What to Wear to Your Photoshoot: A Style Guide for Timeless, Story-Driven Images

What you wear to your photoshoot plays a huge role in how your images look and feel. The right wardrobe helps create photos that feel natural, timeless, and full of personality. Rather than choosing outfits at the last minute, planning your clothing around a style theme can help create cohesive images that feel intentional and beautifully styled.


Whether you love soft neutrals, earthy tones, nostalgic vintage pieces, bold retro colours, or western cowboy style, the key is selecting outfits that photograph well while still feeling like you.


Below is a detailed style guide to help you choose colours, textures, prints, outfits, and accessories that elevate your photos.

Soft and timeless

 

Neutrals

Neutral tones create soft, cohesive photos and keep the focus on emotion and connection.


Colours

  • Cream
  • Beige
  • Sand
  • Soft grey
  • Light brown
  • Dusty blue
  • Pale sage


Textures

  • Linen
  • Knitwear
  • Cotton
  • Lace
  • Muslin


Outfit Ideas

  • Flowing linen dresses
  • Knit sweaters with denim
  • Linen shirts with relaxed pants
  • Neutral maxi skirts



Accessories

  • Straw hats
  • Simple gold jewellery
  • Leather belts
  • Minimal sunglasses
  • Hair bows or neutral headbands


Patterns

  • Soft florals
  • Delicate stripes
  • Light gingham
Nature inspired

 

Earthy

Earthy tones work beautifully in outdoor locations and feel warm, natural, and relaxed.


Colours

  • Terracotta
  • Rust
  • Olive green
  • Mustard
  • Clay
  • Chocolate brown
  • Sand


Textures

  • Linen
  • Cotton
  • Wool
  • Knitwear
  • Suede


Outfit Ideas

  • Rust linen dresses
  • Olive maxi dresses
  • Knit sweaters with denim
  • Flowing earthy-toned skirts


Accessories

  • Straw hats
  • Leather belts
  • Woven bags
  • Wooden or clay jewellery
  • Neutral sunglasses

Patterns

  • Small florals
  • Botanical prints
  • Subtle stripes
for a cozy look

 

Nostalgic & Vintage

Vintage-inspired outfits create warm, cinematic photos with timeless charm.


Colours

  • Mustard
  • Burnt orange
  • Dusty rose
  • Sage green
  • Vintage blue
  • Cream


Textures

  • Corduroy
  • Denim
  • Knitwear
  • Crochet
  • Velvet


Outfit Ideas

  • Corduroy overalls
  • Floral midi dresses
  • Knit vests over button-ups
  • High-waisted denim


Accessories

  • Retro sunglasses
  • Silk scarves
  • Berets
  • Vintage belts
  • Hair bows or headscarves


Patterns

  • Vintage florals
  • Plaid
  • Gingham
  • Thin stripes


*Not my images*

Bold & Playful

 

Retro


Retro outfits add fun energy and colour to your photos.


Colours

  • Pink
  • Bright red
  • Mustard yellow
  • Teal
  • Sky blue
  • Vintage denim blue


Textures

  • Denim
  • Corduroy
  • Cotton tees
  • Ribbed knits


Outfit Ideas

  • Mom jeans with graphic tees
  • Denim skirts with striped tops
  • Bright cardigans with jeans
  • Overalls with sneakers


Shoes

  • Vans
  • Adidas
  • Nike
  • Converse


Accessories

  • Bandanas
  • Retro sunglasses
  • Bucket hats
  • Scrunchies
  • Hair clips


Patterns

  • Bold stripes
  • Polka dots
  • Checkerboard
  • Colour blocking


*Not my images*

For a country feel

Cowboy / Western

Western outfits add texture and personality, especially in outdoor or rural settings.


Colours

  • Tan
  • Caramel
  • Denim blue
  • Rust
  • Cream
  • Dark brown


Textures

  • Denim
  • Leather
  • Suede
  • Fringe


Outfit Ideas

  • Denim dresses with boots
  • Prairie dresses with belts
  • Plaid shirts with vintage denim
  • Suede jackets


Accessories

  • Cowboy hats
  • Bandanas
  • Leather belts
  • Turquoise jewellery
  • Fringe bags

Patterns

  • Plaid
  • Paisley
  • Bandana prints
  • Small florals


*Not my images*

your true colours

 

Cultural

Cultural outfits bring personal meaning and storytelling into your photos.


Colours

  • Deep red
  • Indigo
  • Gold
  • Emerald
  • Terracotta


Fabrics

  • Silk
  • Handwoven textiles
  • Embroidered cotton
  • Natural fibres


Accessories

  • Traditional jewellery
  • Cultural headpieces
  • Beaded accessories
  • Embroidered scarves or shawls


These pieces often create the most meaningful and unique photos.

what to do and not to do

 

Do's and Don't

 

Photoshoot Outfit Do’s

✔ Coordinate colours rather than matching exactly

✔ Choose soft or complementary colour palettes

✔ Mix textures for depth

✔ Add simple accessories

✔ Wear outfits you feel comfortable in


What to Avoid

✘ Large logos

✘ Neon colours

✘ Busy patterns

✘ Clothing that restricts movement

 

Don't know where to go?

 

where to shop

Some great places to find photoshoot outfits include:

  • H&M
  • Zara
  • Cotton On
  • Stable Door
  • Target
  • Connor
  • Ghanda
  • Tree of life
  • Jamie Kay
  • Free People
  • Thrift stores
  • Vintage markets
  • Depop

Final Tip

The best photos happen when you feel comfortable and confident. Choose outfits that reflect your personality and suit the location so your photos feel natural and timeless.