Picking the perfect outfit for your photoshoot is part of the magic.

The right look can transform how you feel in front of the camera. The wrong one can make you feel awkward. So this week, Michelle and Jolie decided to do what we always tell our clients to do.

Go shopping. Make it fun and try things on. (And probably buy them)

The two of them drove up to Indianapolis and spent hours at the Fashion Mall at Keystone hunting for outfits that would photograph beautifully for both personal branding sessions and senior portraits. They said yes to bold and no to boring. They took photos in dressing rooms so you can see exactly what works and why.

What looks great in real life does not always look great on camera. Texture matters. Color matters. The fit matters more than anything. And the only way to know what works is to try it on, snap a quick photo, and see how it feels.

Whether you are an Indianapolis business owner prepping for a brand session or a high school senior getting ready for epic senior pictures, this guide is your behind-the-scenes look at how our team shops and which pieces we are absolutely obsessed with right now.

So grab a coffee. Pretend you are walking through Keystone with us.

Let’s go shopping.

Stop 1: Alter’d State

First store. First yes.

Alter’d State is feminine, playful, and a little unexpected. A senior portrait goldmine.

Look 1: Black Pearl Trim Mini

A strapless fit and flare with delicate pearl detail.

Why it photographs beautifully: Black creates instant contrast. The flared skirt gives movement for those twirling, laughing shots. It’s timeless with a wink.

Look 2: Lace Top and Boyfriend Jeans

Cream lace peplum, cuffed denim, platform slides.

Why it photographs beautifully: Lace catches light. Cream flatters every skin tone. Casual that does not read casual.

Look 3: Powder Blue Ruched Mini

Sculpted neckline, ruched detail, covered buttons down the side.

Why it photographs beautifully: That blue is always camera magic. Softens, brightens, makes eyes pop. Grown-up without trying too hard.

Stop 2: Ann Taylor

Okay, Ann Taylor is iconic for a reason. Polished, grown-up, and SO good for branding photos.

Michelle pulled some pieces, and the vibe instantly shifted from cute to CEO.

Look 1: The Silk Floral Scarves

Soft watercolor florals, silky finish. Tie them to a handbag, around your neck, or in your hair.

Why it photographs beautifully: Accessories are branding gold. A scarf adds color, texture, and personality to a simple outfit. Tie it different ways and one outfit becomes three.

Look 2: The Mint Belted Midi Dress

Michelle in this dress = main character energy. Long sleeves, tailored waist, button details, and twirl factor. Paired with pink heels and a smile that said yes, this one.

Why it photographs beautifully: Lighter colors on camera are clean, fresh, and feel expensive. The belt creates structure, the skirt gives movement, and the long sleeves keep it elevated. Feminine and powerful at the same time.

Stop 3: Aritzia

Okay if you know, you know. Aritzia is THE move.

The store itself is basically a vibe. Wood paneling, velvet couches, plants everywhere. Walking in feels like you already made it. Every piece works for both seniors and branding.

Look 1: The White Knit Vest and Tailored Shorts

Jolie in this set is everything. Textured knit vest with gold buttons, crisp white pleated shorts. Monochrome white but make it interesting.

Why it photographs beautifully: White on white reads expensive every time. Texture in the vest keeps it from going flat, tailored shorts give fashion-girl-meets-business-owner energy. Senior or brand, this works.

Look 2: The Chocolate Brown Mini Dress

Brown is having a MOMENT. Sleeveless, structured, button-front. Simple silhouette, rich color, zero effort.

Why it photographs beautifully: Brown is the unexpected neutral that reads warm and rich without washing you out like black. Pair with our studio sets or a moody downtown location and watch it become a favorite frame.

Senior or brand, this one is a 10.

Look 3: White Pullover and Butter Yellow Tennis Skirt

Michelle said yes to color and we are SO glad. Crisp white quarter-zip pullover, soft yellow tank, pleated butter yellow tennis skirt.

Why it photographs beautifully: Yellow is a happiness color. Makes photos feel sunny and full of life. The pleats catch light and movement so even a simple step becomes a great shot.

Stop 4: Evereve

Sometimes the mannequin does the work for you.

We popped into Evereve and this one stopped us. Already styled. Already perfect.

Look: Linen Layers and Red Wide Leg Pants

White ribbed tank, cropped brown linen button-up on top, bright red wide leg linen pants. Three pieces. One incredible outfit.

Why it photographs beautifully: Red is a power color on camera. It pops without screaming and makes you the focal point. Neutral tank and brown topper balance the boldness. Layers give you flexibility during your session. Throw the shirt on, take it off, tie it at the waist. One outfit becomes three.

Brand client who wants to stand out, senior not afraid of color.

Pro tip from Michelle: If you see a mannequin styled in something you love, just buy the whole outfit. The styling work is already done.

Stop 5: Free People Movement

Free People hits different. That soft, lived-in, dreamy energy you cannot fake.

Look: Mint Tee and Slouchy Joggers

Soft mint cap sleeve tee knotted at the waist, matching lightweight joggers. Easy. Cool. Effortless.

Why it photographs beautifully for seniors: Pastels read soft girl era. The knot adds shape without trying too hard. Relaxed pants give off-duty model vibes.

Senior who wants chill but make it cute.

Stop 6: White House Black Market

Okay last stop and Michelle did some damage.

If you are doing branding photos, this is the place. WHBM is built for the boss. Tailored. Sharp. Powerful. Michelle basically lived in the dressing room and we are so glad.

Look 1: Navy Denim Suit with White Piping

THE moment. Navy denim blazer, matching wide leg pants trimmed in crisp white piping, clean white tank.

Why it photographs beautifully: Navy is the unsung hero of brand photography. Cleaner than black, softer than charcoal, and it pops in the best way. White piping adds detail without screaming. Wide leg pants photograph long and powerful, especially walking toward camera.

Your CEO power move outfit.

Look 2: Navy Denim Bustier and Wide Leg Pants

Same pants. Different vibe. Structured navy denim bustier with crossover detail.

Why it photographs beautifully: How you take one piece and get two completely different brand looks. Add the blazer = boardroom. Lose the blazer = founder shot. The bustier reads tailored, not trendy, so these images age well.

Look 3: Cobalt Blue Power Suit

This color stopped traffic. Vibrant cobalt blazer, matching wide leg pants, white tank.

Why it photographs beautifully: Bold color is branding magic. Makes you instantly recognizable, stops the scroll on LinkedIn. Cobalt is rich without being dark, bright without being neon.

For the woman who wants people to remember her.

Look 4: Sage Knit and Wide Leg Trousers

Texture for the WIN. Soft sage open-knit top paired with wide leg mint trousers.

Why it photographs beautifully: Texture separates a good brand photo from a great one. The open knit catches light. Soft sage feels modern and fresh. Less corporate, more creative founder energy.

Polished without stuffy.

Look 5: Cream Suit and Square Neck Top

Tonal dressing done right. Cream blazer, matching trousers, square neck cream top underneath.

Why it photographs beautifully: All-cream reads expensive and editorial. Intentional, modern, high-end without being cold. Tailored silhouette photographs structured and strong, soft color keeps it approachable.

Says I have my life together AND I have great taste.

Look 6: Belted Black Cowl Neck and Tailored Pants

The unexpected one. Sleeveless black cowl neck top, slim black trousers, grommet belt.

Why it photographs beautifully: Black on black with one statement detail (hello, belt) is the move. Drape of the cowl adds movement, the belt adds edge, silhouette is sleek without being boring. All-black on the right person looks unbelievably chic on camera.

For the brand client who is a little bit fashion and a lot of business.

Honorable mention to those denim slide heels with the gold lock detail. The right shoes can change everything in a photo.

The Haul

It was a day well spent (pun intended). We tried hard not to buy everything in sight. The outfit is a big part of the experience, and we want you to walk into the studio feeling insanely confident. That’s when the magic happens.

Ready for your moment?

Whether you are dreaming of scroll-stopping senior portraits or breathtaking branding photos that finally match the business you have built, we are ready when you are.

Richardson Studio is the Indianapolis area’s home for luxury senior portraits and personal branding photography, with locations in Bloomington and Columbus, Indiana. Hair and makeup, full styling guidance, and a same-day private image reveal are all part of the experience.