What to Wear for Your Branding Session: Outfits That Photograph Like a Boss

Brand Photoshoot Clothing Ideas

Cue the confetti!🎉You’ve booked your branding session. 

Now comes the big question: what on earth do I wear?!

Choosing outfits for your branding photos can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while sipping coffee with one hand. 😄 You want to look professional but not stiff, stylish but not fake, and still feel like you. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a drama-filled ordeal.

Today, we’re ditching the panic and going full “data over drama” (a genius mindset from pro stylist Katherine Bignon). I’ll walk you through exactly how to pick outfits that flatter you, fit your brand, and photograph beautifully…minus the closet meltdown.

1. The “Data Over Drama” Mindset

Instead of spiraling into “I have nothing to wear,” take a breath and pull the data.

Start by asking these three questions:
1️⃣ What’s the context? (Where are we shooting — studio, city streets, coffee shop, or your office?)
2️⃣ What’s your style? (Are you bold and creative, soft and minimal, or business-chic with a twist?)
3️⃣ How can we merge those together? (Think: your favorite go-to look, elevated just enough for camera day.)

Try picking three words that describe your brand style — for example, “approachable, creative, confident.” Then, when you’re deciding what to wear, hold each outfit up and ask, “Does this match those three words?”

If yes → it’s a keeper.
If no → back to the closet, my friend.

2. Outfit Strategy for Your Branding Session

Let’s get down to the practical stuff — what actually looks good on camera (and still feels like you could go grab tacos afterward).

👗Fit & Comfort

Clothes that fit well photograph well. Period.
If something pulls, gaps, or you can’t raise your arms comfortably, it’ll show. Do a little “comfort test run” the week before. Sit, walk, pose, laugh. If it passes the comfort test, it’s a winner.

👗Color, Pattern & Branding

You don’t have to wear your brand colors head-to-toe, but a nod to your palette helps your photos feel cohesive. Neutrals + pops of your signature color = the sweet spot ✨

Avoid tiny patterns or loud prints that can distract from your face. Instead, look for texture like knits, linen, denim, or silk — things that add visual interest without chaos.

And definitely think about your location. A sage green dress in a field? Gorgeous. The same dress in front of a green wall? You might disappear like a (fashionable) chameleon.

👗Multiple Looks = More Versatility

If your session allows, plan 2–4 outfits that show different sides of your brand:

• “At work” look — polished and professional
  
  
• “Casual you” — approachable and real
  
  
• “Elevated you” — something bold or statement-worthy

These looks give you tons of variety for your website, social media, and future marketing content. (And of course I’ll help you plan it all before we shoot!)

👗Accessorize, But Keep It You

Accessories add personality, but less is often more. A layered necklace, a favorite pair of earrings, a fun hat — these add flair without stealing the show.

And don’t forget the small stuff: shoes, undergarments, and any little touch that boosts your confidence.

👗Plan for How You’ll Use the Photos

Think beyond Instagram! Your branding photos will live everywhere — your website, email signature, LinkedIn, podcast features, you name it.

Choose at least one timeless outfit you’ll still love a year from now, and one trendy or seasonal look to keep things fresh.

3. Your Pre-Session Wardrobe Checklist

Because who doesn’t love a good checklist?

✅ Choose 3 words that describe your brand style
✅ Review your shoot locations and plan colors that complement them
✅ Pick 2–4 outfits that fit well and feel comfortable
✅ Include one “neutral classic” and one “statement” look
✅ Test everything: sit, walk, laugh — do you feel comfortable and like you?
✅ Steam and pack your outfits in a garment bag
✅ Bring accessories, shoes, and backups (because spills happen)
✅ Toss in a lint roller, safety pins, and a bottle of water

4. How I Help You Look & Feel Like the Best Version of You

This is a lot of info, but don’t panic. I don’t expect you to figure this all out alone! Of course, you can hire a professional stylist, which I highly recommend. But if that’s not in the budget, I’m totally available to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and match your brand’s personality.

I’ve had clients walk into sessions worried their outfit “wasn’t right” — only to end up using those very photos on their homepage, Instagram, and podcast covers. It’s not about having the fanciest outfit. It’s about showing up confident and comfortable.

5. A Final Note

Your branding photos aren’t just pretty pictures. They’re your business’s first impression, your digital handshake, your online smile.

So skip the stress-shopping spiral and go with outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely you.

When you do that? Your photos won’t just look amazing, they’ll work for you.

Now...Let's get YOU in front of the camera!

If you’re ready to elevate your marketing with brand photos that speak to your ideal clients, you’re in the right place.

I’m Cheryl Jackson, an OKC based branding photographer, and I specialize in branding photos for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Whether you need fresh headshots, product shots, or lifestyle images, I’ve got you covered.

Let's create photos that help your business grow — because you deserve to feel confident in how you show up online!