What should you wear for your portrait photoshoot? And do outfits really matter?

Three different women portrait from Vilija Skubute Photography session

Short answer — yes, they really do.

When it comes to choosing outfits for your photoshoot, it’s not about being “fashionable” or buying something new, but there are really two big things to keep in mind — how your clothes fit and the colours you wear.

Everything else is just a bonus.

First — wear something that makes you feel amazing!

This always comes first. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, it changes everything.

When you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable, you naturally stand taller, move differently, and relax into yourself. That energy shows up in your photos in the most powerful way. You can’t fake that kind of confidence — it comes from feeling like you.

That’s where the magic happens.

Fit matters more than you think.

Your outfits should work with your body, not against it.

Clothes that fit well — not too tight, not too loose — help show your shape in a flattering way. When something fits properly, it instantly looks more polished and intentional in photos.

Very loose or baggy clothing can sometimes hide your shape and make you look bigger than you are, while well-fitted pieces help create beautiful lines and balance in your images.

It’s not about size or body type — it’s about choosing pieces that feel right on your body.

Same women portrait from 40 over 40 portrait photoshoot

Now let’s talk about colour!

Colour is the second big piece of the puzzle, and it’s just as important.

Your outfit colours and the backdrop need to work together — think of it as them “talking” to each other. When the colours are in harmony, the whole image feels more put-together, more intentional, and more visually pleasing.

Sometimes photographers will suggest a colour palette for your shoot in advance, so you can bring outfits that will work beautifully with the studio setup.

Other times, you can bring a few options, and photographer will choose backdrops on the day that complement what you’ve brought. It’s a collaborative process — and I’ll guide you through it, so you don’t have to stress.

When it comes to choosing colours for your outfits, there are a couple of simple ways to make everything look beautifully put together in your photos.

One approach is to go for opposite (complementary) colours. These are colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel — like red and green, blue and orange, or purple and yellow. When paired together, they create contrast and make each other stand out in a really striking way. This can give your portraits a bold, eye-catching feel without needing anything complicated.

The other option is to stay within a similar colour palette — think different shades of the same colour. For example, soft blues mixed with deeper navy tones, or warm yellows paired with golden and earthy hues. This creates a more calm, elegant, and cohesive look. It feels softer and more harmonious, which works beautifully for timeless portraits.

Neither option is “better” — it just depends on the mood you want:

• Want something bold and full of energy? Go for contrasting colours.

• Prefer something soft, classic, and understated? Stick to similar tones.

  
  

A little tip — try to avoid mixing too many completely different colours in one outfit, as it can feel a bit busy in photos. Keeping things simple always looks more refined.

And don’t worry about getting it perfect. You can always bring a couple of options, and together we’ll choose what works best with the lighting, backdrop, and overall feel of your shoot.

Three different women portraits from Vilija Skubute photography session

Other bonuses:

Think about your arms.

This is something many women are conscious about, so it’s worth thinking ahead.

If you love your arms — show them off! Sleeveless or strapless outfits can look elegant and powerful.If you’re not as confident — skip cap sleeves (they tend to highlight the widest part of the arm). Instead, go for longer sleeves or soft, flowing fabrics that give a bit more coverage while still looking feminine.

And I always recommend bringing at least one outfit with long sleeves — they photograph beautifully and add variety to your gallery.

Don’t forget what’s underneath.

Undergarments can make or break how an outfit looks in photos — even if you don’t see them directly.

Think about what each outfit needs:

• Strapless bra for open necklines

• Nude underwear under light clothing

• Dark underwear under darker outfits

• Seamless pieces to avoid visible lines

Shape wear is also a great option if you want a smoother silhouette — not because you have to, but because it can help you feel a bit more supported and confident.

Accessories matter more than you think.

Accessories are the finishing touch that brings everything together.

Bring a few options like:

• Simple jewellery

• Hair accessories

• Scarves or wraps

They can completely change the look of an outfit and give us variety without needing lots of wardrobe changes.

My advice? Keep it timeless rather than overly trendy. You want your images to feel just as beautiful years from now.

Sumptuous textures

Texture is one of the easiest ways to add depth and interest to your photos. The camera loves it.

Think fabrics that you can almost feel just by looking at the image — lace, embroidery, crochet, velvet, leather, chiffon, draped satin, chunky knits… even delicate beadwork. These textures catch the light in beautiful ways and add that soft, luxurious feel to your portraits.

If you’re unsure what to bring, just remember: flat fabrics can sometimes look a bit “plain” on camera, while textured pieces instantly elevate the whole look.

Monochromatic outfits

Wearing one colour (or staying within the same colour family) is a simple trick that works every time.

It creates a longer, leaner line through your body and gives your portraits a clean, polished feel. You don’t have to match everything perfectly — in fact, it’s nicer when you don’t. Pair similar tones instead, like cream with beige, or charcoal with black.

A good rule to follow: keep light tones with light, and dark tones with dark. It keeps everything looking cohesive without trying too hard.

Three different women portraits from Vilija Skubute photoshoot sessions

The classic little black dress

You really can’t go wrong with an all-black outfit. It’s timeless, elegant, and incredibly flattering.

A little black dress (or any black ensemble) works beautifully in portraits, especially when you add interesting textures — think lace sleeves, sheer details, or subtle embellishments around the neckline.

And here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret…If you have a favourite dress that doesn’t quite fit anymore — bring it anyway. We can clip it at the back to make it look perfectly tailored, or even work around zips that don’t fully close. What matters is how it looks from the camera’s perspective, not how it fits in everyday life.

Barely-there tones (nudes & blush)

Soft, neutral tones like nude, blush, cream, and soft beige create a really beautiful effect where the clothing almost “disappears”.

This puts all the focus on you — your face, your expression, your presence.

These shades feel soft, feminine, and timeless. Whether it’s a cosy knit, a silky slip, a flowing gown, or layers of tulle, this palette creates a very gentle, elegant mood in your images.

Striking metallics & subtle shimmer

If you want something a little more eye-catching, metallics are a gorgeous option.

Gold, silver, bronze, rose gold — or even fabrics with a soft sheen like satin — all add a hint of glamour without feeling over the top. Sequins and beadwork can also work beautifully.

And here’s the interesting part — what feels “too dressy” in real life often looks perfectly balanced in photos. The shimmer softens on camera and becomes this lovely glow rather than anything overpowering.

I hope my answer to: What should you wear for your portrait photoshoot? And do outfits really matter? is answered. But choosing outfits should not be stressful, “you have to get everything perfect” kind of way.

The outfits are there to support you, not take over. They help highlight your shape, complement the colours around you, and add that extra layer of depth and beauty to your images.

When you choose clothes that fit you well, feel comfortable, and reflect your style, everything else falls into place. You relax, you feel confident, and that confidence is what truly shines through in your portraits.

Bring pieces you love. Choose colours that feel good on you .Pay attention to fit and a few simple details.

And trust that together with photographer, will create beautiful portfolio images of YOU!