Photoshoot Outfit Guide for Your Next Studio Portrait Session

Planning outfits for any photoshoot can feel like a lot. But when you’re showing up to preserve your life story with a Legacy Portrait Session, it can feel downright intimidating. You’re thinking about what looks good, what tells your story, what makes you feel confident, what your daughter’s going to roll her eyes at (but secretly love), and maybe even coordinating across three generations. Whew!

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.

This photoshoot outfit guide walks you through exactly what to wear for your studio family portrait, how to choose outfits that feel meaningful and flattering, and what kinds of styles work best inside our photo studio in Durham, NC.

Spoiler: you don’t need to show up dressed like Heidi Klum posing in lingerie with her daughter and mother (yes, that happened… and yes, I screamed when I saw it). But hey—if you want to bring the runway vibes, I’m here for it. Thigh-high slit optional.

What Kind of Legacy Portrait Will You Take?

The first decision to make is who’s coming to the party.

Will this be a solo session to honor your journey? A milestone birthday gift to yourself? Or maybe a multi-generational photoshoot with your daughter, your mama, and the grandbaby who rules the family group chat?

Whether you’re documenting five generations of fierce women or just want to feel your most confident self in front of the lens, every kind of legacy deserves to be seen.

Photoshoot Outfit Guide: What Should You Wear?

This guide is centered around my hot take: go for the full fashion spectrum.

✨ Pro Tip: Plan for 3-4 outfits that range in style and level of formality.

Outfit 1:

Start with a more everyday, casual look that you feel ultra comfortable in. This can simply be an elevated version of what you wear on a daily basis. Choose colors, fabrics, and fits that flatter your body on camera. I love chic denim paired with a vest, a soft knit set, a casual wrap dress, or flowy wide-leg pants and a blouse.

Outfit 2:

With outfit number two, take your casual look and elevate it. This should be a step up from what you might normally wear with accessories that kick it up a notch. Think a silky blouse, a fitted dress, or a tailored jumpsuit.

Outfit 3:

For your next outfit, we love to see a more formal look. Photoshoot outfit ideas for women over 40 and 50 don't have to be boring! You can choose a floor length gown, a badass business professional look, or that vintage designer look that’s been sitting in your closet waiting for its big debut. This outfit should make you feel beautiful, powerful, and totally confident on camera.

Outfit 4:

For your fourth and final look, get creative. Maybe you’ve been eyeing a bold monochromatic look but can’t think of anywhere to wear it. Maybe you want to recreate a red carpet look that really inspires you. Or maybe you want to coordinate outfits with your daughter. No matter what you choose, this is your opportunity to really have fun piecing together a special outfit!

If you’re feeling a little lost or if fashion isn’t really your thing, don’t worry! Beyond this photoshoot outfit guide, I’ll help you style everything—plus, you’ll get hair + makeup support with your session!

Need some more outfit inspiration? Check out my curated Pinterest boards here!

Photoshoot Outfit Styling Tips

When in doubt:

• Choose solid colors or gentle patterns (avoid bold logos or graphics)

• Think elegant, classic silhouettes over super trendy fads (unless that trend is very you)

• Texture photographs beautifully—lace, silk, denim, knits? Yes, please.

• Shoes matter, but we may kick them off too!

And hey, if you do have the urge to show up in full glam with a floor-length gown and fierce lashes, just say the word. Cue wind machine.

Mother-Daughter Photoshoot Outfit Guidance

Coordinated doesn’t mean carbon copy. Instead of matching outfits, think of ways to use complementary color palettes to your advantage. Creams, earth tones, jewel hues, or pastels all look amazing when styled with intention.

Love a bold pattern? Great. Have your daughter wear a solid color that complements it. Layers and accessories can bring harmony without being too “matchy-matchy”.

Real Looks: Photoshoot Outfit Inspiration from Clients

What Is a Legacy Portrait Session?

In case you’re new here (hi, welcome!), Legacy Portrait Sessions are a special offering I created to honor the stories we often don’t slow down to capture. They’re about preserving connections. Between mothers and daughters, grandmothers and grandbabies, or even just you and the legacy you’ve built on your own.

Born from my own grief after losing my mother in 2024, these sessions hold my heart. They’re emotional, powerful, joyful, and yes—sometimes we cry. But most of all, they’re about celebrating the love that lives on through every generation. Read more about why these sessions mean so much to me right here.

Planning Your Portraits at the Pink Owl Photography Studio

Whether you’re the matriarch of a whole legacy or a daughter honoring her first home—these portraits are for you.

You don’t need to be a model. You don’t need to lose ten pounds. You don’t need to wear matching flower crowns with your daughter. You just need to show up with your heart open and your story ready to be told.

Ready to create something timeless?

Let’s design your Legacy Portrait Session together: Book A Consult Here

With love,

Geni