Styling for a Photoshoot: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Your Best

Planning a photoshoot and not sure what to wear? 

Styling plays a crucial role in how confident, authentic, and polished you appear on camera. Whether you’re preparing for professional headshots, a personal branding session, or a creative editorial shoot, the right outfit can elevate your entire look and tell your story with impact. In this ultimate guide to styling for photoshoots, you’ll discover expert tips on choosing flattering colors and cuts, aligning your wardrobe with your personal brand, and preparing outfits that photograph beautifully—both in studio and outdoors. Let’s dive in and make sure you look and feel your absolute best on camera.

Lysiane is a personal stylist and helped us to write these tips to ensure you have a good sense of what to wear before your photoshoot!

Style & Vision Alignment

1. How can we select outfits that best align with the client’s personal brand or desired image?

The first step in selecting outfits for a photoshoot is to define the client’s brand identity. This includes identifying their core values, personality, and the message they want to communicate. From there, we choose cuts, colours, and styles that enhance their best features and boost their confidence. The chosen outfits should align with their priorities. Some may prioritize comfort and practicality, while others may want to appear bold, creative, or polished. The key is to ensure that their clothing authentically reflects who they are and how they want to be perceived.

2. What colors and styles would work best for the client’s skin tone, body shape, and personality?

To determine the best colours and styles for a client, we start with a silhouette and colour analysis. This process helps identify their body shape and ideal colour palette, ensuring that their clothing enhances their natural features.

* Colours: By analyzing skin undertones, we select shades that complement and illuminate their complexion, making them look vibrant and radiant.

* Styles: Based on their body shape, we choose cuts and silhouettes that highlight their best features and create balance.

* Personality: Clothing should also reflect who they are, whether they prefer bold, structured pieces for confidence, flowing fabrics for creativity, or minimalist styles for sophistication.

3. Do you have recommendations for outfits that complement the overall mood or theme of the shoot?

Absolutely!

When selecting outfits that complement the overall mood of a photoshoot, I focus on these 3 key elements:

• Client’s Brand & Expression: The styling should align with their personal brand and message, ensuring they look confident and authentic while reinforcing the story they want to tell.

• Location & Lighting: The outfit should harmonize with the setting to create visual balance. For example, wearing beige on a beige couch may cause the person to blend into the background rather than stand out. Contrast, texture, and colour placement play a crucial role in ensuring they remain the focal point.

• Mood & Aesthetic: The clothing should enhance the intended mood through colours, textures, and silhouettes. For example, a bold, high-fashion shoot calls for structured, dramatic pieces, while a soft, romantic theme would be better suited to flowing fabrics and delicate hues.

Practical Considerations

1. What fabrics and fits photograph best in a studio vs. outdoor setting?

For in-studio photoshoots, opt for textured fabrics like leather, silk, linen, or wool, which add depth and richness to the shots. Sparkly fabrics can enhance the look with a glamorous touch. These textures create contrast against the background, making the final images more visually striking.

For outdoor shoots, choose between a tighter or looser fit based on the desired mood. Tighter fits help maintain a clean silhouette by preventing unwanted fabric movement in the wind. Looser fits, on the other hand, create a more fluid, dynamic effect, perfect for a softer, more ethereal look.

2. How can we ensure the outfits allow for comfortable movement and natural posing?

The best way to ensure an outfit allows for comfortable movement and natural posing is to test it before the photoshoot. Wear it around the house for at least 10 minutes, try different movements; walking, sitting, stretching, and posing to see how it feels.

Additionally:

1) Choose the right fit & fabric: Avoid overly tight or restrictive clothing that limits movement. You could choose breathable fabrics that drape well and allow ease of motions.

2) Consider the shoot’s needs: If the photoshoot involves dynamic poses, sitting, or walking, the outfit should support those movements without discomfort or constant adjustments.

6. Are there any accessories or layering pieces that can add depth and variety without overwhelming the look?

Yes for sure! The key is to ensure the person remains the focal point, not the clothing. To add variety without overwhelming the look, opt for accessories like bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. These can introduce a chic, powerful touch. Layering can also enhance depth and texture; for example, draping a leather or denim jacket over one shoulder adds interest without overpowering the outfit. The goal is to create balance while keeping the look effortless and stylish.

Logistics & Preparation

7. How many outfit changes would you recommend for the session, and how should they be coordinated?

I recommend bringing three outfits for the session. Typically, you’ll have time for two full outfit changes, but having a third as a backup ensures flexibility. To make the process smooth, prepare your outfits in advance: iron them, organize them in order of priority, and transport them in a garment bag to keep them in perfect condition. This way, you’re ready to maximize your time and get the best variety from your shoot. For any photoshoots I always like to bring a carry-on luggage to transport all extra stuff needed (shoes, socks, jewelry, accessories, toothbrush, etc.)

8. What’s the best way to transport and store outfits before the shoot to avoid wrinkles and creases?

Put in a garment bag (I think I answered this at question 7)

9. Do you have a list of reliable brands, boutiques, or rental services for high-quality wardrobe pieces?

Absolutely! The best options will depend on individual size and style, but a great starting point is stores that offer a variety of styles under one roof. Brands like Andrews, Aritzia, Simons, Banana Republic, and COS provide high-quality, stylish pieces suitable for different moods, from professional to fashion-forward. For rentals, my go-to recommendation is The Fitzroy, which offers an excellent selection of statement pieces.

Trends & Timelessness

10. How can we balance trendy fashion choices with classic, timeless looks that won’t feel outdated in a few years?

Trendy fashion choices are great, especially if you work in the fashion industry or frequently update your photos. However, if you want your photoshoot to remain relevant for years, consider keeping the core outfit timeless while incorporating trendy elements through accessories, shoes, or small details. This way, the overall look stays classic while still reflecting current trends in a subtle, stylish way.

Meet Lysiane. The Stylist behind this post:

Hello, I’m Lysiane.

I’m a mom, wife, singer-in-the-making, and personal stylist and colour expert with a love for bold colour, effortless style, and helping women feel powerful in their own skin. I’ve been in the fashion industry for more than a decade: what started on runways and behind the camera has now become a mission to help women show up for themselves with confidence and ease.

Based in Toronto, originally from Québec, and I’m raising two wild and wonderful little humans. Style, for me, is more than clothes: it’s how you walk into a room, how you claim space, how you let yourself be seen without apology.

I find inspiration in timeless fashion, a warm bath, quiet mornings with good matcha, fearless women, a killer playlist, a mic in my hand, and the courage to be exactly who you are. I believe in a style that feels like you – one that matches your personality, fits your life, and most importantly, makes you feel good every single day.

You’ll often find me dancing with my kids, singing while I drive, dreaming up my next big idea, sipping something warm while grounding myself, or hyping up another woman stepping into her spotlight.

I travel between Toronto and Montreal because I love road trippin’ – and wherever you are, I’m happy to meet you in person or connect virtually to help you shine.