So many horsewomen stress about what to wear for their portrait session—whether it’s a fear of not looking polished enough or wondering if they’ll choose the wrong outfit.
To take the pressure off, I send all of my clients a comprehensive style and preparation guide to help them get ready for the session. It includes tons of tips for choosing outfits that will both flatter and complement your horse—too many to share in a single blog post!—and following are a few key tips to help you get started:
Choose Your “Hell Yeah” Outfit
This is the outfit that makes you feel amazing—whether it’s a flattering dress, a chic blazer, or something fun like quirky shoes. It’s all about what makes you feel your best when you look in the mirror. Don’t worry about fitting into anyone else’s standard of beauty; just wear what gives you that confidence boost. When you feel great, your energy will shine through in your portraits.
Stay True to Your Style
If you’re not a fan of dresses, don’t force it! Wear what you feel most comfortable in—whether it’s your favorite jeans, boots, or a casual button-up. Your comfort will show in the photos, and those are the ones that will truly represent your personality. Remember, there’s no need to try and fit into a mold—what makes you feel good is the best choice.
Keep Function in Mind
You’ll be interacting with your horse, walking, and possibly doing some light movement. So, make sure your outfit allows for that! Avoid outfits that are too tight or restrictive, and remember, comfort is key. Practicality can go hand-in-hand with style, so make sure your look lets you move freely without constant adjusting.
Don’t Stress About Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but don’t let little imperfections derail you. Your horse will likely drool on you—don’t panic! I can take care of those little blemishes in editing, and they won’t take away from the beauty of your portraits. Focus on the moment, the connection, and the experience, rather than striving for an unattainable perfection.
Bring Multiple Looks (If You Want!)
If you can’t decide on just one outfit, you don’t have to!
The number of outfits you can include depends on the length of your session and how many horses are involved. Longer sessions and fewer horses = more time for outfit changes.
If we’re working with multiple horses, it’s often best to keep changes minimal so we can focus on capturing gorgeous moments with each one.
That said, I usually recommend considering a few different looks:
- One outfit that makes you feel stunning and confident.
- One that reflects your everyday style—something more casual and familiar.
- One that complements your horse. If you’re unsure about colors, I’ve got tips to help—certain tones will highlight your horse beautifully!
- And, if you compete, your show outfit or elements of it — like boots/breeches with a cute top!)
The goal is to capture the variety of your relationship with your horse, so feel free to bring a mix of outfits for different vibes.
Ultimately, these portraits are about celebrating you and your horse, so wear what makes you feel amazing.
Ready to make incredible memories for yourself & your horse? Contact me to start planning your equestrian portrait session.
