The golden rule – wear what makes you feel like you
When it comes to dating profile photos, the most important thing you can wear isn’t a particular colour, cut, or style – it’s something that makes you feel good. Especially if you’re over 40, you’ve likely got a clearer sense of what feels like you – and what definitely doesn’t.
If you feel uncomfortable, fidgety, or self-conscious in your outfit, it will show in your photos. You might find yourself stiffening up, pulling at seams, or overthinking every pose. On the other hand, when you wear something that feels comfortable, familiar, and ‘like you on a good day,’ you’ll look more at ease, more confident, and more open – exactly the kind of energy that helps attract the right matches.
That doesn’t mean you need to stick to old favourites that have seen better days. It means choosing outfits that fit well, make you feel attractive, and that you’d happily wear on a great day out. Think about what you’d wear if you were meeting someone special for a relaxed first date where you wanted to feel your best – that’s the kind of look that works beautifully in dating profile photos.
In the next section, I’ll share how to choose colours that flatter you and suit your surroundings, without making you feel overdone or awkward.
How to choose colours that flatter you
Choosing the right colours for your dating profile photos can make a big difference in how you look and feel on camera. Studies have shown that people make decisions about whether to engage with a dating profile in less than a second. So while you don’t need to overthink your clothing choices, giving them a little extra consideration can help you make the best first impression.
The good news is, you don’t need a stylist or a full wardrobe overhaul. A few simple considerations can help you pick colours that bring out your best features, suit your skin tone, and work beautifully with typical Scottish settings like beaches, woods, or the cobbled streets of Edinburgh.
Why colour matters
Certain colours can brighten your skin, make your eyes pop, and give your overall look a fresh, vibrant feel. Others can make you look washed out or tired – especially in Scotland’s softer, natural light.
For most over-40s, rich jewel tones (like teal, emerald, or deep berry) and soft, flattering neutrals (like navy, charcoal, or warm cream) are your friends. They tend to work beautifully in outdoor settings and flatter a range of skin tones.
What to avoid
- Very dark colours like black or deep grey: these can feel heavy or draining, particularly in softer light or against Edinburgh’s historic stone backdrops.
- Very bright, neon, or harsh colours: these can overpower you, especially in natural surroundings.
- Head-to-toe pale shades: unless balanced with a stronger layer or accessory, pale shades can make you blend into a pale sky or washed-out backdrop.
Optional support: colour analysis
If you’ve ever wondered why some colours make you feel radiant and others feel wrong, a colour consultation could help. I often recommend Lynsey Howell from the House of Colour, who's based in Livingston. She’s a wonderful resource for discovering which colours suit you best, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve refreshed your wardrobe.
But don’t worry if that feels like too much – a few well-chosen outfits in colours you already know make you feel great is more than enough for your dating photos.
Quick tip for Edinburgh and Scotland shoots
Remember to think about the setting. A deep green jacket can look stunning against an Edinburgh city backdrop or fields or woodland, while a soft denim blue works well by the coast. The key is to balance you with your environment, so you stand out without clashing.
Outfit "formulas" that work well for dating profile photos
When planning what to wear for your dating profile photos, it helps to think in simple outfit "formulas" that feel natural, flattering, and easy to move in. You don’t need a big wardrobe overhaul, just a couple of well-planned looks that show different sides of you.
If your shoot time allows for a few outfit changes, aim for a mix of these three styles. They work particularly well for over-40s who want their photos to feel stylish, comfortable, and age-appropriate without looking dated or overdone
1
Casual but polished
This is about showing your relaxed, everyday side – while still looking put together.
For women
For men
This look works beautifully in outdoor settings like Edinburgh’s parks, beaches, or cobbled streets – relaxed yet confident.
2
Smart casual elegance without feeling corporate
A step up from casual, this is the kind of look you might wear to a relaxed dinner or a nice day out – polished but still approachable.
For women
For men
This is a great option if you want to show a slightly more polished side of yourself without feeling too formal.
3
Layered looks for texture and comfort (especially outdoors)
Layering is especially useful for Scottish shoots (our weather ..!) – it keeps you comfortable, adds interest to your photos, and lets you switch up your look quickly.
For women
For men
This look works particularly well in woodland, beach, or rustic settings, where you want to feel at home and relaxed in your environment.
Having two distinct looks – one more casual, one slightly more polished – gives your profile variety and tells a fuller story. It also keeps your photos feeling fresh and avoids everything looking like it was all taken on the same day.
Patterns, accessories, and textures – how to add personality (without overdoing it)
Dating profile photos are all about giving potential matches a glimpse of your personality – and your clothing is a great way to do that. Patterns, accessories, and textures can help add depth, interest, and individuality to your images. But, as with most things, the key is balance.
Patterns – keep them simple and subtle
Patterns can add interest to your outfit, but it’s best to stick to subtle, classic prints that won’t overwhelm the image or distract from your face.
Good choices:
- Small checks, gentle stripes, or soft floral prints
- Understated polka dots or textured weaves
- Tone-on-tone patterns that add depth without shouting for attention
Best avoided:
- Very bold, high-contrast patterns or loud logos that dominate the image.
- Tiny, busy prints that can create strange visual effects on camera.
- Overly trendy or novelty patterns (unless that’s very much part of your style and personality).
Accessories – less is more
Accessories are a great way to express your style, but they should always support your look, not compete with it.
Good choices:
- For women: a delicate necklace, a pair of simple earrings, a favourite scarf.
- For men: a smart watch, a subtle ring, or a scarf in a colour that suits you.
- For everyone: keep accessories clean, classic, and in line with your personal style.
Best avoided:
- Overloading your look with too many statement pieces.
- Accessories that cover your face or distract from your expressions (like oversized hats or sunglasses).
- Shiny or reflective items that might catch the light in awkward ways.
Textures – add warmth and interest
Textures photograph beautifully and can make your outfit feel more interesting without adding clutter. Think cosy knits, soft denim, linen, leather, or suede – fabrics that have a tactile quality and help soften your look.
Good choices:
- Knit jumpers, tweed jackets, linen shirts.
- Soft scarves or wraps to add movement and texture.
- Leather jackets, belts, or bags for a polished finish.
Best avoided:
- Highly reflective fabrics like satin or metallics – these can look harsh on camera.
- Over-layering too many heavy textures at once (it can feel bulky and overwhelming).
- Overly creased or flimsy fabrics that can look messy in photos.
Avoid these common outfit mistakes in dating photos
While it’s great to think about what to wear, it’s just as helpful to know what to avoid. Some clothing choices might seem fine in everyday life but can let you down on camera – especially in dating profile photos, where you only have a few images to make a strong, positive impression.
Here are the most common mistakes I see – and how to avoid them.
Seasonal and location tips for Scotland
Scotland’s beautiful, ever-changing landscapes make a stunning backdrop for dating profile photos – but they also bring a few practical considerations when choosing what to wear.
Dress for the season (and the weather)
Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so dressing in layers is always a smart move. You want to look comfortable and confident, not cold and windswept.
Spring and summer:
- Light layers like cardigans, blouses, or lightweight jackets.
- Breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Comfortable shoes for outdoor locations – think loafers, flats, or stylish trainers.
- Soft pastels, gentle florals, and brighter neutrals work beautifully against lush greenery or beaches.
Autumn and winter:
- Cosy knits, scarves, and tailored coats.
- Deep, saturated colours like emerald, burgundy, or deep teal look stunning against Edinburgh’s stone streets or autumn woods.
- Sturdy, stylish footwear – ankle boots or Chelsea boots are perfect for city streets and forest paths alike.
- Avoid very light fabrics that won’t hold their shape in the cold or wind.
Match your outfit to the location vibe
What you wear should feel natural in the setting where your photos are taken. This helps the photos feel more authentic and allows you to relax into the environment.
City or urban locations (like Edinburgh’s Old Town, Stockbridge, or Dean Village):
- Structured coats, smart jeans, shirts, knitwear, or dresses.
- Avoid overly casual outfits like gymwear or hiking gear unless that’s part of your personality and the story you want to tell.
Beaches or woodland:
- Soft, flowing fabrics, cosy knits, denim jackets, boots, or layered textures.
- Avoid overly formal or stiff outfits that might feel out of place in natural settings.
Quick location-friendly outfit ideas:
- Edinburgh’s Royal Mile or New Town: structured jackets and vibrant tones like plum, navy, or forest green stand out beautifully against our city’s greyish neutral stone.
- Scottish beaches: denim, soft knits, or relaxed dresses with boots or bare feet (if weather allows).
- Woodlands or countryside: layers, textures, and earth tones like moss green, soft browns, or oatmeal.
By thinking about both the season and the setting, you’ll look and feel like you belong in the scene – which makes your photos feel more relaxed and real.
If you’re not sure where to head for your session, my blog post on the best locations in Edinburgh for dating profile photos might give you some ideas.
Choosing what to wear for your dating profile photos doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The most important thing is that you feel like yourself – comfortable, confident, and relaxed. When you wear clothes that fit well, suit your colouring, and feel right for the setting, it shows. You’ll come across as open, approachable, and ready to meet someone who appreciates the real you.
You don’t need a huge wardrobe or complicated styling. A couple of carefully chosen outfits that feel like ‘you on a good day’ are more than enough to create photos you’ll feel proud to share.
And if you’d like a little extra support planning your dating profile photo session, I’d love to help. I offer relaxed, natural dating profile photography in Edinburgh and across Scotland, with a gentle, confidence-boosting approach.
You can find out more about my dating profile photography service, or just drop me a message if you’d like to chat about anything you’ve read here.
