One of the most common questions I get before a portrait session is: what should I wear? It sounds simple, but outfit choices can make or break a photo. The wrong colors, patterns, or fits can distract from the actual subject. And that subject is you. After years of shooting portraits across Minnesota and Wisconsin, I've put together everything you need to know to show up feeling confident and camera-ready.
Start With a Color Palette, Not Individual Pieces
Before you pull anything out of your closet, think in colors first. The most flattering portrait outfits work within a cohesive palette of 2 to 3 colors that complement each other and the environment we're shooting in. For outdoor sessions in Minnesota, earthy tones like cream, olive, rust, warm brown, and dusty mauve tend to photograph beautifully against natural backdrops in every season. For studio sessions, deeper tones like burgundy, forest green, and navy give a rich, editorial feel.
Hold your outfit up next to your face in natural light before the session. If the color washes you out or pulls attention away from your face, swap it out. Your face should always be the first thing someone looks at in the photo.
What to Avoid
There are a few things that consistently cause problems in portraits. They're easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
- Busy patterns and small prints, which vibrate on camera and distract from your face
- Neon or overly saturated colors, which cast color onto your skin and overpower the image
- Logos and text, which date the photo instantly and pull focus
- Clothes that don't fit well. Too baggy reads as shapeless, too tight reads as uncomfortable
- Anything brand new that you haven't worn before. If it's not broken in, you'll feel stiff in it
Textures Are Your Best Friend
When in doubt, reach for texture. Linen, knit, suede, velvet, and denim all photograph with depth and dimension in a way that a flat cotton t-shirt simply doesn't. Layering also adds visual interest without introducing busy patterns. A simple turtleneck under an open jacket, or a linen blouse with a structured blazer, gives you something to work with during the session and makes the photos feel intentional.
Seasonal Considerations for Minnesota Sessions
Minnesota's seasons each bring their own backdrop, and your outfit should work with the environment, not against it.
- Spring: soft blush, sage, ivory. Light layers work well since temperatures are unpredictable.
- Summer: warm whites, terra cotta, golden yellow. Light fabrics that breathe keep you comfortable during longer sessions.
- Fall is the easiest season to dress for. Burnt orange, deep red, camel, forest green. Almost everything looks good against fall foliage.
- Winter: rich jewel tones, cream, charcoal. Bring a cozy coat or wrap you love. Winter textures photograph beautifully and you'll be glad you have it.
Plan at Least Two Outfit Options
I always recommend bringing a backup outfit to your session. Even if you feel completely set on one look, having a second option gives us flexibility, especially if we end up shooting in a different location or light than expected. A second outfit also naturally breaks the session into chapters, which keeps the energy up and gives you more variety in your final gallery.
Dress like yourself. The best version of yourself. The goal is photos that still feel like you five years from now.
Don't Forget the Details
Shoes matter more than people think, especially for full-length shots. Make sure your shoes feel intentional and match the overall vibe of your outfit. For accessories, less is usually more. Stick to one or two meaningful pieces rather than stacking everything. And if you're getting your hair and makeup done, schedule it before the session and leave a buffer so you're not rushing.
Still not sure what to wear? Send me a message before your session and I'm happy to look at a few options with you. Getting this right is part of my job. I want you to feel confident the moment you walk up, because that confidence shows in every single photo.