Listen, I’m a big fan of self-expression. Wear what makes you feel amazing!


Just maybe not for your photoshoot.


Here’s a lovingly compiled list of what not to wear when you step in front of my camera — brought to you by the personal experiences of all the fashion choices my poor mom has had to talk me out of for the past 30 years of family pictures. If you think I'm kidding, here is a picture of the night I got engaged.


You, like my mom, are probably about to say, "Oh, did you go country dancing or something?" And the answer is nope. We just both happened to feel like bright and colorful plaid that day apparently. Brand new engagement ring? Where even are you in this picture?


It's one of my favorite pictures EVER. Just not for any sort of aesthetic reasons. For the tears that came out from laughing so hard I cried when my mom asked me why in the world we were wearing so much plaid if we weren't going to a themed event.


It's real and silly and perfect and I'm also so grateful my mom surprised me the next day arriving from a whole state away to take fun engagement pictures and spend a weekend shopping and planning.

So, while I am someone that will encourage your self expression and think personality is more important than all the technical stuff, here are a few rules that can help your photos come out without distractions.

1. Neon Colors That Can Be Seen From Space

Unless you’re trying to cosplay a traffic cone, please skip the highlighter yellow. Neon tends to reflect light back onto your skin in unflattering ways. You may feel like a pop star, but you’ll look like a radioactive banana.


2. Tiny, Distracting Logos or Words

Sure, your shirt says “Live, Laugh, Love,” but no one will be doing any of those things when they realize your family Christmas card now looks like a motivational poster from 2008. Also, that Nike swoosh will outlive us all.


3. Matching Khakis and White Shirts

You know how zebra stripes work? Yeah. Wearing exactly the same colors and patterns as everyone in your group has the same effect.


4. Sunglasses... on Your Head... the Whole Time

You might think they look casual and cool up there. But in every single shot, we’ll be wondering, “Did they forget? Are they going back outside? Are they planning a heist?”

Bonus points if they leave indents on your forehead.


5. Anything That Requires Tape or Too Much Faith

If your outfit needs a backup team of wardrobe assistants or a prayer circle to stay in place, it’s probably not the best choice. You want to focus on smiling, not whether your top is planning an escape mission.


6. Uncomfortable Shoes You Secretly Hate

You’re going to walk, stand, maybe frolic. If your feet are staging a rebellion, it’ll show in your face. And possibly in the part where you throw the shoes in a bush halfway through the shoot.


7. Camouflage (Especially in Nature Shoots)

Unless your dream photo is “Where’s Waldo: Wilderness Edition,” let’s skip the camo. We want to see you — not spend 20 minutes editing your body back into the background.


8. Wrinkly Everything

I have Photoshop, yes. But I’d rather use it to enhance your natural glow than to iron your entire outfit pixel by pixel. Give your clothes a quick steam or iron, and your future self will thank you.


Bonus: What You Should Wear Instead

  • Soft, solid colors or subtle patterns
  • Clothes that fit and feel like you
  • Layers and textures (cardigans, scarves, etc.)
  • Confidence (seriously, it’s the best accessory)


At the end of the day, wear what makes you feel awesome. But maybe just leave the blinking light-up belt at home this time.

Got questions or outfit panic? I’m always happy to help you plan your look. Let’s make photo day stress-free — and fabulous.