What to Wear for Your St. Louis Brand Photos (so you actually like the results)

Let’s be honest—figuring out what to wear for brand photos can feel like a full-time job. You want to look professional but not stiff, stylish but still like yourself, elevated but also comfortable. And then there’s the panic spiral: Do I need ten outfits? Should I match my website colors? Is it weird if I wear jeans?

Take a breath, friend. It doesn’t have to be that complicated.

Whether you’re prepping for your first brand shoot or just want to feel more confident in front of the camera this time around, here are my tried-and-true tips for what to wear—so you walk away with photos you actually love and want to use everywhere.

Start With Your Brand

Before you reach for anything in your closet, pause and think about your brand personality. How do you want people to feel when they interact with you online? Are you calm and grounded, fun and colorful, modern and edgy, warm and earthy?

Your wardrobe should support that vibe. Your audience should be able to feel your brand just by glancing at your photos. That doesn’t mean dressing up like someone else—it means being intentional with what you already love to wear.

Build From Neutrals

Neutrals are your best friend when it comes to brand photos. They’re timeless, clean, and easy to layer. Think ivory, soft gray, black, camel, taupe, or denim. Start with those pieces as your foundation, and then sprinkle in a few thoughtful pops of color or pattern that feel true to your brand.

Neutrals also help your face and expression stand out—you are the main character here.

Layers and Textures

The camera loves depth. Adding in a cozy sweater, denim jacket, structured blazer, or textured top adds visual interest without feeling busy. Think beyond just color—consider fabrics too: cotton, linen, leather, knit, or silk can all add richness to your final gallery.

Bonus: layering gives you more variety in a short amount of time without a full outfit change.

Prioritize Fit and Comfort

If you’re tugging, adjusting, or constantly wondering “does this look weird?”—you won’t feel relaxed in front of the camera. The best outfit is one that fits well, feels good, and flatters your shape.

You don’t need to be trendy or wear something new. You just need to wear what feels like your best version of yourself. I always recommend testing your outfits ahead of time—walk around, sit down, move your arms, spin in the mirror. Confidence starts with comfort.

Be Intentional with Color

Once you’ve got your base pieces, think about adding in color thoughtfully. Choose shades that complement your skin tone and support your brand. For example, if your website is filled with warm, cozy earth tones, a bright neon top might feel jarring next to your brand visuals. But a rich rust blouse? Perfect.

Solid colors tend to photograph better than busy patterns, and soft or muted versions of your brand palette are a great place to start.

Think About Where You’ll Use These Photos

Are you planning to update your website? Need content for Instagram? Hoping for a great new profile photo, banner image, and a few storytelling shots?

Bring 2–3 complete looks to cover a range of uses. I love helping my clients choose a mix—maybe one professional and polished, one relaxed and lifestyle-inspired, and one that’s just playful and fun. Think about the full story of your brand and how we can reflect that across your wardrobe choices.

A Few Final Tips to Make It All Come Together

Bring a backup, just in case. (Spills and surprises happen!)

Try on every outfit ahead of time, head to toe. Don’t forget undergarments, shoes, and jewelry.

Steam or iron your clothes the night before your shoot so everything is fresh and wrinkle-free.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe to have beautiful, on-brand photos. You just need to show up as you—with intention, clarity, and a few key pieces that support the story you’re telling.

When we work together on your St. Louis brand session, I’ll guide you through it all. From outfit planning to location choices, I’m here to make sure your final gallery feels aligned, confident, and completely you.

And if you’re staring at your closet wondering…. what even is my style right now? — I got you.

Feel free to text or email me outfit options anytime. I’m always happy to give feedback so you feel confident heading into your session.

Need even more help? Consider hiring a stylist! It’s a game-changer if you’re feeling overwhelmed or want an expert to pull together looks that elevate your brand.

Also, don’t sleep on rentals! I personally love services like Nuuly—they’re perfect for trying something fun or a little out of the box without going broke. Renting can help you step outside your everyday wardrobe and lean into the version of you your audience needs to see.

So when in doubt, remember: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’m here to help every step of the way.