What to Wear to a Brand Photoshoot
Is the panic setting in?? Not knowing what to wear to a photoshoot can easily put any one of us on the struggle bus.
That tummy churning anxiety mixed with this morning’s (hopefully perfect-shade-of-tan) iced coffee can quickly turn into a disaster.
The good news is, I’ve got your back. Your brand photoshoot is going to be a blast and we are going to sort out the perfect outfit for you.
Sometimes concocting the perfect outfit is flowy and easy and it hits just right because it comes creatively from within.
So, my first piece of advice is to always trust your instincts. Your gut can not tell a lie.
Sometimes, the pressure (from inside or outside) gets to you. The process isn’t as simple. I wanted to put together this masterlist of outfit examples to help guide you through those times and so you can always have the inspo you need when deciding what to wear to your brand photoshoot.
So, let’s talk WHAT YOU NEED IN YOUR BRAND SHOOT OUTFIT, some EXAMPLES OF OUTFIT IDEAS, TIPS ON FINDING THE PERFECT OUTFIT, and WHERE TO SHOP FOR IT (+ what I wore for my own photoshoot!).
What to Wear to a Photoshoot: Build Your Fit
I am the kinda girlie that spills things.
Sooooo, I usually suggest to roll up to the studio in your comfies and change when you get here! It releases a lot of spill anxiety. Plus, I keep a mirror at the studio so you can always make sure you are lookin’ top notch!
Building your fit doesn’t have to be frustrating or difficult! Here’s what you need for the perfect fit:
Confidence, My Friend!
I always tell my clients to choose outfits that they truly feel confident in. This is the best way to rock it in front of the camera. You don’t need to lose weight or change anything about yourself before the session. You are beautiful the way you are! Find outfits that fit your body and that YOU love.
Don’t force anything that doesn’t work. If you can’t sit in those jeans, no worries! Swap them for a different pair. Comfortable is confident.
Brand Colors
Creating outfits that fit your brand colors will keep your marketing cohesive and consistent.
The color will help to associate your branding with you! Wearing your brand colors is a great way to personalize your session even further.
You gotta be on brand when you can!
Layers + Texture
Adding layers and texture within your outfits will give you the full, dynamic touch that takes an outfit (especially on camera!) from good to perrrfffffeeeecctttttt.
Layers = jean jackets, sweaters, blazers, etc.
Texture = fun sleeves, mixing different materials/patterns in your clothing, velvet, etc.
Layers and texture can be the difference between bland photos and photos that are dynamic, interesting, and beyond memorable. Some simple jewelry and accessories can make a huge difference. Pick out some details that fit your taste and you can’t go wrong.
Pinterest Inspiration
I give all my branding clients a Pinterest board full of inspiration + my Instagram is full of past clients that give great outfit options. I love helping each of my clients chose their wardrobe for their session. This is part of the experience <3
Variety
I allow up to 3 outfits in my branding sessions. This allows you to create variety within your gallery. Let’s not be boring, get creative with those outfits!
You can have outfits for different moods! Have a casual outfit, a dressy outfit, and a polished professional outfit. Or maybe one has bold colors and another outfit is muted neutrals. Even a simple change like a different jacket can give you variety in your photos that allow you to have this bank full of photos to pull from for whatever the mood is.
Examples of What to Wear for Your Brand Photos
The White Button Up
There is no option as crisp and clean as the classic white button up.
Pair it with jeans for a more casual look, a fun skirt for some personality, or slacks for the polished, professional angle.
The Blazer
If you want a more professional look, throwing on a blazer will immediately take you there.
The Jumpsuit
A moment of silence for the jumpsuit! Every time I see someone wearing a jumpsuit for their brand shoot, I can immediately feel the confidence radiating off of them. Putting the outfit together is simple (it’s just one piece!) and the level of stunning is off the charts. SO cute!
The jumpsuit also gives us so much freedom with the option to pull out some more sitting poses. You can be very comfortable and still have the cute + professional look.
The Hot Pink Moment
Maybe it’s just me, but I think hot pink is ALWAYS called for. Bolder colors that feel like you and your brand are perfect for your brand photoshoot because it personalized your photos that much more and brings a level of personality that can’t be faked or edited in.
Neutrals
You can never go wrong with neutrals when it compliments your aesthetic.
All White
You can’t mess with a classic! White always photographs so well and makes you look polished and put together.
It might not be the option for the every day fit, especially when the chances tend to be far from slim that you will spill your coffee all up and down that ish or your foundation will show up all over the collar.
BUT it seriously LOVE LOVE LOVE how it looks in photos. It’s one of my fave looks for clients to roll up with.
The Hat
When you want that cute, boho feel the hat is the way to go.
Something as simple as a hat can pack a punch when communicating what it’s like to work with or buy from you. The hat is a super simple way to solidify the mood.
I am not usually a hat kind of girl, but I LOVE wearing them in headshots.
I always keep a couple of hats at the studio—never hesitate to use them in your session!
“You can’t go wrong wearing what feels like you.”
Where to Shop for Your Brand Shoot Outfit
Shop Your Closet
The best place to start is with what you already have! Chances are you at least have something to work with.
What you have already is the most sustainable option always. If you aren’t the kind of person that loooveeeeesss shopping, focus your brain space here! You are under no obligation to buy something new if you don’t want to (but you totally have my permission if you are a shopping kind of person).
Maybe you don’t have to shop for everything, you can grab a few pieces that flow with what you already have.
Plus, you already know how you feel in those clothes and you know your photos will totally feel like you.
You might be surprised with the options that you already have!
Your Faves
You should look like you anyway, so looking at where you usually shop will make the process even smoother.
Small Businesses + Local Boutiques
The best place to find a unique piece! I am all for shopping small and local always and this situation is no different.
If somehow you strike out there, I’ve got some other ideas for you, too!
Target
Can’t go wrong with a good ol’ Target haul.
This is where I found my pink pants + body suits. Target has a mix of fun patterns + business wear that I think is great for photos.
Thrift Stores
That’s right, I said it… you may find a rocking blazer or fun top there! One of my shirts came from a garage sale.. This is also a great way to save money.. Especially if you don’t think you will wear some of the clothes again.. Take it from the thrift queen herself (over at Lucy & Marie) , there are GOOD pieces of clothing at the thrift stores.
Amazon
If the clock is ticking and you are in a pinch… Amazon Prime is a great option for quick shipping. they also have a try before you buy option.. Meaning that some clothing items will be shipped to your house for free and you only purchase them if you decide to keep the clothing.. otherwise, you return it and your card isn’t charged.
This is an awesome way to get a lot of options, not have to pay for them all at once, and only keep what you love.
Tips for Finding Clothes
Start Early
If you can, prevent that last minute stress by starting the search as early as you can.
Wear What Makes You Feel Confident
How you feel truly matters for your brand photos.
Don’t make yourself miserable with clothes that don’t fit or are so far outside of your comfort zone that you don’t feel good.
Have More Options Ready Than You Think You Need
Ope! You spilled your coffee! Ope! This outfit makes you want to cry now that you have it on!
Having some backup options can be a life saver!
Stick to Colors that Feel Like YOU + Your Brand
I promise, it will make a difference.
Find Inspo to Help
Lucky for you, you landed here with plenty of inspo, but if you feel like you aren’t confident moving forward then look around a little more.
Don’t go overboard and get yourself stuck in the scroll, but finding what you like starts with seeing what is out there!
What I Wore for My Own Brand Photos
I recently had my sweet photographer friend, Teresa, in the studio all the way from Chicago to get some shots for my business, and I wanted to share my own experience of putting together my outfits!
I really wanted to focus on with my brand photos was choosing fits that made me feel confident and like myself. Something I am always suggesting for my clients is to choose what feels comfortable.
In my experience, there are some clothes that I just truly do not feel my best in. Especially if they don’t fit quite right or they hug too tight. My goal was to find outfits that I truly felt amazing in. I am SO lucky that the process was fairly easy for me and that I was able to find outfits that felt so right.
Tan + cream Blazers - Borrowed from a friend
Pink Blazer - Thrifted
Floral Sleeve Top - $2 garage sale find
Dot Sleeve Bodysuit - April 2023 Target find (not available online)
You can always find some fresh inspiration from my more recent brand shoots! Check it out! ↓
What should you wear as the PHOTOGRAPHER???
Functionally, something cute and comfy. Metaphorically, your skills and confidence and creativity.
It could be so difficult to figure out how to tell people what to do with their hands or how to stand. It can take years of trial and error. BUT it could also take a quick, small investment that INSTANTLY give you the confidence you need to never doubt that next move.
Grab your posing guide and get everything you need to facilitate the perfect session.
