothing That Competes With Your Horse

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

Pinterest is one of my favorite places to collect ideas and inspiration. I've created these boards to help guide wardrobe selections and spark ideas as you prepare for your session. The clothing you choose becomes part of the story we create together, helping shape the overall feel and artistry of your final portraits.

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.