What to Wear for Your Personal Branding Photoshoot (and What to Avoid)
Your Outfit Sets the Tone for Your Entire Brand
Your personal branding photos are more than pretty pictures — they’re your first impression.
Before potential clients read a word of your website or Instagram bio, they’re judging credibility, style, and confidence based on your visuals.
If you’re a Spokane or Coeur d’Alene businesswoman — a real estate agent, coach, influencer, or creative — choosing the right wardrobe can make all the difference. The wrong colors or fits can distract from your message; the right ones help people instantly trust and connect with you.
Let’s walk through exactly what to wear, what to avoid, and how to feel amazing on camera.
(Download a PDF version of this guide, including additional photo examples, on the resources page of our website)
1. Choose Outfits That Reflect Your Brand Identity
Before you even open your closet, think about how you want people to feel when they see your photos.
Are you aiming for professional and polished, creative and approachable, or modern and minimalist?
Your clothing should express your brand personality. For example:
A real estate agent might choose tailored blazers, neutral tones, and clean lines.
A wellness coach could opt for soft fabrics, natural hues, and comfortable silhouettes.
A creative entrepreneur might mix bold colors and artistic accessories.
Ask yourself: Would I wear this to meet my ideal client in person? If the answer is yes, it’s probably perfect for your shoot. If you're a casual person and would never wear a suit coat, jeans and a henley t-shirt might be a better fit.
2. Opt for Versatility and Variety
During a branding session, variety keeps your content fresh for months. Bring 3–5 looks that express different facets of your brand:
Professional: Think headshots, website banners, and LinkedIn.
Casual-Chic: Great for social media, podcasts, or creative marketing.
Statement Look: Something bold that feels distinctly you.
Layering is your best friend — cardigans, scarves, or accessories can create new combinations quickly.
Aim for outfits you could actually wear to client meetings or events; authenticity always translates best on camera.
Sometimes we just don't know what will work best on camera until you're in front of it. So bring extra outfits just in case. More options is better!
3. Prioritize Comfort and Confidence
The number-one secret to looking confident in photos? Feeling comfortable.
If an outfit pinches, pulls, or makes you second-guess yourself, it will show.
Stick with silhouettes you already love.
Bring backups in case something feels off.
Avoid overly tight sleeves or sheer fabrics that limit movement.
When you’re relaxed, your body language opens up — and that’s when your true personality shines.
4. Choose Flattering Colors and Textures
Color psychology matters. Each tone evokes emotion:
Blues: trustworthy, calm
Neutrals: timeless, minimal
Jewel tones: confident, bold
Pastels: creative, gentle
Avoid pure white outdoors (it can overexpose) and neon hues that reflect oddly on skin.
Too much black can be overpowering and, contrary to popular belief, can actually make you look larger instead of slimmer. Black makes skin tones on most people look dull, so if you do opt for black, try to add a pop of color near your face, with a scarf or jewelry.
Mix textures — silk, linen, denim — to add visual depth, especially for close-ups.
Avoid busy patterns, unless they are part of your brand image.
📍 Pro Tip for Spokane & Coeur d’Alene Clients:
Outdoor sessions often include greenery, brick, or water backdrops. Avoid wearing shades that blend into those tones (like green at Manito Park or blue near Lake CDA). Instead, choose contrasting colors that make you pop.
5. Pay Attention to Grooming and Accessories
Simple details can make a major difference:
Get a trim or color touch-up about a week before.
Schedule a manicure and pedicure.
Hydrate well and moisturize your skin.
Consider having your hair and make-up professional done if you want to look extra polished
When it comes to accessories, keep them cohesive with your brand aesthetic. A timeless watch, simple jewelry, or textured scarf can elevate your look without distraction.
6. Pack Smart & Stay Organized
Create a simple “shoot bag”:
Extra outfits & shoes
Steamer or wrinkle-release spray
Makeup touch-ups & hairbrush
Props that tell your story (laptop, notebook, product sample, coffee mug)
Having everything prepped means you’ll stay calm and collected — and that calm confidence translates into stunning images.
7. Think Ahead — The Week Before & Day Of
Drink plenty of water and rest.
Get your roots and nails photo-ready.
Iron and hang outfits the night before.
Arrive with clean, moisturized skin and dry hair if you’re using a stylist.
📍 Bonus tip: Spokane mornings often start cool and warm up fast — bring layers if shooting outdoors.
Click here to read more tips on how to prepare for your Spokane branding photoshoot.
8. Ask For Feedback or Hire A Stylist
Included in your WorkStory Branding Photography Session is a planning meeting where we'll discuss what to wear if needed. You're always welcome to send me photos of your outfits for feedback. With our top tier sessions I can provide a Pinterest board of outfit ideas that will represent your brand and personality effectively and look great on camera.
If you're really amping up your personal brand image as a speaker, author or consultant needing to make frequent public appearances, I recommend you have a color analysis and style consultation done. Do this several weeks or months before your session so you have time to overhaul your wardrobe. Don't feel pressured to get this done before your shoot, however. You likely have some outfits you feel confident in already in your closet.
Final Thoughts:
A personal branding photoshoot is your chance to express the professional and personal sides of who you are. With thoughtful wardrobe planning and a photographer who understands how to pose you beautifully, you’ll walk away with images that make you feel proud, confident, and ready to show up in your business like never before.
P.S. If you’re ready to show up with confidence and clarity, I’d love to connect. Head over to the Contact Page to send a note, schedule a video chat, or join The Inland Edit—my monthly guide to personal branding and visual storytelling.
