Looking great in photos isn't just about your pose or how much or how little you smile, or which direction you tilt your head. All of these things are certainly factors, but your outfit can be equally as important. You probably know by now that some things that look great IRL just don't translate in photos. And in the age of Instagram that we live in, that's a bit of a shame (you never know when your 'fit will be documented).
So why look to celebs over age 40 for their photogenic outfit secrets? Well, many of them have been walking red carpets for years, so they undoubtedly know what works and what doesn't work, and there are plenty of photos to prove it. Below, you'll find four of those highly photogenic outfits that we see them wear time and time again. They're not complicated and they don't require an entirely new wardrobe, so scroll away. (Sidenote: They all involve heels, but they're your feet—wear whatever shoes you want.)
The Outfit: Coat + Dress + Heels
A dress and heels isn't exactly groundbreaking, but celebs over 40 adore wearing the combination with a coat. It adds interest and polish to the simple look.
On Sarah Jesssica Parker: Ulla Johnson coat; Emilia Wickstead dress; Wolford tights
WHO: Naomie Harris
WHO: Anna Wintour
Shop the Look
The Outfit: Suit + Heels
If you want a no-brainer outfit that always looks good on camera, a suit (whether pants or skirt) is always a safe bet, and it can easily be spiced up with accessories.
WHO: Cindy Crawford
On Kerry Washington: Armani suit
On Jennifer Lopez: Alex Perry coat, top, and pants
Shop the Look
+ Straight Suit Trousers ($60)
The Outfit: Blazer + Jeans + Heels
You probably wear this outfit a lot anyway, and it happens to look great in photos. The beauty of this combination is that you can wear it with any style of jeans (or blazer, for that matter), and it’s just as successful with trousers.
On Katie Holmes: Chanel jacket and bag; Re/Done Heritage Cotton Classic Tee ($62); Jimmy Choo Ivy 85 Heels ($675)
On Jennifer Aniston: Chanel bag
On Penelope Cruz: Chanel bag; Paige Genevieve Flare Jeans ($229)
Shop the Look
The Outfit: Minidress + Heels
A minidress and heels has always been (and always will be) a celeb favorite, especially on the red carpet, which is the ultimate test of just how photogenic an outfit is. (As you can see, this one succeeds with flying colors.)
On Gwyneth Paltrow: G. Label blazer; Jimmy Choo shoes
On Halle Berry: Zuhair Murad dress
On Reese Witherspoon: Alexander McQueen dress; Saint Laurent shoes
Shop the Look
Next up, 10 celeb-approved ways to style the most important winter basics.
-
5 Chic End-of-Summer Denim Outfits That Will Make You Look Like a Fashion PersonFrom Stockholm to Paris to London.
-
The "No White After Labor Day" Rule Is Out—These Chic Outfits Are InWho says white has to have a season? We’re wearing it all year long.
-
The Chic 2-Piece Outfit Busy Fashion People Always Wear in SeptemberAwkward weather, conquered.
-
This Simple Fashion Person–Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My BasicsEffortlessly cool.
-
Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend InsteadHere's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.
-
Cooler Than Jeans and a T-Shirt—Everyone With Good Taste Will Wear These 15 Denim Outfits This FallNext time fall styling inspiration runs dry, just reference these looks.
-
Goodbye, Ballet Flats: It Girls in London, NYC, and Paris Are Prioritizing This Fall Flat Shoe Trend InsteadAnd they're styling it like *this.*
-
Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing This Expensive-Looking Item With White PantsSo chic.
