One of the biggest questions clients ask before their session is, “What should we wear?” Styling plays an enormous role in the final look of your images. The right outfit choices can elevate your portraits from simple photos to timeless pieces of art. Whether you’re preparing for a family session, a princess session, or a personal portrait, here’s how to dress with confidence and intention.
1. Choose Outfits That Complement the Location
The setting of your session influences the mood of your photos.
- Outdoors: Soft, natural tones (creams, pastels, muted greens, earthy browns) blend beautifully with nature.
- Studio: Classic colours such as white, black, navy, or jewel tones photograph flawlessly and keep the focus on you.
- Princess Sessions: Flowing dresses, textures, and whimsical fabrics work best—exactly why Dollcake dresses create such magic during your session.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing the same white T-shirt and jeans. Instead:
- Pick a colour palette of 2–3 tones.
- Build everyone’s outfit within that palette using complementary shades.
- Mix textures and fabrics to add depth (think lace, knits, linen, chiffon).
This creates harmony without feeling forced.
3. Think Timeless, Not Trendy
Trendy outfits can date your photos quickly. Opt for classic, well-fitted clothing that will hold up beautifully over the years. Clean lines and simple silhouettes photograph effortlessly and keep the focus where it should be—on your connection with your loved ones.
4. Pay Attention to Fit and Comfort
If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your photos.
- Choose outfits that fit well and allow you to move easily.
- Avoid items that ride up, slip down, pull, or wrinkle easily.
- Make sure kids try on their outfits beforehand—comfort is key for happy little faces.
5. Add Layers & Accessories
Layers bring dimension and shape to images—think cardigans, shawls, light jackets, and beautiful flowing fabrics. Accessories like hats, hairpieces, or delicate jewellery can add a subtle touch of personality without being distracting.
For little girls’ sessions, a floral crown or soft ribbon can complete the dreamy look.
6. Avoid Distracting Patterns and Logos
While subtle patterns can work, bold prints, stripes, and logos tend to pull focus away from the people in the image. Solid colours or soft, minimal patterns usually photograph best.
7. Consider Hair & Makeup
Your portraits are an investment – treat styling the same way.
- Smooth, polished hair photographs best; remove hair ties from wrists.
- Neutral makeup with a focus on enhancing natural features always looks stunning.
- For princess sessions or glam portraits, professional makeup adds extra polish and confidence.
8. Lay Everything Out the Day Before
This makes the session day much smoother. Ensure outfits are clean, crease-free, and ready to go. Don’t forget the small things… socks, undergarments that won’t peek through, shoes that match the palette—your future self will thank you.
9. When in Doubt, Ask!
As your photographer, I’m always happy to guide you with outfit choices. Send through photos, ideas, or even Pinterest boards and I can help you curate the perfect look for your session.
At Niamh Fitzsimons Photography, styling is all about making you feel confident, comfortable, and absolutely beautiful. When you feel good, it reflects in every image and together, we will create portraits you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
