What to Wear (and Bring) to Your BookTok Session

Hey babe.

So you’re eyeing the BookTok session — the cozy bookcase set, the dreamy library light, all that main-character energy. And now your brain has jumped straight to the practical panic: “But what do I wear? What do I bring? What if I get it wrong?”

First of all: there is no getting it wrong. The magic of these sessions is that they’re uniquely yours. Rather than starting with a pre-selected wardrobe, you’ll build your look around outfits that already feel like you—comfortable, flattering, and perfectly suited to your favorite fictional world. A little prep goes a long way, and I’m here to make it easy.

What to wear

The BookTok vibe lives somewhere between cozy and quietly captivating. Think the outfit you’d actually curl up to read in… if you felt like an absolute knockout doing it. 

A few ideas my babes love:

• An oversized cardigan or chunky knit, slipping off one shoulder, with lingerie or a bralette underneath.
• A soft, simple bodysuit in a warm or neutral tone that plays beautifully against the bookshelves.
• A flowy slip dress or a silky robe.
• Thigh-highs, cozy socks, your favorite glasses — the little “reader” details photograph so well.

Take it from me- lean toward warm tones, creams, soft neutrals, and deep autumn colors over busy patterns. And whatever you pick — comfort is queen. If you feel relaxed in it, it shows.

What to bring

Want to make it feel like your story? Bring a prop or two:

• A book — bonus points if it’s a favorite.
• A warm mug, a pair of glasses, a cozy blanket.
• A second outfit option, just in case you want to switch it up.

A bit of prep the day before

Here’s how to set yourself up to feel your best:

• Do your hair and makeup the way that makes you feel most like you. Soft, natural styles photograph beautifully and fit the cozy, bookish aesthetic perfectly, but the most important thing is choosing a look that feels authentic. Whether that’s a fresh-faced glow or a touch of dramatic romance-heroine energy, go with what makes you feel confident.
• Hydrate and moisturize the day before. Drinking plenty of water and giving your skin a little extra love can help you feel refreshed and comfortable during your session. A favorite moisturizer, lip balm, or nourishing body lotion can add that extra touch of self-care before your shoot.
• Skip tight waistbands, socks, bras, or hair ties for a couple of hours beforehand. These can leave temporary marks on your skin that may show up in photos. Opt for loose, comfy clothing while you get ready and travel to the studio.
• Choose your outfits and accessories in advance. Gather any cozy sweaters, favorite books, reading glasses, annotated novels, bookmarks, blankets, or special pieces you want to include. Having everything ready means less stress and more time to enjoy the experience.
• Give yourself permission to slow down. Take a relaxing shower, read a few chapters of your current favorite book, listen to a playlist that makes you feel like the main character, or spend a few quiet moments unwinding. The more relaxed you feel, the more naturally your confidence will shine through.
• Get plenty of rest. A good night’s sleep can help you feel energized, refreshed, and ready to embrace the experience.

Most importantly, come ready to play. You don’t need modeling experience or perfectly practiced poses. Your session is about celebrating who you are, embracing your love of books, and stepping into your own story for a day. The magic happens when you relax, have fun, and allow yourself to be the main character. ✨📚💕

The part you don’t have to plan

Here’s what you can stop worrying about completely: the posing. 

You will never be standing there frozen, wondering what to do with your hands. I’m right beside you the whole time — “tuck into the corner there, look down at the page, okay that’s the one.” There’s always one pose that feels ridiculous, we laugh about it, and then it’s the best shot of the day.

You don’t need to be a model. You don’t need to have done this before. You just need to show up and let me be your hype woman 😉

And somewhere in the middle of it — you’ll catch a peek at the back of my camera and feel it. Like, oh my gosh, that’s me?? Yeah girl, it is.

Ready to write yourself in?

Just 6 spots for August, $399, 2 digital images to keep. If you’re already mentally picking out your outfit — that’s your sign, babe.

Xoxo,
Allison

yes please | book now — I cannot wait to be your hype woman.

And if you want to dip your toe in first, come hang out with us in the Facebook group. It’s full of women on the exact same journey as you. 💛