Portrait Styling Guide
How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session
I’m so glad you’ve booked your portrait session with me. Whether you are coming to see me for headshots, business branding images, personal or glamour portraits, This is going to be a fun, confidence-boosting experience, and together we’ll create beautiful portraits that reflect who you are.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to photography. This guide will help you feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared so I can capture you looking and feeling your absolute best.
What to Wear to Your Session
The number one question I hear is: “What should I wear?”
My number one answer is always the same: wear clothing that you love and feel beautiful in.
Most sessions include two to three different looks, which gives you variety and flexibility. Many clients come in for professional headshots and also choose to include personal or glamour portraits, so think of your outfits as telling different parts of your story.
Outfit Styles to Consider
Here are a few common style categories to help you plan your looks:
Professional
Choose something appropriate for an interview or important client meeting. A suit or polished business outfit works beautifully. Layering with a jacket is always flattering and gives us easy variety.
Classic
Less formal but still dressy. Think a tailored dress, cocktail dress, or a polished blouse paired with dress pants.
Casual
Relaxed and personality-driven. Jeans and a great top, athleisure, boho, feminine, or something that reflects your everyday style.
Glamorous (Optional)
Elegant and elevated. A little black dress, a sparkly cocktail dress, or something dramatic if you’d like a more fashion-inspired look.
Couture (Optional)
Ultra-feminine and styled. If you have a gorgeous ball gown, here’s your chance to wear it again. You’re also welcome to use one of my studio tulle skirts (black or cream) paired with your own corset or fitted top. Floral headpieces are also available if you’d like to try this look.
You don’t need to bring everything — just a few options that feel like you.
Fit, Layers, and Necklines
Choose fitted or tailored clothing.
Fitted pieces photograph more flatteringly than loose or flowing clothing, which can add visual bulk. That said, comfort matters , so choose pieces that make you feel confident.
Bring layering pieces.
Jackets, cardigans, denim jackets, or leather jackets are an easy way to change your look quickly without a full outfit change.
Necklines matter.
V-necks and simple scoop necks are universally flattering and help elongate the neck. I recommend avoiding turtlenecks, scarves, bows, ties, or bulky neck details, as they can shorten the neckline and pull attention away from your face.
Sleeves are your friend.
For business portraits especially, long sleeves or a layered look with a jacket works best. Bare arms can draw attention away from your face. Sleeveless looks are fine for personal or glamour portraits if you love them.
Undergarments, Jewelry, and Shoes
Undergarments
Bring well-fitting undergarments in appropriate colors for each outfit. Proper fit makes a noticeable difference on camera.
Jewelry
Wear what reflects your style. For business portraits, less is usually more - small, classic pieces work best. Avoid large, dangly, or overly reflective jewelry that can distract from your face.
Shoes
Shoes are not worn for in-studio portraits, so no need to bring them unless they’re part of a specific styling choice.
Choosing the Right Colors
Neutral studio backdrops make most colors look beautiful. Here are a few guidelines:
Dark Colors
Black, navy, and charcoal are timeless, flattering, and slimming. Dark outfits work well for professional portraits and dramatic, fashion-forward images.
Color
Most colors photograph well — just avoid hot neon shades. A colored blouse under a suit jacket or a solid-colored dress adds personality without distraction.
Sparkle & Texture
Gold, silver, champagne, and subtle sparkle photograph beautifully and are perfect for classic or glamour looks. Texture adds interest without distraction — think lace, embroidery, beading, tweed, denim, or knit fabrics.
Light & Ethereal
Soft tones like cream, blush, nude, light pink, or white are beautiful, especially in sheer or textured fabrics. These colors create a soft, feminine feel. When wearing light tops, choose lighter bottoms as well to avoid harsh contrast.
Avoid Busy Patterns
Solid colors are best. Patterns and prints can pull attention away from your face. Texture and layers add interest without overpowering the image. Avoid tight grids or small herringbone patterns, as they can create visual distortion on camera. Thin stripes are fine.
For more inspiration, you’re always welcome to check out my Pinterest board.
Hair and Makeup Preparation
Professional hair and makeup can be added to your session, but you’re also welcome to do your own.
Makeup is important.
Even if you don’t normally wear makeup, I strongly recommend at least a good foundation to even out skin tone, plus lip balm or lipstick. Makeup helps your features translate beautifully on camera.
If you’ve booked professional makeup, please arrive with a clean, lightly moisturized, makeup-free face.
Hair
Wear your hair in a style that feels like you. If you’re booking professional hairstyling, come with clean, dry hair unless instructed otherwise.
Haircuts should be done at least two weeks before your session. Avoid drastic changes and don’t color your hair right before the shoot. Fresh color often looks too vibrant on camera and settles beautifully after a week or two.
Skin, Nails, and Final Prep
Start or maintain a good skincare routine in the weeks leading up to your session
Exfoliate a few times the week before, but not on the day of your session
Moisturize daily, including hands and lips
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session
Get a good night’s sleep
Tweeze brows the day before
Avoid self-tanner (it photographs orange)
If shaving, do so 2–3 days before your session
Choose natural or neutral nail colors that won’t distract
Don’t stress about blemishes or skin flare-ups — professional makeup and retouching will take care of it.
What to Bring to Your Session
Any clothing or accessories discussed during your consultation
Lipstick, gloss, or balm for touch-ups
Any personal props you’d like included (glasses, laptop, books, etc.)
If you’ve booked professional hair and makeup, arrive in something comfortable and wear a top that buttons or zips so it can be easily removed afterward.
Final Thoughts
This session is about you! Your confidence, your personality, and the image you want to put out into the world. Preparation helps, but perfection is not required. I’ll guide you through posing, expression, and styling every step of the way.
I can’t wait to photograph you!
Please read over my Session Policies, and my Portrait Session Contract for further details.
I hope this session guide has helped you! If you want a second opinion on your clothing choices,or if you have questions about what to bring, or anything else, get in touch. I can't wait to photograph you!
