A client once arrived for a branding shoot with a full suitcase.
Not a bag. A proper suitcase.
They wheeled it into the studio, opened it up, and said, “I had no idea what to bring, so I brought everything.”
Inside was a mix of outfits. Some smart. Some casual. A few things still with tags on. A couple of bold choices that looked great on a hanger but felt… uncertain.
Then came the question I hear all the time.
“What should I actually wear?”
It matters more than people think.
Because what you wear doesn’t just affect how you look. It changes how you feel. And how you feel shows up in every single frame.
Start with how you want to be seen
Before you think about colours or styles, ask yourself something simpler.
How do I want to come across?
Credible? Approachable? Creative? Authoritative? Relaxed but professional?
Most people skip this step and go straight to “what looks good on me”.
But a great portrait is not just about looking good. It is about looking right.
Right for your audience. Right for your work. Right for where you are heading.
If you are a consultant working with senior clients, a hoodie and trainers might feel comfortable, but it will not always send the right signal.
If you are a creative, a full suit might feel like a costume.
Start with intention. Everything else follows.
Wear what already works
This is not the moment to experiment with a completely new look.
If you bought something last week and you are not quite sure about it, leave it at home.
Go for clothes you already feel good in. Things you have worn before and felt like yourself in.
That familiarity matters.
Because the more comfortable you feel in what you are wearing, the less you will think about it during the shoot.
And the less you think about it, the more natural everything else becomes.
Fit beats fashion
You can have the most expensive outfit in the world, but if it does not fit properly, it will not photograph well.
Clothes that are too tight can pull and crease in awkward places.
Clothes that are too loose can lose shape and make you look less defined.
Well-fitted clothing creates clean lines. It helps posture. It gives structure to the image.
This is especially important for jackets, shirts, and anything around the shoulders.
If in doubt, choose the option that fits you best over the one that feels more “fashionable”.
Keep it simple
Bold patterns, large logos, and busy designs can be distracting.
They pull attention away from where it should be.
Your face.
That does not mean everything has to be plain or boring. Texture can work beautifully. Subtle patterns can add interest.
But simplicity tends to age better.
A clean, well-chosen outfit will still look good in a year or two. Something very trend-led might not.
If the goal is a set of images you can use across your website, LinkedIn, and marketing, simple usually wins.
Think about colour, but don’t overthink it
Certain colours naturally work better on camera.
Mid-tones tend to be more forgiving than very light or very dark shades.
Neutrals are always a safe option. Blues, greens, and earthy tones often photograph well.
Pure white can sometimes reflect too much light. Solid black can lose detail, especially in lower light.
But here is the key point.
The best colour is one that suits you.
If you feel good wearing it, it will show.
And that matters more than any technical rule.
Bring options, but not your entire wardrobe
Two or three outfits is usually enough.
A mix of looks can give you variety without overwhelming the process.
For example, something more polished and something more relaxed.
We can quickly test what works best on the day. Sometimes the outfit you were least sure about ends up being the strongest.
But bringing too many choices can slow everything down and make decision-making harder.
Keep it focused.
Pay attention to the details
Small things make a big difference.
Creased shirts. Loose threads. Scuffed shoes. Creases in sleeves or collars.
They are easy to miss in the moment but stand out in a finished photo.
A quick check before the shoot goes a long way.
If you are wearing layers, think about how they work together. How a jacket sits over a shirt. How colours interact.
And keep accessories simple.
A watch or a piece of jewellery can add something. Too much can become a distraction.
Dress for the environment
Where the photos are being taken matters.
Studio portraits allow for more control and simplicity.
Outdoor or on-location shoots introduce background, colour, and texture.
Your outfit should sit comfortably within that space, not clash with it.
If you are unsure, this is something I guide clients through before the shoot. A quick conversation can save a lot of guesswork.
The real goal
What you wear should support the photo, not dominate it.
It should help you feel like yourself. Confident. Comfortable. Present.
Because when that happens, everything else becomes easier.
You are not worrying about how you look.
You are focused on showing up.
And that is when the photos start to work.
Want help getting it right?
If you are thinking about updating your headshots or planning a branding shoot, we can talk through all of this before you step in front of the camera.
What to wear. What to bring. What will work best for you and what you need the photos to do.
You can book a free 15-minute Zoom call with me.
No pressure. No hard sell.
Just a straightforward conversation to help you get it right before the shoot even starts.
