What to Wear for Dating Profile Photos: Look Like Yourself on a Good Day
- Apr 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 19
The best dating profile photos tend to feel effortless. The goal is not to look styled, but to look like yourself—on a very good day. Below are a few guidelines for how to feel stylishly comfortable for your shoot.
Most of what we will be shooting is in natural light, moving a bit, talking a bit—to create images that don’t look overly posed or overly polished, bit more like a friend took them.
That said, we can include a more traditional headshot or two. If you have something slightly more professional, bring it along. We want to get a variety of shots, using different locations, outfits, lighting, and activities.
Style Matters for you Dating Profile Photo
Think in terms of where you might be going...
• What would you wear to a farmers’ market on a Saturday morning?
• What might you wear on a second date?
• Which outfit would you feel comfortable sitting in for an hour, having a conversation over coffee?
Bring with you:
• A good t-shirt that fits properly
• A button-down you would wear to dinner (not to a board meeting).
• Something with a bit of structure, but still easy
• A layer- a jacket or overshirt can add easy variety
• Something from your life- a book if you read, a guitar if you play, a surfboard if that is your world
These are not props in the traditional sense. They give us something to work with and often lead to the most natural photographs.
If you are on the younger side, lean just slightly more pulled together than usual. Nothing dramatic—just enough to add a bit of maturity.
• Avoid pieces that compete with your face
• Stick with solid colors and clean lines
• Skip logos, slogans, or anything that says too much before you do
You should be the focus.
Your Dating Profile Photo Shoot Clothing Should Fit
• Most men wear clothes that are slightly too big
• You do not need anything tight—just something that follows your shape
• If you are adjusting it or thinking about it, it is not the right piece
You should feel like yourself... comfortable, familiar, at ease. That is what people respond to.
If you want to send me a photo of what you are thinking of wearing beforehand, I am always happy to weigh in.
Jody Holman is a SF Bay Area photographer specializing in inclusive, natural-light photography for weddings, proposals, families, and portraits across San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, and the California coast.
FAQS
What should men wear for dating profile photos?Simple, well-fitting clothing that feels like you—something you would wear on a second date or a weekend morning out.
Should I dress up for dating profile pictures?A slightly more polished version of your everyday style works best. Avoid anything that feels forced or unfamiliar.
