As a branding photographer serving female founders across Philadelphia, the Main Line, Chester County, and Delaware County, I’ve seen firsthand how the right wardrobe can transform a branding session from good to extraordinary. Your clothing choices aren’t just about looking polished—they’re about communicating who you are, what you stand for, and why your ideal clients should trust you, all without saying a single word. Read below to learn what to wear for branding photography!
Your Wardrobe Is Your Visual Voice
In the world of branding photography for female founders, your outfit is doing much more work than you might realize. Every color, texture, silhouette, and accessory choice contributes to the story you’re telling about your business. Whether you’re a wellness coach in Wayne, a creative entrepreneur in Media, or a design professional in Radnor, your wardrobe serves as a powerful extension of your brand identity.
Think of it this way: before a potential client reads your bio, scrolls through your services, or books a discovery call, they see you. And in that split second, your image communicates volumes. Are you approachable or authoritative? Modern or timeless? Bold or understated? Your clothing answers these questions instantly. These questions will help you with what to wear for branding photography.
The Power of Intentional Outfit Selection
Here’s what many female founders don’t realize when preparing for their branding photography session in the Philadelphia area: generic “professional headshots” are no longer enough. Today’s entrepreneurs need branding images that capture their unique personality and connect authentically with their ideal audience.
This is where intentional wardrobe selection becomes crucial. When working with clients throughout the Main Line and greater Philadelphia region, I encourage them to think beyond “what looks nice” and instead ask: “What story am I telling?”
Understanding Your Brand Personality
Before you even open your closet, get clear on your brand’s personality. Are you:
The Approachable Expert? Think soft fabrics, warm tones, and comfortable pieces that say “I’m knowledgeable but down-to-earth.” Coaches and consultants often thrive in this aesthetic—cashmere sweaters, flowing blouses, and well-fitted blazers in cream, blush, or sage.
The Bold Innovator? Embrace statement pieces, vibrant colors, and contemporary cuts. Fitness professionals, creative directors, and design entrepreneurs can lean into jewel tones, structured silhouettes, and eye-catching accessories that command attention.
The Timeless Professional? Classic pieces in neutral palettes communicate stability and sophistication. Think tailored blazers, crisp button-downs, and elegant jewelry. This works beautifully for financial advisors, real estate professionals, and established consultants.
The Creative Visionary? Mix textures, play with patterns, and don’t be afraid of unique pieces. Interior designers, artists, and creative coaches can showcase their aesthetic through unexpected color combinations and artful layering.
Can you see how thinking about this will help you select what to wear for branding photography?
Color Psychology in Branding Photography
Color isn’t arbitrary—it’s strategic. During branding photography sessions in Chester County and Delaware County, I guide female founders through color choices that align with their brand message:
Navy and Black convey authority, sophistication, and trust. Perfect for financial professionals, attorneys, and corporate consultants.
Earth Tones (terracotta, olive, camel, chocolate) communicate warmth, reliability, and groundedness. Ideal for wellness coaches, therapists, and holistic practitioners.
Jewel Tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst) project confidence, luxury, and creativity. Excellent for designers, high-end service providers, and creative entrepreneurs.
Pastels and Soft Neutrals (blush, cream, soft gray, lavender) suggest approachability, calm, and nurturing. Beautiful for coaches, educators, and service-based businesses.
Bold Brights (cobalt, fuchsia, coral, kelly green) communicate energy, innovation, and fearlessness. Great for fitness professionals, motivational speakers, and disruptors in their field.
Building Your Branding Photography Wardrobe
For your Main Line or Philadelphia branding photography session, I recommend preparing 3-5 complete outfit options. This gives us variety and ensures your images can work across different platforms and seasons.
Outfit 1: Your Signature Look
This is the outfit that feels most “you”—the one where clients would recognize you across a crowded room. It should incorporate your brand colors and reflect your personality. This becomes your primary branding image, used on your website homepage, social media profiles, and marketing materials.
Outfit 2: The Elevated Casual
Perfect for behind-the-scenes content, blog posts, and social media stories. Think elevated basics—a beautiful sweater, well-fitted jeans or trousers, minimal jewelry. This shows the approachable, real side of your business.
Outfit 3: The Polished Professional
Your most refined look—what you’d wear to speak at a conference, meet with premium clients, or appear on a podcast. This might include a blazer, sophisticated dress, or coordinated separates in your brand palette.
Outfits 4-5: Variety and Versatility
Consider different settings and seasons. A dress for warmer months, a cozy layer for fall/winter imagery. Different necklines work better for different purposes (headshots vs. full-body shots). Having options ensures your branding images remain fresh and usable throughout the year.
The Details That Make the Difference
As a luxury branding photographer in the Philadelphia area, I include professional hair and makeup styling with my sessions—and there’s a reason. When your hair, makeup, and wardrobe all work together cohesively, the result is powerful, professional imagery that elevates your entire brand.
But beyond professional styling, here are the wardrobe details that matter most:
Fit Is Everything. Ill-fitting clothes distract from your message. Tailoring isn’t expensive and makes an enormous difference. Sleeves should hit at the right length, shoulders should lie flat, and hemlines should be intentional.
Texture Adds Dimension. Flat fabrics can appear one-dimensional in photos. Incorporate texture through knits, jacquard, subtle patterns, or layering. This creates visual interest and depth.
Necklines Frame Your Face. V-necks elongate, crew necks provide structure, off-shoulder suggests approachability, and scoop necks soften. Choose based on what you want to emphasize.
Accessories Tell Stories. Meaningful jewelry, watches, or scarves add personality. Just avoid anything too trendy that might date your photos quickly.
Undergarments Matter. Seamless undergarments, properly fitted bras, and shapewear (if you’re comfortable) ensure smooth lines and confidence.
What to Avoid in Branding Photography
Just as important as what to wear is what to avoid. Based on hundreds of branding sessions with female founders throughout the Main Line, Chester County, and Delaware County, here’s what doesn’t photograph well:
Busy Patterns. Small, intricate patterns can create a moiré effect or become distracting. If you love patterns, choose larger, simpler designs or use them as accents.
Super Trendy Pieces. That wildly trendy item might be perfect for your personal wardrobe, but branding photos need longevity. Aim for images that feel current for 2-3 years minimum.
Brand New Clothes. Pieces you’ve never worn can feel stiff or uncomfortable, and it shows in your body language. Wash new items once and practice wearing them before your session.
Overly Logo-Heavy Items. Unless it’s your own brand, avoid visible designer logos or branded items that don’t align with your business.
All-White or All-Black. While both can work beautifully when done right, they’re challenging to photograph and can wash you out or create harsh shadows. If you love these, pair them with other tones or textures.
Knowing what not to wear most certainly helps you selecting what to wear for branding photography.
Preparing for Your Branding Photography Session
When female founders arrive at my studio in the Philadelphia area, many feel overwhelmed by wardrobe choices. That’s why I also offer access to a personal stylist as part of my luxury branding photography packages. Having a professional help you curate and style your outfits removes the guesswork and ensures every piece works together seamlessly.
Here’s how to prepare:
Try Everything On in Advance. Don’t wait until the morning of your session. Try on each complete outfit, including shoes and accessories. Take selfies in natural light. Make sure everything fits perfectly and feels comfortable.
Steam or Press Everything. Wrinkles photograph poorly. Steam or iron each piece the night before and hang them carefully.
Bring Backup Options. Even with perfect planning, sometimes an outfit doesn’t photograph the way we hoped. Bring one extra option just in case.
Consider Your Setting. If we’re shooting outdoors in Radnor or Wayne, think about how your colors interact with greenery. If we’re in my studio, we have more control over the background but should still consider complementary tones.
Wear Your Confidence. The most important thing you can wear is confidence. Choose outfits where you feel powerful, authentic, and completely yourself.
The Investment in Professional Styling
One of the most valuable aspects of luxury branding photography is the complete styling experience. When you don’t have to worry about hair, makeup, or whether your outfit works, you can fully show up and connect with the camera. You can focus on expressing your brand’s energy, message, and values.
This is why my Philadelphia-area branding photography packages include professional hair and makeup—and why I collaborate with talented stylists who understand how clothing photographs and how to bring out each client’s unique essence. It’s not about changing who you are; it’s about presenting the most elevated, authentic version of yourself.
Your Wardrobe, Your Brand Story
Whether you’re a wellness coach in Newtown Square, a creative entrepreneur in West Chester, or a design professional in Haverford, your branding photography wardrobe is an investment in how you’re perceived in the marketplace. It’s not about following fashion trends or looking like everyone else in your industry. It’s about intentionally choosing pieces that communicate your unique value, personality, and professional promise.
The female founders I work with throughout the Main Line, Philadelphia, Chester County, and Delaware County understand that branding photography is about more than pretty pictures. It’s about creating visual assets that work as hard as they do—images that attract ideal clients, communicate credibility, and reflect the care and professionalism they bring to their work.
When you dress with intention, when every piece serves your brand story, and when you show up as the most elevated version of yourself, that energy translates through the lens. Your ideal clients feel it. They connect with it. They trust it.
And that’s the power of wardrobe in branding photography—it’s not just about what you wear. It’s about who you become when you’re fully aligned with your brand.
For the best help on selecting what to wear – contact the amazing Emily from Era by Era – https://www.erabyera.net/
Ready to Create Your Brand Story Through Professional Photography?
If you’re a female founder in the Philadelphia area looking for luxury branding photography that goes beyond basic headshots, I’d love to work with you. My comprehensive sessions include professional hair and makeup styling, wardrobe consultation, and guidance to ensure you feel confident and empowered throughout the entire experience.
Let’s create branding images that tell your unique story and attract the clients you’re meant to serve.
Book your branding photography consultation today and show up as the elevated version of yourself.
About Marisa McGovern Photography
Marisa McGovern Photography specializes in luxury branding photography for female founders, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals throughout the Main Line, Philadelphia, Chester County, and Delaware County. With a focus on authentic, elevated imagery and a comprehensive styling experience including professional hair, makeup, and wardrobe guidance, Marisa helps clients create powerful visual brands that attract their ideal audience.
Keywords: branding photography Philadelphia, Main Line branding photographer, Chester County branding photography, Delaware County photographer, female founder branding, branding photography wardrobe, what to wear branding photos, luxury branding photography Pennsylvania, professional headshots Philadelphia, entrepreneur photography Main Line
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