One of the first questions people ask is simple.
“What should I wear?”
It matters more than most people think.
Clothing shapes the feel of a portrait. It influences how confident you look, how credible you appear, and how versatile your final images are.
Get it right, and you walk away with a set of photos that work across LinkedIn, your website, press features, and social media.
Get it wrong, and even a strong image can feel slightly off.
The goal isn’t to reinvent yourself.
It’s to show up as a more considered, more intentional version of you.
Here are five outfits I regularly recommend. These are simple, reliable, and work across a wide range of shoots.
For Men
1 – A Well-Fitted Plain T-Shirt
Start simple.
A good quality, well-fitted t-shirt in a neutral colour like white, black, navy, or grey works incredibly well.
It strips everything back. No distractions. Just you.
This is often where we get the most natural, relaxed images. It is also a great starting point to ease into the shoot.
Fit matters here. Not too tight, not too loose. Clean lines.
2 – A Casual Shirt
Think Oxford shirt or something similar.
Worn open over a t-shirt, or buttoned up on its own, it adds a bit more structure without feeling overly formal.
This is a strong middle ground. Still approachable, but with a touch more intention.
Avoid heavy patterns. Keep it clean and timeless.
3 – A Smart Shirt
This is your more polished option.
A crisp, well-fitted shirt, usually in white or a soft neutral tone, works for more professional use. LinkedIn, website, speaking profiles.
It signals that you take yourself seriously, without needing to overdo it.
Again, fit is everything. If it pulls or bunches, it shows.
4 – A Jacket Or Blazer
Adding a jacket changes the feel immediately.
It brings structure to your shoulders and adds presence to the image. It’s one of the quickest ways to elevate a portrait.
You can layer this over a t-shirt or shirt, depending on the look you want.
This is often where we get those more authoritative, confident images.
5 – Dark Jeans Or Tailored Trousers
Don’t overlook what is below the waist.
Even if the shot is framed tighter, posture and how clothing sits still matter.
A pair of well-fitted dark jeans or tailored trousers keeps things clean and grounded. Avoid anything overly distressed or distracting.
Simple always wins.
For Women
1 – A White Shirt Or Blouse
This is a staple.
Clean, fresh, and incredibly versatile. A white shirt or blouse works across almost any context.
It reflects light beautifully and keeps the focus on your face.
It can be styled more formally or more relaxed, depending on how you wear it.
2 – A Jacket Or Blazer
Just like with men, this adds instant structure.
A blazer brings presence and authority without losing approachability. It works particularly well for professional portraits and branding images.
Worn on its own, styled in a braless way (without any nudity), it creates a strong, editorial feel. Confident, modern, and a little more fashion-led.
Layered over a blouse, vest, or bodysuit, it gives you more classic options too.
3 – White And Black Vest Tops
These are incredibly useful.
Simple vest tops, in white and black, give you clean, minimal looks that photograph really well.
They are perfect for layering or for more stripped-back portraits.
No fuss. No distraction. Just strong, confident imagery.
4 – Jeans
A good pair of jeans grounds the look.
They keep things relaxed and real, especially when paired with a more structured top or blazer.
Mid or dark wash tends to work best. Avoid anything too heavily distressed or overly trendy.
You want something that will still look good in a few years’ time.
5 – A Bodysuit
A bodysuit is one of the most underrated options.
It creates clean lines and avoids the bunching or movement you sometimes get with other tops.
It works beautifully on its own or layered under a blazer or jacket.
Simple, fitted, and very effective.
Keep It Simple, Keep It You
You don’t need ten or twenty outfits for a successful photoshoot.
You need a few solid options that give you variety without overcomplicating things.
Think in layers. Start simple, then build. A t-shirt becomes a different look with a shirt over it. Add a jacket, and it changes again.
The best shoots flow naturally between these options.
And one final point.
Wear clothes that feel like you.
Not a version of you that you think you should be. Not something you’ve never worn before.
If you feel comfortable, it shows.
If you feel like you are playing a part, that shows too.
The goal isn’t to dress up.
It is to show up, with a bit more intention.
