One of the most common questions I get from clients at Boulay Fine Art Portraiture is: What should I wear for my fine art portrait session? And it’s a great question! The right clothing is essential to creating timeless, museum-quality portraits that reflect the painterly elegance of Old Masters' artwork. If you’ve already read through the What to Wear guide on my website, you know that I recommend:
- Rich, deep, or muted colors (jewel tones, earth tones, and soft neutrals)
- Elegant, structured, or flowing fabrics that drape beautifully in portraits
- Long or three-quarter length sleeves for a refined, timeless look
- Avoid bright white and bold patterns, which can distract from your face
We’re Here to Help with Wardrobe Selection!
At Boulay Fine Art Portraiture, we assist you with wardrobe selection at every step of the process. From the moment you book your session, we provide expert guidance to ensure your clothing choices align with the fine art aesthetic.
- Need help choosing the right outfit? We’ll guide you.
- Want to see how certain fabrics or styles will photograph? We’ll help you decide.
- Unsure about colors? We’ll recommend what works best with your skin tone and our studio lighting.Your final portrait should look like a work of art, and we are committed to helping you achieve that.
Best Places to Find Fine Art Portrait Wardrobe
The good news? You don’t have to search endlessly for the perfect outfit! There are several online stores that offer stunning, portrait-worthy clothing that will make you look and feel your best.
For Women & Teens:
Boohoo
Boohoo offers affordable and elegant styles, perfect for fine art portraits. Look for flowing dresses, romantic sleeves, and rich colors.
Hello Molly
If you love soft, feminine dresses with gorgeous draping and movement, Hello Molly is a great choice.
Amazon
You’d be surprised at the gems you can find on Amazon! Search for “chiffon maxi dresses,” “formal evening gowns,” or “vintage-inspired dresses.”
Lulu’s
Lulu’s is perfect for structured gowns, flowing dresses, and elegant fabrics.
For Children:
Janie and Jack
Janie and Jack’s clothing has a classic, timeless feel with high-quality fabrics and refined designs.
Trish Scully (Perfect for boys!)
My absolute favorite place for portrait outfits for boys! Trish Scully’s vintage-inspired suits and formal wear create a stunning Old World look. Their girls’ dresses are just as beautiful!
Joyfolie
If you’re looking for soft, whimsical, fairy-tale dresses for girls, Joyfolie is the perfect choice.
For Men:
Amazon & Boohoo
Both Amazon and Boohoo offer well-fitted dress shirts, velvet blazers, and vintage-inspired vests.
Final Tips for a Stunning Fine Art Portrait Look:
- Fit, texture, and elegance matter. Choose well-tailored clothing with rich textures.
- Flowing fabrics, soft draping, and timeless styles always look stunning in portraits.
- Bring multiple wardrobe options—we’ll help you decide what photographs best.
At Boulay Fine Art Portraiture, our goal is to create timeless, breathtaking portraits that you’ll cherish for generations. The right wardrobe plays a major role in bringing your vision to life, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Book your fine art portrait session today, and let’s create something extraordinary!
Have questions about wardrobe selection? Reach out—we’re happy to help! Contact Boulay Fine Art Portraiture