When planning your outfits for your photoshoot, think about pieces that are elevated and timeless. I love adding a dash of trend to keep things fresh, but the foundation of your look should feel classic and effortless. Our goal is to ensure your photos feel as relevant five or ten years from now as they do today.
This guide covers the best tips for each season, with wardrobe suggestions for women, men, and kids. Plus, we’ve included grooming and self-care reminders to ensure you’re camera-ready.
1. General Wardrobe Tips
- Comfort is Key: Choose outfits that make you feel good and confident. Avoid clothes that are too tight, uncomfortable, or require constant adjusting.
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: Stick to complementary colours and textures, rather than wearing matching outfits. This creates a cohesive look without being too uniform.
- Classic Over Trendy: Opt for timeless pieces that won’t feel outdated when you look at your photos in 10 years. Keep trend elements minimal for a fresh touch.
- Layers & Textures: Especially in cooler seasons, layers add dimension and interest to your look without overwhelming the photo.
- Avoid Bold Patterns: One patterned piece is great, but too many can be distracting. Stick to solids or subtle prints for group shots.
2. Best Wardrobe Tips by Season
Spring Photo Session Styling Tips
As the season of new beginnings, spring is all about light, breathable fabrics and soft colors that reflect the fresh and airy atmosphere. Think flowy blouses, tailored trousers, and delicate layering pieces like light cardigans or scarves. This season works well with pastels, blush tones, and soft blues that harmonize with blooming flowers and greenery. Avoid heavy fabrics or overly dark tones; instead, embrace the freshness that spring brings.
- Women: Light blouses + high-waisted trousers, or a fitted midi skirt with a light jacket.
- Men: Blazer or cardigan + chinos, or a well-fitted shirt with rolled-up sleeves.
- Kids: Cute light dresses + cardigans or shorts + button-up shirts.
Summer Photo Session Styling Tips
Summer sessions are perfect for lightweight fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable under the sun. Linen, cotton, and airy cuts like jumpsuits or shorts are great choices. Stick to light neutrals like cream, pale grays, or soft pinks, with an optional pop of brighter color. Since the lighting tends to be bright, your wardrobe should reflect that by staying light and breathable, so you remain comfortable and effortlessly chic throughout the session.
- Women: Linen blouse + tailored shorts, or a breezy jumpsuit with sandals, midi beachy style dress.
- Men: Casual button-up + light cotton pants, or shorts with a fitted t-shirt or polo.
- Kids: Light, breathable outfits like rompers or soft cotton sets.
Colour Palette: Creams, light blues, soft grays, warm neutrals.
Fall Photo Session Styling Tips
With rich, warm tones and cozy textures, fall calls for layering pieces like knits, jackets, and boots. Opt for deep burgundy, camel, mustard, or earth tones that blend with the autumn leaves and golden light. This is the perfect season for combining textured fabrics like corduroy or wool with softer materials, giving your look a warm, cozy feel without sacrificing style. Layering also adds dimension and variety, making your photos feel rich and dynamic.
- Women: Cozy knit sweater + pleated midi skirt, or a tailored coat with wide leg trousers.
- Men: Cable-knit sweaters or wool jackets + dark jeans or chinos.
- Kids: Corduroy pants, plaid shirts, or layered sweaters with boots.
Colour Palette: Deep burgundy, navy, camel, mustard, earth tones.
Winter Photo Session Styling Tips
For winter sessions, the focus is on keeping warm while maintaining a sleek, stylish look. Layered wool coats, tailored jeans or trousers, and cozy knits in deep colors like navy, charcoal, and forest green are perfect for this season. Don’t forget scarves, gloves, and boots—these elements not only keep you warm but also add texture and visual interest to your photos. The contrast between dark winter tones and snowy backgrounds will make your wardrobe pop beautifully in the photos.
Winter is all about layering and cozy vibes. Deep and bold colours can bring out the contrast with the white winters, but you would be surprised how cozy a neutral toned palette can be against the pop of the evergreens, while cozy layers add warmth and texture to your photos.
- Women: Wool coat + tailored jeans or trousers with boots, or a chic sweater dress with tights.
- Men: Flannel material shirt or wool sweater + dark denim, or puffer jackets layered with a scarf.
- Kids: Knit hats, cozy sweaters, and wool coats or layers like thermal shirts under vests.
Colour Palette: Deep reds, forest greens, charcoal, navy, grey.
Accessorizing
Accessories add a personal touch to your outfit and can make even the simplest look feel intentional and styled. Just be careful not to over-accessorize, which can detract from the overall image.
- For Women:
Accessories like simple gold or silver jewelry, delicate necklaces, and statement earrings can elevate your look. Consider scarves, gloves, hats, or even a bold pair of shoes as a statement piece. Keep it minimal to avoid distractions—your photos will thank you!
- For Men:
Watches, belts, and pocket squares (if formal) add subtle polish to an outfit. A well-chosen hat or scarf can add style without overwhelming the look. As always, avoid clashing colours or overly bold patterns in accessories.
- For Kids:
Keep accessories functional and simple. Hats, cute shoes, or even a small hair accessory can add charm without being too distracting.
Additional Coordination Tips for All Seasons:
- Stay Consistent with Colour Tones: Whether you choose pastels, earth tones, or bold colours, make sure everyone’s outfits are within the same colour family to maintain a cohesive look.
- Subtle Variations: Not everyone has to wear the same colour, but make sure the colours complement each other (e.g., warm tones or cool tones).
- Limit Bold Patterns: While one person in a group may wear a pattern, it’s best to balance it with solid, complementary tones for everyone else to avoid the photo feeling too busy.
By focusing on seasonal fabrics, colours, and textures, these fashion tips will help you and your group look perfectly polished, coordinated, and ready for your photoshoot.
Choose an outfit that you feel amazing in. The more confident you feel in what you’re wearing, the more it will show in the photos. Stick with the wardrobe tips in this guide, but don’t be afraid to lean into what makes you feel like your best self.
Where to Shop in Ottawa
Victoire Boutique: Chic, trendy pieces with a timeless touch, perfect for women’s outfits.
Schad Boutique: Known for its unique and high-end fashion offerings, Schad specializes in a variety of women’s clothing brands, including footwear and accessories.
Trove Fashion: offers a thoughtfully selected collection of stylish and affordable second-hand apparel, focusing on quality and function rather than designer labels
The Recollective: Fashion-forward consignment boutique in Ottawa that specializes in curated, high-quality second-hand clothing and accessories, promoting sustainable shopping practices
Hudson’s Bay: For stylish basics and seasonal finds for the whole family.
Joe Fresh: Great for kids’ basics and trendy options for the whole family.
Emma is a luxury wedding photographer serving couples in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, New York City, Paris, and the South of France. Her work blends elegance and emotion, creating timeless, artful images.
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