What to Wear for a Paris Photoshoot

Start with colours that work in Paris

Paris is a city of soft stone, grey rooftops and green parks. The colours that look best against it are:

• Neutrals: beige, cream, camel, white, black, navy. Timeless and elegant.
• Earthy and muted tones: olive, rust, terracotta, dusty pink, burgundy.
• One strong colour: a red dress or a red coat really stands out against the stone and the Seine. What to avoid:

• Big logos and text on clothes, which distract and date the photos quickly.
• Very small, busy patterns (thin stripes, tiny checks), which can look strange on camera.
• Neon colours, which reflect onto the skin and clash with the city's soft tones. [[PHOTO: a client in neutral tones in front of Parisian architecture]]

Choose outfits that fit and move

The best outfits are the ones you feel good in. Fit matters more than brand.

• Flowy dresses and skirts look beautiful in motion, especially on bridges where there's often a breeze.
• Long coats (a trench or a camel wool coat) instantly look Parisian and photograph very well.
• Well-fitted jeans with a nice top or knit work perfectly for a relaxed, everyday Paris look.
• Avoid anything you keep adjusting. If a strap slips or a top rides up, it will show in every photo. Want the "Parisian" look? A trench coat, a striped top or a beret can be fun. Just pick one signature piece rather than all of them at once, so it feels like you and not a costume.

Couples: coordinate, don't match

For couples, the goal is harmony, not identical outfits.

• Pick a shared palette of two or three colours (e.g. beige, white and navy) and build both outfits from it.
• Balance the formality. If one of you wears a dress, the other should be in a shirt or smart jacket rather than a hoodie.
• Let one person carry the colour or pattern, and keep the other more neutral.
• Avoid matching T-shirts unless that's really your style. [[PHOTO: a couple in coordinated outfits]]

Shoes for cobblestones and stairs

Paris is a walking city, with cobblestones in Montmartre, stairs at the Trocadéro, and uneven pavements near the Seine.

• Wear comfortable shoes between locations, and bring your nicer pair in a bag.
• Heels are fine for photos, but block heels are much easier on cobblestones than stilettos.
• Clean white sneakers look great with dresses and casual outfits, and you can walk all morning in them.

Dressing for the season

Autumn (September to November): the best season for outfits, in my opinion. Coats, knits, scarves and boots look great with the warm colours of the leaves.

Winter (December to February): go for a beautiful coat, since it will be in almost every photo. Layer underneath so you can open the coat for a few shots. Gloves and a hat are welcome between photos.

Spring (March to May): light layers. Mornings can be cold, so bring a jacket you can take off for the photos.

Summer (June to August): light dresses, linen, and breathable fabrics. Sunrise sessions are cooler and much more comfortable than midday.

Matching your outfit to the location

Some outfits suit certain spots better:

• Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro: elegant neutrals or one bold colour stand out against the iron and the sky.
• Pont Alexandre III and the Louvre: dresses, long coats and polished looks match the grand architecture.
• Montmartre and Le Marais: casual and romantic: knits, jeans, floral dresses, cafés and cobblestones. If you book a two-hour Paris Editorial session, we can plan two outfits for two different spots.

Outfit changes: how it works

During longer sessions, you can change outfits between locations. I'll suggest a nearby café or your hotel if it's close. Bring:

• a tote bag for your second outfit and shoes
• a small pouch with essentials (lipstick, powder, comb)
• hair ties or pins: bridges and riverbanks are often windy

Hair and makeup

Keep your usual style, just a little more polished. A light, natural makeup photographs better than heavy contouring. If you want a full editorial look, the Paris Signature session includes a professional makeup artist who prepares you before we start.

Your quick checklist

• Outfit in neutrals, earthy tones or one strong colour
• No big logos or tiny patterns
• Comfortable shoes for walking, nicer shoes for photos
• A layer for cold mornings
• Hair ties, a comb, lipstick
• Second outfit in a tote bag (for longer sessions) Not sure about your outfit? Send me a few options on WhatsApp before your session, and I'll tell you which ones will work best for your locations.