What to Wear for Your Branding Session in Silver Spring, MD: Real Outfit Ideas That Photograph Well

If your closet is causing you major angst or question your ability to pull off a brand shoot, the “I have nothing to wear,” complex puts you in good company. This is one of the most common questions I get from business owners planning their photos. The good news is you don’t need a designer wardrobe or twenty new outfits. You just need a few intentional pieces that help you feel confident and show up as the person behind your brand.

Outfits are less about perfection and more about how you want people to feel when they land on your website or see you in their feed. Approachable. Trustworthy. Warm. Capable. That’s the goal.

Let’s walk through some simple, real-world ideas so choosing what to wear feels easy, not stressful.

Branding image for The Rosewood Firm
Hair and Makeup by StylesbyFaithh

Start with how you want your audience to feel

Most people start by asking, “What looks good on camera?”
A better question is, “What do I want clients to feel when they see me?”

Do you want to feel polished and professional?
Relaxed and relatable?
Creative and full of energy?
Grounded and steady?

When you start with the feeling, everything else falls into place. Your clothes should support the story you’re trying to tell.

Brand image for Kelly B Haney Wellness
Hair and Makeup by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

Colors that photograph beautifully

In my Silver Spring studio, soft and natural colors work best. Outdoors in DC or Montgomery County, neutrals and earth tones always read clean and timeless. A few color ideas that never fail:

• Soft blues and greens

• Whites, creams, oatmeal, and warm beige

• Muted pinks

• Navy

• Camel and warm browns

• Denim in any wash

Brand image for Holly Wiggins of Ladies Level Up
Hair and Makeup by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

These colors keep the focus on you, not the clothes. They also pair well with a wide range of backdrops, whether we’re in the studio, at a park, in a cozy office, or in a natural outdoor space.

Real outfit formulas from real clients

Here are five simple outfit ideas that always translate well on camera. They come from actual people I’ve photographed across the DMV, from therapists and attorneys to wellness coaches and creatives.

1. The Professional Polished Look

Great for: therapists, consultants, attorneys, financial professionals

Pieces that work:

• Fitted blazer

• Solid tank or blouse

• Tailored pants or a fitted midi dress

• Simple jewelry

• Neutral flats or low heels

Why it works: It feels confident without being stiff and gives you clean lines in both studio and outdoor settings.

2. The Casual Confident Look

Great for: coaches, creatives, small business owners

Pieces that work:

• Soft sweater or textured knit

• Dark or medium wash jeans

• Sneakers or ankle boots

• Minimal jewelry

Why it works: It feels approachable, relaxed, and very human. Perfect for brands built on trust and connection.

Brand image for Regnier Restorative Couseling

3. The Elevated Neutral Look

Great for: wellness brands, counselors, healers, holistic practitioners

Pieces that work:

• Flowy blouse or wrap top

• Light jeans or soft trousers

• Barefoot in the studio or simple sandals outdoors

• Delicate jewelry

Brand image for My Dance DC

Why it works: Neutrals photograph beautifully and create a calm, grounded feel that matches wellness-focused brands.

4. The Bold Color Pop Look

Great for: personalities with high energy or brands that love color

Pieces that work:

• Jewel-toned dress or blouse

• Vibrant blazer

• Modern jumpsuit

• Neutral shoes

Brand image for Holly Wiggins of Ladies Level Up
Hair and Makeup by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

Why it works: Color can tell a story fast. A single bold piece brings energy without overwhelming the frame.

5. The Studio-Friendly Look

Great for: anyone shooting in my Silver Spring studio

Pieces that work:

• Layers (cardigans, blazers, wraps)

• Soft textures

• Clean lines

• Simple earrings or a necklace

Why it works: Layers create variety. You can go from polished to relaxed in seconds without a full outfit change.

Brand image for Parezo Law
Hair and Makeup by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

What to avoid

A few small choices make a big difference on camera.

Skip:

• Tiny prints that create distraction

• Loud logos

• Neon colors

• Clothes that wrinkle easily

• Anything you constantly tug or adjust

• All-black outfits in bright spaces

If an outfit makes you fidget in your kitchen, it will make you fidget on camera.

How many outfits to bring

For a standard branding session, two main looks are perfect. If we’re in the studio, bring one extra layering piece so we have a third option without a full change.

If you’re planning a longer session with multiple locations, three looks work well. A simple structure is:

• One polished

• One relaxed

• One with color or personality

Most clients are surprised by how many images they can get out of two thoughtful looks.

Brand image for Hungry Wolf Consulting
Hair and Makeup by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

A quick, simple checklist

Before you head out the door, run through this:

• Do the clothes fit comfortably?

• Can you sit, stand, and move with ease?

• Are the pieces cohesive with your brand colors and vibe?

• Do you feel like yourself?

• Do the clothes need a quick steam?

• Do you have accessories that support, not distract?

If the answer is yes, you’re ready.

If you’re unsure, I’ll help you choose

Outfit planning is part of every branding experience with me. If you’re ever torn between two tops or aren’t sure what fits the mood of your brand, just send photos or bring a few options. We’ll make decisions together.

If you’re ready to start planning your session in Silver Spring or anywhere in the DMV, reach out and we’ll talk through ideas that fit your story, your business, and the person you’re becoming.

Helping Professionals Step Confidently Into What’s Next

Over the past few months, I’ve had the honor of supporting federal workers who are unsure about their employment through discounted headshot sessions. Each one has reminded me that there is so much talent, experience, and heart behind every résumé.

Mary was one of those people who immediately made an impression. She arrived after having her makeup done with Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry, who has also been generously offering a discount to federal employees during this season as well.

The images from her session reflect someone poised, capable, and hopeful. Sometimes a simple headshot session becomes so much more; it becomes a reminder of resilience and new beginnings.

I’m so grateful for the chance to use photography as a way to serve during this time, and I’ve loved partnering with other small businesses like Val to support these incredible professionals as they step into what’s next.