What should I wear for my photoshoot?

It is one of the first questions women ask me after booking a portrait session.

And I completely understand why.

Standing in front of a camera can already feel vulnerable. Add the pressure of choosing an outfit — or several outfits — and suddenly the idea of a photoshoot can feel overwhelming.

You might be thinking:

I have nothing to wear.

I don’t know what looks good on me anymore.

What if I look bigger than I am?

What if I choose the wrong color?

I don’t even know what my style is anymore.

The good news?

You do not need to arrive at your portrait session knowing exactly what to wear.

Part of my job as your photographer is helping you figure that out.

Before a session, I often share inspiration, talk through wardrobe options, and encourage clients to bring a few extra pieces. Then, together, we decide which looks will photograph beautifully and feel most like them.

Because the goal isn’t to dress like someone else.

The goal is to look like the best version of yourself. And what you wear is only one part of creating a flattering portrait. In this article, I share more about how lighting, posing, expression, and relaxation can help you look your best in photographs after 40.

The Most Important Rule: Wear Something That Feels Like You

This is the first thing I tell my clients.

Your photographs should look like you.

If you normally dress in elegant, feminine clothing, suddenly showing up in an edgy outfit because you saw it on Pinterest may look beautiful — but it may not feel authentic.

And if you have a big personality and work in a creative industry, a very conservative, minimal wardrobe may not tell the right story either.

Your clothing should support the woman you are and the way you want to be perceived.

Think about your personality, your lifestyle, your career, and the energy you want your photographs to communicate.

Are you:

• Elegant?
• Feminine?
• Creative?
• Sophisticated?
• Playful?
• Powerful?
• Romantic?
• Modern?
• Relaxed?
• A combination of several?

There is no single “right” way to dress for a portrait session.

The right outfit is the one that makes you think:

“Yes. This feels like me.”

How Many Outfits Should You Bring?

For most portrait sessions, I aim to create three to four final looks.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to bring exactly three or four outfits.

I actually recommend bringing a few extra options.

Why?

Because sometimes the outfit you are convinced will be your favourite doesn’t photograph the way you expected — while another piece you almost left at home looks incredible.

Having options gives us room to experiment.

Before your session, I’ll help you think through what you’re bringing, and we can decide together which pieces will create the strongest variety.

This is one of the reasons I don’t want you stressing over finding the “perfect” outfit before you arrive.

Bring possibilities. We’ll create the final looks together.

Start With Color — But Make It Personal

You may have heard that certain colors are universally flattering.

I don’t really believe in that.

The best color for you depends on your complexion, undertone, hair, eyes, and overall coloring.

Some women already know their color season. If you do, that’s fantastic.

But you don’t need to know whether you’re a Soft Autumn, Bright Winter, or something else to choose beautiful colors.

You probably already have clues.

Think about the colors you wear when people compliment you.

Maybe every time you wear a particular shade of blue someone says:

“That color looks amazing on you.”

Pay attention to that.

Those compliments are useful information.

Look at Your Favorite Clothing

Open your closet and notice what you naturally reach for.

Are there colors that consistently make you feel good?

Are there colors that brighten your complexion?

Are there shades that make your eyes stand out?

Those are often better clues than following a generic list of “best colors for women over 40.”

Your coloring is individual.

Your wardrobe should be too.

Solids Are Your Friend — But You Don’t Have to Avoid Patterns

For portrait sessions, I generally recommend bringing mostly solid pieces.

Why?

Solid colors allow the focus to remain on you.

Your expression, your eyes, your face, and your personality become the centre of the photograph.

But that doesn’t mean patterns are off limits.

If a subtle pattern is part of your personal style, absolutely bring it.

The key is choosing patterns that complement rather than overwhelm.

Very large, busy patterns can sometimes become the dominant feature of an image, particularly in close-up portraits.

A subtle print, texture, stripe, or pattern can add personality and visual interest while still allowing you to remain the focus.

Texture Can Make a Photograph Feel Luxurious

Texture is one of my favourite ways to create visual interest without relying on bold patterns.

Think about pieces made from:

• Cashmere
• Silk
• Satin
• Lace
• Knitwear
• Linen
• Velvet
• Beautifully textured fabrics

Texture adds dimension to photographs.

A simple monochromatic outfit can become much more interesting when different textures are layered together.

And texture can contribute to that timeless, elegant feeling that works beautifully for portraits.

Fit Matters More Than the Size on the Label

This is one area where I am quite particular.

Clothing that doesn’t fit properly can ruin an otherwise beautiful photograph.

That doesn’t mean your clothing needs to be tight.

In fact, oversized clothing can be beautiful when it is intentional and styled well.

The problem is clothing that simply hangs from the body without structure or shape.

The same is true in the opposite direction.

If something has become too tight, pulls across the body, creates uncomfortable lines, or makes you constantly adjust it, you are unlikely to feel confident wearing it.

And that will show in the photographs.

Your clothing should allow you to move, breathe, and feel comfortable.

Most importantly, it should fit you as you are today.

Don’t bring the dress you loved five years ago because you are hoping you’ll fit into it again.

Bring something that makes you feel beautiful now.

Please Iron Your Clothes

This sounds obvious, but it is worth saying.

Wrinkled clothing photographs as wrinkled clothing.

And in a professional portrait, especially a corporate headshot, wrinkles can make an otherwise polished look feel unfinished.

Before your session, make sure your clothing is:

• Clean
• Pressed or steamed
• In good condition
• Free from obvious stains or wear
• Properly fitted

It is one of those small details that makes a surprisingly big difference.

Your Accessories Should Reflect Your Personality

Accessories can tell us a lot about who you are.

If you have a big personality and work in a creative field, you might naturally wear statement jewellery, interesting glasses, bold accessories, or distinctive pieces.

Bring them.

They are part of your story.

If you work in finance or another more traditional corporate environment, your style may be more understated.

That can be equally beautiful.

Your accessories should support the image you are creating rather than compete with it.

There is no rule that says women over 40 should wear more — or less — jewellery.

Your accessories should look like you.

What About Shoes?

Shoes matter most when we are creating full-length portraits.

If your photograph will show your entire outfit, your shoes become part of the overall look.

They don’t necessarily need to be dramatic.

They simply need to complement the outfit and feel intentional.

If we are creating mostly waist-up or three-quarter portraits, shoes may not be an important consideration at all.

This is another reason I like to plan the session around the photographs we want to create rather than following a rigid list of wardrobe rules.

What Should You Avoid Wearing?

There are a few things I generally recommend leaving at home.

Clothing That Is Too Tight

If you’re constantly pulling, adjusting, or worrying about whether something is sitting correctly, you’re not going to feel relaxed.

And relaxation matters.

Clothing That Is Too Loose Without Intention

Oversized can be stylish.

But clothing that simply hangs without shape can sometimes hide your natural proportions and make the photograph feel less polished.

Anything Wrinkled

This one is easy.

Steam it.

Something You Would Never Normally Wear

This is perhaps the most important.

If you don’t feel like yourself in it, don’t wear it simply because you think a photoshoot requires it.

You want to look back at your photographs years from now and recognize yourself.

Don’t Dress for the Woman You Think You “Should” Be

This is particularly important for women in their 40s and 50s.

Your style may have changed.

Your body may have changed.

Your career may have changed.

Your life may have changed.

If you also find yourself avoiding photographs because you don’t like the way you look in them, I wrote more about why this happens in Why Do I Hate Photos of Myself? The Truth About Feeling Unphotogenic After 40

Maybe you’ve spent years dressing primarily for work, motherhood, or practicality.

Now you’re entering a different chapter.

This is one of the reasons I created the Ellahrika 40 Over 40 Experience — to give women the opportunity to celebrate who they are now, rather than waiting to become someone they think they need to be.

You may be asking:

“What do I actually like now?”

That’s an exciting question.

Your portrait session can be an opportunity to explore that.

Maybe you want something elegant.

Maybe you want something glamorous.

Maybe you want a powerful suit.

Maybe you want a beautiful dress.

Maybe you want all three.

There is no reason your wardrobe has to fit into one version of yourself.

A Real Client Example

One of my clients was a busy professional who knew she needed new professional headshots.

But she also wanted to create some photographs that were simply for herself.

The problem?

She had absolutely no idea what to bring.

Rather than expecting her to arrive with everything figured out, I gave her some suggestions and shared a Pinterest inspiration board so we could start thinking about the direction together.

I encouraged her to bring several additional outfit options.

When she arrived, we looked at everything together and chose the pieces that worked best.

That is often the easiest way to approach a portrait session.

You don’t have to know exactly what will work.

Bring options. Bring your personality. Bring an open mind.

We’ll figure out the rest together.

The Ellahrika Approach to Wardrobe

I don’t want a woman to look at her photographs and think:

“That’s a great outfit.”

I want her to think:

“Wow. That’s me.”

I want her to see herself as the best version of herself.

To think:

“I am beautiful.”

“I feel confident.”

“I can do anything I set my mind to.”

The clothing is simply part of the process that helps us get there.

The photograph is ultimately about you.

Your Portrait Wardrobe Checklist

Before your session, consider bringing:

• 3–4 potential final looks
• A few additional options
• Mostly solid colors
• One or two subtle patterns if they suit your style
• Pieces in colors that flatter your complexion
• Clothing that fits you comfortably now
• Accessories that reflect your personality
• Appropriate shoes for any full-length portraits
• Clothing that is clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free
• Pieces that make you feel confident

And most importantly:

Bring clothing that feels like you.

What If You Still Have No Idea What to Wear?

That’s okay.

Seriously.

You don’t need to become a stylist before your photoshoot.

This is something we can work through together.

The purpose of preparation is not to create more stress.

It is to give us options.

Sometimes the piece you thought would be perfect isn’t.

Sometimes the outfit you weren’t sure about turns out to be the one you love most.

That’s part of the creative process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a woman over 40 wear for a photoshoot?

Choose clothing that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident. Solid colors are often a great starting point, but subtle patterns and statement pieces can work beautifully when they feel authentic to you.

How many outfits should I bring to a portrait session?

I typically aim to create three to four final looks, but I recommend bringing a few extra options. Having choices allows us to select the pieces that photograph best and create variety in your final gallery.

Should I wear black for professional photos?

Black can photograph beautifully, but it isn’t automatically the best choice for everyone. Consider your complexion, the mood you want to create, and whether black is genuinely part of your personal style.

Are patterns okay for portraits?

Absolutely. I generally recommend mostly solid pieces, but subtle patterns can add personality and interest. The key is making sure the pattern complements rather than overwhelms you.

Should I buy a new outfit for my photoshoot?

Not necessarily. Your best outfit may already be in your closet. If you do shop for something new, choose a piece you genuinely love and would feel comfortable wearing beyond the photoshoot.

What should I avoid wearing for professional headshots?

Avoid clothing that is wrinkled, poorly fitted, uncomfortable, or so distracting that it becomes the focus of the photograph. Your clothing should support your professional image and still feel like you.

What if I don’t know what colors look good on me?

Start with the colors that consistently earn you compliments. You don’t need to know your official color season to identify shades that flatter your complexion and make you feel confident.

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The Most Important Thing to Wear Is Confidence

Your wardrobe matters.

Color matters.

Fit matters.

But none of those things matter as much as how you feel.

The right outfit should help you stand a little taller.

Relax your shoulders.

Smile a little more naturally.

And look at the woman in the photograph and think:

“Wow. That’s me.”

Not a younger version.

Not someone else’s version of beautiful.

Not someone you think you are supposed to be.

You. At your best.

And that is always the goal of an Ellahrika portrait.

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Ready to Create Portraits That Feel Like You?

If you’re a woman over 40 entering a new chapter and want photographs that reflect the woman you’ve become, the Ellahrika 40 Over 40 Experience was created for you.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate this stage of your life, explore your personal style, and create portraits that make you see yourself in a completely different way.

Explore the Ellahrika 40 Over 40 Experience →