My guide is based on my style, everything I choose is meant to look good in my photography service. But feel free to use my recommendations if you are a fellow photographer for your own work if you like my style!
Best choices:
Solid colors are great, precise or oversized fit is always better than tight.
Avoid complicated patterns, big logos and illustrations.
Best dark colors: navy blue, dark crimson, emerald green, deep purple, rusty orange, brown, dark grey, black is good too but works best if the fabric has texture.
Best light colors: ivory, beige, grey, bluish grey, and white is good if the fabric has texture.
I'd avoid neon-like bright colors and saturated colors near your face because they can affect appearance of your skin, especially if your skin is light.
Best fabrics:
Linen is my go to fabric for summer photoshoots.
Cotton, silk, satin and chiffon are also great.
Leather or leather-like, velvet is awesome too, if itβs not too much of it, not the entire look.
Fabrics to avoid:
Stretchy βribbedβ or even smooth polyester, metallic shiny texture. Too much lace might be distracting too, but it looks good in boudoir photoshoots.
FOR COUPLE/GROUP PHOTOSHOOTS:
It's important that everyone involved has something in common in their outfits like colors and/or textures. It doesn't have to be matching, but should combine nicely. I'll help you choose of course. Most of the colors and fabrics I listed above combine well with each other.
For everyone:
For dogs:
For kids:
I strongly advise against shirts with cartoon characters or texts like "Daddy's drinking buddy" (for real, I saw it while working on this listing). For professional photoshoot it's always best to choose timeless, stylish designs. They cost the same or even less, but how much better they look! Also consider the impression of these pictures in a few years, when your kid will grow.
The exception is when your kid's entire mood depends on if they wear their favorite character's print on their shirt. Better have them wearing Mickey Mouse than have them grumpy or crying.