What to Wear Guide

This is the part I feel like a lot of people overlook.

If you hired me, it’s probably because you liked the over all vibe or aesthetic of my photos. What you may not realize is that some light coaching went on behind the scenes. We want it to be all you aesthetically & effortlessly pieced together.

A man in a white t-shirt and black pants leaning against a vintage black car, standing in front of a white wooden church with a sloped roof and pointed windows. The scene is outdoors on a gravel area with dry grass and overcast sky.

Aesthetically you.

Your outfits will 1,000% determine the FEEL of the photos and the FEELING you’ll get when you look back at them.

But no worries, take the pressure off because I’m totally here to help, but it also does matter so, so much.

And if you’re still in doubt after reading this, or you want a second opinion, shoot me a text or a photo of your ideas & I can help ya figure it out!

THREE things to consider:

1) Time of Year/Weather

2) Location

3) Vibe/Aesthetic

Start Here…

A couple standing arm in arm on a rocky path near a lake with mountains and pine trees in the background, during sunset or sunrise.

TIME OF YEAR/WEATHER

Practically, is it warm or snowing? Indoor or outdoor? You want to be, above all comfy and dressed appropriate for the temp or you’ll be miserable. If it’s hot wear less, cold wear layers.

LOCATION

Are we shooting by water, massive pine trees or in the dessert? This will help determine your color palette.

A man holding a woman on his shoulders near a river in a green, forested area with mountains in the background.

VIBE

What vibe are you going for? Classic, folksy, natural, funky, dreamy, etc. Consider this when choosing.

Color Theory

Okay—not everyone is a color nut & you don’t need to be! Let me do the thinking for you.

4 BASIC APPROACHES TO COLOR-you pick!:

1) NEUTRAL- blacks, whites, creams, etc.

2) MONOCHROME- variations of single color

3) ANALOGOUS- colors close to each other

4) COMPLIMENTARY- opposing colors

complimentary

* TIP: Want something easy or low-key? Shoot for neutral or earthy tones.

A person holding a child upside down, with the child’s legs and feet visible, against a clear blue sky.

@kaleyfromkansas

A couple is standing outside a classic residential building. The woman is giving the man a piggyback ride, hugging him from behind, and both are smiling.

monochrome

@pinterest

A man and a woman sitting on a vintage wooden bench in front of a large framed classical painting in a well-lit room with a chandelier and patterned rug.

analogous

@pinterest

A woman in a red sweater is carrying a young girl on her shoulders, and the girl is waving with a smile against a clear blue sky.
A person with blonde hair is hugging three children outdoors under a clear blue sky. The children are smiling and appear happy.

@pinterest

neutral earth tones & complimentary

@kaleyfromkansas

neutral

* TIP: Check out my Pinterest board of color palettes & the color wheel.

➻ take me there

Patterns…

As a general rule: no logos, graphic tees, neon colors, or crazy patterns

However, we learn rules so we can break them INTENTIONALLY.

I am SO here for a fashion forward editorial session. If you wanna express your creativity, get funky, layer patterns let’s chat about it and make it look good.

A woman with long brown hair and a serious expression sits on a park bench with a young girl with blonde hair and bangs, wearing a matching orange patterned dress, standing in front and holding her stomach.

@kaleyfromkansas

A young man and woman standing on a brick ledge in front of a house with trees in the background. The woman wears an oversized blue checkered shirt, tan tights, and white shoes. The man wears a tan patterned blazer, matching patterned wide-leg pants, and pink shoes.

@pinterest

This is the chef’s kiss!

Including different & contrasting textures in your wardrobe adds so much dimension to your photos.

Texture

Ex: linen, lace, crochet, sweaters, silk, canvas, embroidery, leather.

A woman piggyback riding on a man while sitting on a motorcycle outdoors, with a woman holding onto her shoulders.

@pinterest

A close-up of white fabric with floral cutout patterns.
Close-up of a textured white fabric with horizontal lines.
Close-up of black leather material with intricate swirl patterns and stitching.
Close-up of fluffy, yellow, knitted fabric or material with a textured pattern.
Plain, light-colored fabric or linen texture.
Close-up of beige diagonal textured fabric.
Person in a large brown sweater and beige skirt raising arms against a blue sky.

@pinterest

These things can elevate your session by making it more creative, personal & unique.

  • sunglasses, hats, bandanas (get creative!)

  • canoe, sail boat, etc.

  • animals/pets

  • film cameras

  • books

  • instruments

  • cars/motorcycles

  • clothesline

  • backdrop

Props

A pair of cream-colored knit socks hanging on a clothesline outside near a wooden shed, with a grassy field and overcast sky in the background. A wooden chair on the ground holds three pumpkins and a gourd.

@pinterest

A man and woman standing next to a vintage red Mercedes-Benz station wagon with the license plate LECADIA, parked in a residential driveway with a black fence, greenery, and flowers in the background.
A boat upside down on grass and dirt next to shrubs, with a dog lying partially in the frame nearby.
A pregnant woman with long hair wearing a hat and casual clothing standing next to a brown horse outdoors, with a barn in the background.

@pinterest

@kaleyfromkansas

@pinterest

Do what makes you feel best and feel the most YOU.

If you want to get your hair & make-up done, go for it. If that’s not your thing, go for a more natural look :)

Just make sure you leave enough time between the end of your appointment and the start of our session—that way you don’t feel rushed.

Hair + Make-up

A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair and earrings, squinting and smiling in front of a brick wall.
A woman lying on her back in grass, wearing a green polka dot dress, with her right arm raised above her head and her hand resting on her forehead, looking at the camera.
A woman and a man standing close together outdoors under a clear blue sky, with the woman raising her arm and resting her hand on her forehead.

Have questions?

Send me some options or text me if you’re stuck, we can find the perfect outfits for your session.