Quick Guide: What NOT to Wear

Matching outfits or the same color for everyone
Athletic sneakers or uncomfortable shoes
Socks that don’t match the rest of the outfit
Shoes at the beach
Clothing that doesn’t fit well
Wrinkled clothes
Patterns with too much contrast
Bright white, neon colors, or too much black
Big logos, characters, or words on clothing
Digital watches (like an Apple Watch)

One of the most common questions I receive before a session is,

“What should we wear?”

Choosing outfits can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, especially when you want everything to look great together. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated.

The goal of this guide is simply to make the process easier and give you a few helpful tips so your photos look cohesive, natural, and timeless. Sometimes the easiest way to plan outfits is by starting with what not to wear. Avoiding a few common styling mistakes can make a big difference in how your photos look and feel.

Don't match, coordinate

Years ago it was very common for families to all wear the exact same color or outfit. These days, photos look much more natural when outfits are coordinated instead of matching. Rather than everyone wearing the same thing, try mixing colors and textures that complement each other.

For example:

One person wearing a soft floral dress
Someone else in cream or beige
Another person in tan or brown
Someone in a muted color like olive or soft blue

This creates depth and variety while still keeping the overall look cohesive.

Your feet matter more than you think

Shoes are one of the most overlooked details when planning outfits, but they can stand out a lot in photos. Athletic sneakers or bright shoes tend to draw attention right away, especially if the rest of the outfit is more neutral. Instead, try choosing shoes in softer tones like brown, tan, beige, or neutral sandals. These photograph much better and blend naturally with the overall look of your outfits.

Comfort is also important. During your session we’ll be walking, sitting, playing, and moving around, so comfortable shoes will make the experience much more relaxed.

If your session is at the beach, I recommend going barefoot.

Shoes tend to look out of place in sand and can interrupt the natural feel of the photos. Bare feet help keep the look relaxed, natural, and perfectly suited for the beach environment.

Make Sure Clothes Fit Well

As a mom, I know how quickly kids grow out of their clothes. It’s tempting to buy pieces that are one or two sizes bigger so they last a little longer and I completely understand that. However, photo sessions are one of the times when it’s best for clothing to fit just right.

Clothes that are too big can look baggy in photos and may take away from the polished look of the images. Outfits that fit well, or are even just slightly snug, photograph much better and help keep the overall look clean and put together.

When you feel comfortable, it shows in the photos.

For example:

Shirts that are too short can lift when arms are raised
Dresses that are very short may feel uncomfortable during movement
Clothes that need constant adjusting can make people feel less relaxed

A little mom tip that makes a big difference

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom, it’s that kids don’t stop moving… especially during photos. They sit, jump, run, climb, twirl and in all that movement, little things like underwear or diapers can easily peek through.

And while it’s completely normal, it can be a bit distracting in photos and take away from that clean, timeless look we all love.

That’s why I always recommend something simple: for little girls, adding shorts or bloomers under dresses.

It’s not about being strict it’s just a small, thoughtful detail that keeps everything looking more polished and lets the focus stay on your little one, exactly where it should be.

Avoid Busy or High-Contrast Patterns

Patterns can look beautiful in photos when used thoughtfully, but certain ones tend to photograph poorly.

Try to avoid:

Tiny checker patterns
Thin stripes that are very close together
Patterns with very strong contrast

These patterns can look distracting or even create strange visual effects in photos. Instead, softer patterns like florals, textures, or subtle prints tend to work much better.

Avoid Busy or High-Contrast Patterns unless we are doing a studio shoot and your clothing will be the protagonist

Be Mindful of Colors

Color plays a big role in the overall look of your photos. Certain colors can be a little tricky on camera.

Try to avoid:

Neon colors
Bright white
Too much solid black

Neon colors tend to reflect onto skin tones, bright white can sometimes appear too harsh in certain lighting, and solid black can lose detail in photos.

Instead, softer tones tend to photograph beautifully. Colors like cream, beige, olive, tan, soft gray, and muted pastels work really well and keep the focus on you rather than the clothing.

Don’t Stress About Styling

The most important thing to remember is that your outfits don’t have to be perfect. The goal is simply to choose pieces that feel comfortable, natural, and that coordinate well together.

And the good news is you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

When you book a session with me, I help guide you through the entire styling process so everything feels easy and stress-free.

I also offer access to my Client Closet, which includes carefully selected pieces that photograph beautifully. Many clients love using the closet because it removes the stress of shopping and coordinating outfits.

If you’d like help planning your outfits, I’m always happy to help style your entire session and even create inspiration boards so everything comes together effortlessly.

My goal is simple: to make the whole experience relaxed, fun, and easy so you can focus on enjoying the moment while I capture it.

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What NOT to Wear for a Photo Shoot in San Diego