What you wear to your portrait session can significantly impact the final results. The right clothing choices can flatter your figure, complement your skin tone, and help create a cohesive, timeless look. In this guide, we'll explore how to select the perfect outfit for your portrait session.
Choose Colors That Complement Your Skin Tone
Clothing colors that beautifully complement the subject's skin tone
The colors you wear should enhance your natural coloring rather than compete with it. Understanding whether you have warm or cool undertones can help you select the most flattering colors for your portraits.
Warm undertones (golden, yellow, or peachy skin) look best in warm colors like earth tones, cream, coral, peach, orange, amber, gold, and warm reds.
Cool undertones (pink, red, or bluish skin) are complemented by cool colors such as navy, blue, purple, emerald, teal, and cool reds.
Neutral colors like gray, white, and black work well for most people and create a timeless look. However, pure white can sometimes appear too stark and may wash out fair skin tones. Opt for off-white or cream instead.
Color Tip
Not sure about your undertones? Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they look green, you probably have warm undertones. If you can't tell, you might have neutral undertones and can wear most colors well.
Consider the Style and Location
Outfit that complements the outdoor location
Your clothing should match both the style of portraits you want and the location of your shoot. For formal portraits, consider classic, tailored pieces that won't look dated in a few years. For casual outdoor sessions, more relaxed attire may be appropriate.
When choosing outfits, think about the environment where you'll be photographed:
- Studio portraits offer flexibility with most styles, but solid colors often work best against simple backgrounds.
- Urban settings pair well with more contemporary, fashionable outfits.
- Natural environments like parks or beaches complement earth tones and softer colors that harmonize with nature.
- Home sessions should feature clothing that matches your home's aesthetic for a cohesive look.
Be Mindful of Patterns and Textures
Subtle patterns that add interest without overwhelming the portrait
While solid colors are generally safe choices for portraits, subtle patterns and textures can add visual interest to your images. However, it's important to use them judiciously:
- Avoid large, bold patterns that can distract from your face and become the focal point of the image.
- Small, subtle patterns like fine stripes, small polka dots, or delicate florals can add texture without overwhelming.
- Textured fabrics like linen, knits, or lace can add dimension and visual interest while still appearing solid from a distance.
- Limit patterns to one person in group portraits to prevent the image from becoming too busy.
