What to wear for a hotel and staycation photoshoot

By Mariya Harley · London · updated August 2026

What works for a hotel and staycation shoot specifically

Colour. Different from the room. Beige on beige is the most common hotel-content mistake there is — a suite styled in cream needs a person in navy, rust or black to read at all.

Fabric. Something that survives a suitcase and still photographs: crepe, jersey, heavier cotton. Linen looks beautiful and creases within an hour of arrival.

Footwear. Barely visible in room frames, essential in lobby and exterior ones. One pair for each.

The thing that ruins frames. A white robe photographed against white bedding in a white room. It is the signature hotel shot and it needs either a coloured wall behind you or a window with something visible through it.

Two rules that hold everywhere

• Steam it the night before — creases are the most expensive thing in any retouching bill and the cheapest to prevent.
• Bring options and decide on set, where you can see the light and the background rather than guessing at home.