Figuring out what to wear for your brand photos is stressful enough. Add summer heat into the mix, and suddenly you’re really starting to sweat!

But with the right outfit strategy, you can show up for your summer brand session feeling confident, camera-ready — and yes, comfortable — without overheating or overthinking it.

If you’ve booked a Summer Power Hour — or you’re thinking about it — here are my favorite outfit tips to help you look professional, stay cool, and actually enjoy being in front of the camera.

1️⃣ Choose Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics

Even though your photo shoot will likely be in an air-conditioned studio, summer brand photos are not the time for heavy knits or stiff fabrics. Stick to breathable materials like:

✔️ Cotton
✔️ Linen
✔️ Lightweight blends
✔️ Flowy, breathable dresses or tops

These fabrics keep you cool, comfortable, and photograph beautifully — no unwanted clinginess or sweat stains sneaking into your gallery.

2️⃣ Lean into Light or Mid-Tone Colors

Summer is the perfect season to lean into softer, flattering tones like:

✔️ Whites, creams, and pastels
✔️ Mid-tone blues, greens, corals, or pinks
✔️ Soft patterns or subtle prints

Pro Tip: Always avoid tiny stripes or bold, high-contrast patterns — they tend to get distorted on camera and can distract from your face.

3️⃣ Layer for Variety (Without Overheating)

Want different looks without a full outfit change? Bring a lightweight jacket, kimono, or flowy button-up to toss on between shots.

It adds dimension to your photos and gives you more content — no sweating required.

4️⃣ Don’t Overthink Accessories — But Don’t Skip Them

Accessories instantly elevate a simple outfit:

✔️ Statement earrings
✔️ A favorite necklace
✔️ Your go-to coffee cup or laptop
✔️ Sunnies or flip flops if you’re really leaning into the summery vibe for your photos

Accessories bring personality to your photos — just make sure they reflect your brand, not just trends.

5️⃣ Pay Attention to the Details

You’ll be amazed how often little details show up in your brand photos. Don’t forget:

✔️ Well-groomed nails (neutral polish or clean and simple)
✔️ Hydrated skin (summer glow > summer shine) — a spray tan is OK, but be sure it’s light because the camera can you turn you orange quick!
✔️ Comfortable, clean shoes (even if they’re off-camera — they impact your posture and movement)

6️⃣ Most Importantly — Wear What Makes You Feel Like YOU

The best brand photos happen when you feel confident, comfortable, and aligned with your brand. If you feel awkward or out of character in your outfit, it will show on camera — no matter how gorgeous the backdrop is.

Remember, what you wear isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up as the real, confident version of you your clients are excited to work with.

Want Even More Outfit Tips?

I just updated my What to Wear for Your Brand Photos Guide — packed with seasonal outfit inspiration, visual examples, and my go-to do’s and don’ts to help you feel fully prepared for your session.

✨ Grab your free What to Wear Guide here. ✨

Whether you’re booking a Summer Power Hour Session or planning ahead for your next brand shoot, this guide takes the guesswork out of getting photo-ready.