I always suggest the men wear layers. There are a few reasons for this. The main one being that it’s much easier for the men to adjust their layers in order to change up their look during the session. And having variety in your photos is highly underrated.
Layering pieces is such an efficient way to create variety and it’s also an excellent way to create depth. Which we also love! So the items below are ones that might fit the aesthetic of my photography and editing style. But I’ve also tried to include a variety of colors and seasonal items that might be helpful for different tastes!
Like always, the first rule of choosing an outfit for your portraits is to feel confident. That means me, nor your wife nor your bestie nor anyone else should decide what you wear. It should always be what you feel best in above anything else.
A Henley. How can you possibly go wrong with a Henley as your base layer! Simplicity, subtle detail. Pair with jeans or really any pants or shorts. Perfect. The colors of this one are all great choices!
If there are any doubts on what to wear if you’re a man, pick a t-shirt. I love this Surf Spray color that is a great neutral that isn’t bright white. Throw on any layer over the top and wear any type of pants and shoes and it’s all a safe bet!
Here’s another link to some basic t-shirts in neutral colors. These are crew neck.
Another very simple piece but with just enough jazz to elevate your look just a bit for portraits! All the colors would be beautiful!
Blue isn’t usually my first suggestion but a lot of people choose blue for their photos. So if blue is your choice, this dusty blue is great and I love that it’s waffle knit. Such a great choice for a base!
Vertical Cable Button-Through Sweater Polo
If your mind is telling you to choose a light blue button up work shirt for your photo session JUST SAY NO and say yest to this instead. Gorgeous color and not to mention the perfect balance between casual and dressy that is much better for an outdoor session.
A few of these colors/prints are a little out there for me, but I love this Medium Brown. Another great alternative in summer if you’re inclined to choose a blue work button up.
Slim Frosted Coated Chambray Shirt
100% cotton and a beautiful color, both of them but especially the Olive! And an unbeatable price point (on sale)!
Short Sleeve Tipped Polo Sweater
Elevated enough to put you beyond a t-shirt, but casual enough to be worn outdoors in nature, where most of my sessions happen. Great for the transitional seasons too!
Crochet-Style Geometric Button-Through Sweater Polo
I can see how a crochet shirt may be a little too extra for some, but hear me out. A shirt like this will not only bring texture and depth to your photos, but it will also prevent them from being too cookie cutter. If you’re going to get dolled up for photos, why not go all out!? Plus something out of the box like this will stand up really well next to a beautiful dress that your partner may choose. Sometimes a t-shirt looks silly along side an elegant dress so this could be the perfect companion for that kind of look!
Similar to the other button ups and keeping with the elevated casual look. I’m obsessed with this color and print!
Honeycomb Stitch Johnny-Collar Sweater Polo
Another great alternative to the collard button up! In kind of a funky, fun color!
Cotton Shaker Stitch Johnny-Collar Sweater Polo
This one just checks so many boxes: texture, a neutral color, perfect for layering over a t-shirt. Can’t go wrong.
While I don’t love the blue, this white one is a great choice if you’re looking for a top layer and you’re just not feeling a flannel or sweater.
Any flannel will do, normally I’d say bring any one you have in your closet already. But if you’re in the market for something new, this is of the “shirt jacket” variety and the color is just right!
sherpa lined corduroy trucker jacket
This has alllllll the texture I love to see. So if it’s a cold day for a photo shoot, pack something like this. It’s outdoorsy but also cool and chic and will just bring some wonderful detail to those snugly close up shots with your partner. Flannel, t shirt, sweater, whatever you want underneath!
I’m obsessed with this for a top layer. It’s so on brand for the outdoor aesthetic and this Olive Night color is beautiful. The quilting adds a unique touch that no one else will have in their photos!
If sweaters aren’t your thing than this sweatshirt is a good option. It’s basic, but with a hint of detail! I could see this being worn for a casual, playful couple’s shoot!
You can’t go wrong with a basic crewneck sweatshirt. It’s layerable and fits right in to an outdoor photo shoot. This one has no obvious logos and comes in all the right colors.
Oversized Checkered Stitch Crew Sweater
This is for sure giving preppy vibes but it could be styled to match any kind of style! I chose if for it’s texture. This will photograph so well and isn’t great for just winter. Obviously Spring and fall too, but would look so chic on a summer evening shoot paired with shorts.
Men’s Wicked Soft Cotton/Cashmere Sweater, Crewneck, Pattern
A bold pattern in “Light Oatmeal Fair Isle” but still neutral. This would look so good with a pair of jeans and boots in Fall or Winter.
Men’s L.L.Bean Organic Cotton Waffle Sweater, Rollneck Crew
A classic look with natural fiber and several color choices. Something you’ll wear over and over.
A classic, simple look with some added subtle detail. Any one of the five colors offered would look fantastic!
Lateef Slim Tapered Fit Linen Pant
I cannot suggest linen pants enough. Perfect for an outdoor session and the perfect choice if you want to dress up your look a little bit more. These are a splurge but if you’re going to splurge on something it may as well be a timeless pair of linen pants! All the colors are just gorgeous!
A cheaper option for linen pants but these are also a little more dressy than the other pair. Linen pants are timeless, effortless and go with so many different personal styles when styled right!
Men’s Field Chinos, Standard Fit, Straight Leg
These come in 5 different neutral colors and are a classic, timeless fit!