Your personal branding photos are a part of your brand identity — so it’s really important to pick outfits that will perfectly represent your business and your brand! This can also be a part of the planning process that feels stressful — this is often where I get the most questions, so in this post I’ll help you choose the best branding session outfits for your photoshoot.

P.S. If you want to learn how to plan a brand photoshoot that feels like YOU
(so you get photos you LOVE) — tune into this podcast episode!

First things first, start with your brand colors

Before diving into your closet (or online shopping cart), take a minute to think about your brand colors.

• If you have a defined brand palette, lean into those colors! They’ll help make your photos feel cohesive and instantly recognizable.
• If you don’t have set brand colors, think about the vibe you want your brand to have. What colors would attract your ideal client?
• If your workspace or common shoot locations have a strong aesthetic (like a neutral office or a bold, colorful coworking space), choose outfits that complement or contrast the background in a way that makes you pop.

Examples:

• A wellness coach with a soft, earthy brand might go for muted greens, creams, or taupe.
• A bold, high-energy business coach might lean into bright pinks, cobalt blues, or vibrant jewel tones.

What to avoid? Super trendy colors that don’t actually align with your brand. If neon green isn’t your thing, skip it—just because it’s popular right now doesn’t mean it should be in your photos forever.

Learn how to seamlessly incorporate your brand colors into your brand photoshoot!

Next, choose outfits that reflect how you show up in your business

Think about the types of clothing you wear when you’re working with clients or showing up online. Do you want to be seen as:

• Professional & polished? A structured blazer, tailored trousers, and heels might be a go-to.
• Approachable & relatable? A soft sweater and jeans could feel more natural.
• Creative & fun? Maybe you add bold patterns or playful accessories.

The goal? To dress like YOU—just the slightly elevated version that makes you feel your best.

Pro tip: If you’re buying something new, wear it around the house first. You don’t want to find out on the day of your shoot that your blazer is stiff, your dress rides up, or your shoes are a nightmare to walk in.

Plan for Variety (But Keep It Simple)

The best branding shoots include multiple outfits to give you a mix of looks, but that doesn’t mean you need to bring your entire closet. This of course will be dependent on how many hours you have booked for your session. For example, if you only have 1 or 2 hours, I don’t recommend bringing too many outfits (you’ll be spending a lot of time changing in and out of clothes). If you have at least 3 or more hours for your session, here’s what I recommend:

3-4 full outfits

• A polished, professional outfit
• A more relaxed, lifestyle look
• A statement outfit (if it fits your brand)
• A wildcard option—something fun and unexpected!

Layering pieces (cardigans, jackets, blazers) — this can be great if you have less time during your session and want to add in more variety

• Easy way to switch up your look quickly
• Adds depth and dimension to photos

Accessories that feel like YOU — don’t go overboard here! Avoid analysis paralysis the day of the shoot by bringing minimal accessories.

• Keep it intentional—avoid over-accessorizing
• Small pops of personality (a statement necklace, a fun watch, or bold earrings)

What to avoid?

• Super busy patterns (like gingham or tiny florals)—they don’t always photograph well.
• Heavy branding/logos (unless it’s part of your personal brand).
• Trendy fast fashion pieces that might look outdated in a year.

Want to learn more? Read my top 15 tips for how to plan a successful brand photoshoot!

Dress for Your Locations

If your brand shoot includes multiple locations, coordinate your outfits accordingly.

Indoor Office / Studio?

• Neutral or muted tones work well.
• Avoid blending into the background—choose a pop of color if needed!

Outdoor Park / Nature Spot?

• Earthy tones like greens, rust, or beige will complement the environment.
• Avoid overly bright colors that might clash with the natural backdrop.

City / Urban Setting?

• Edgy looks with darker colors, layers, or structured pieces can be great.
• Keep an eye on textures—denim, leather, and solid colors pop well!

Small Details Make a Big Difference

Even the best outfit can be thrown off by tiny details that don’t translate well in photos. Before your shoot, check for:

Undergarment Lines – Make sure they aren’t visible or distracting.
Wrinkles & Lint – Steam or iron your outfits before the shoot.
Chipped Nails – Neutral nails or a fresh mani/pedi always look polished.

Have someone join that can help you prep outfits

Some clients love to bring a friend along to their sessions, simply for the sole purpose of prepping their next outfit before they need it. This person can help to steam your outfits, gather any jewelry/accessories, and make sure you have everything you need ready to go so you can maximize your time with your photographer. I always welcome assistants to my sessions, but be sure to ask your photographer if they are okay with having someone tag along to help you!

And of course if you have ANY QUESTIONS at all, reach out to your photographer for help!

My clients and I spend a fair bit of time planning out the different locations and we chat through different outfit options that would go great with the setting and color scheme. Your brand photos are going to be the face of your business, so definitely make sure to plan everything out in advance!

Book Your Own Brand Photoshoot Experience:

If you’re looking to capture beautiful brand photos that will elevate your business, I’m your girl! I travel all over the bay area for brand photoshoots (and will even travel all throughout California & abroad!) I work with heart-centered business owners and service providers to capture their unique brand — and I focus on capturing photos that showcase your brand story.