What to Wear for Your First Brand Shoot: A Simple Guide

You’ve booked your first brand shoot. Exciting! But now comes the question every single client asks me: what on earth do I wear?

Don’t worry – this isn’t about spending thousands on a new wardrobe or trying to look like someone you’re not. It’s about choosing outfits that make you feel confident, work well on camera, and tell the right story about your brand.

Here’s my simple guide to nailing What to Wear for Your First Brand Shoot.

Start with Comfort and Confidence

If you feel awkward in an outfit, it will show. Forget squeezing into something that makes you self-conscious. Choose clothes that feel good to move in and give you confidence. Comfort doesn’t mean scruffy, it means no tugging, no worrying about straps, and no “can you Photoshop my muffin top?”

Think in Colours, Not Just Clothes

Solid colours photograph beautifully, while busy patterns can be distracting. Stick to your brand palette if you have one (and it actually suits you) – it keeps everything consistent across your website and socials.
Not sure what works best? Bring a mix: one neutral, one bold, and one that just feels like “you.”

And if you need help with your “colours” don’t forget the experts… I highly recommend getting your colours done by someone like Dawn Farr (I had mine done last year and it’s made a massive difference to my confidence on camera.

Variety is Key

The biggest mistake is bringing just one outfit. Aim for 2 outfits per hour of shooting. That way, you’ll have images that feel fresh across different platforms. A good mix might look like this:

• A smart, professional look (great for LinkedIn and press).
• A relaxed, lifestyle outfit (perfect for Instagram or blog posts).
• A statement piece that shows personality (because you’re more than just your job).

Layer It Up

Layers add instant variety without needing a full outfit change. A blazer, jacket, or scarf can quickly transform your look. Plus, it gives you different textures and tones for your gallery.

Simply adding or removing items of clothing can change the whole look of a photo.

Shoes & Accessories Matter Too

Yes, the camera will pick up your shoes. So don’t rock up in battered trainers unless that’s your brand. Jewellery, watches, glasses, all these little details can either pull your look together or distract completely. Keep it intentional.

But remember that YOU are the star of the shoot – and for a lot of photos your shoes are just not going to be the focus!

Avoid Last-Minute Wardrobe Mishaps

Try everything on beforehand. Move around in it. Sit down. Check for creases, transparency, or labels still attached (yes, I’ve Photoshopped plenty out). The more prepared you are, the smoother the shoot will go.

Pack for Options

Even if you think you won’t use them, pack extra tops, shoes, and accessories. Better to have choices on the day than regret not throwing something in your bag.

What to Wear for Your First Brand Shoot should be easy. Not an uncomfortable costume, not a carbon copy of someone else. When your outfits reflect your personality and your brand, the confidence comes naturally — and that’s what really shines on camera.

And thats why we plan all of this at our pre-shoot planning call! You don’t have to do this alone.