diff --git a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/picture/components/ReferenceImagePicker.svelte b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/picture/components/ReferenceImagePicker.svelte
index 1a8feb84a..04811b340 100644
--- a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/picture/components/ReferenceImagePicker.svelte
+++ b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/picture/components/ReferenceImagePicker.svelte
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { Check, UserCircle } from '@mana/shared-icons';
 	import { useReferenceImages } from '$lib/modules/profile/queries';
+	import MeImageUploadZone from '$lib/modules/profile/components/MeImageUploadZone.svelte';
+	import { ingestMeImageFile } from '$lib/modules/profile/api/me-images';
 	import type { MeImage } from '$lib/modules/profile/types';
 
 	interface Props {
@@ -31,6 +33,29 @@
 		reference: 'Referenz',
 	};
 
+	// Inline upload state for the empty-pool case. Uploads here opt the
+	// image in for AI reference use by default (autoAiReference=true) —
+	// the user came into this picker explicitly to feed something into
+	// the generator, so the consent is contextual. /profile/me-images
+	// keeps opt-in-per-image as the default everywhere else.
+	let uploading = $state(false);
+	let uploadError = $state<string | null>(null);
+
+	async function handleUpload(files: File[]) {
+		if (files.length === 0) return;
+		uploading = true;
+		uploadError = null;
+		try {
+			for (const file of files) {
+				await ingestMeImageFile(file, { kind: 'reference', autoAiReference: true });
+			}
+		} catch (err) {
+			uploadError = err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Upload fehlgeschlagen';
+		} finally {
+			uploading = false;
+		}
+	}
+
 	function isSelected(id: string): boolean {
 		return selectedIds.includes(id);
 	}
@@ -55,19 +80,38 @@
 {#if loading && referenceImages.length === 0}
 	<p class="text-xs text-muted-foreground">Lade Referenz-Bilder…</p>
 {:else if referenceImages.length === 0}
-	<div
-		class="flex items-start gap-3 rounded-md border border-dashed border-border bg-background/50 p-3 text-xs text-muted-foreground"
-	>
-		<UserCircle size={18} weight="regular" class="mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />
-		<div class="space-y-1">
-			<p class="text-foreground">Noch keine Referenzbilder freigegeben.</p>
-			<p>
-				Lade ein Gesichts- oder Ganzkörperbild hoch und aktiviere "KI darf nutzen" unter
-				<a href="/profile/me-images" class="font-medium text-primary hover:underline">
-					Meine Bilder
-				</a>.
-			</p>
+	<div class="space-y-2 rounded-md border border-dashed border-border bg-background/50 p-3">
+		<div class="flex items-start gap-3 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+			<UserCircle size={18} weight="regular" class="mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />
+			<div class="space-y-1">
+				<p class="text-foreground">Noch keine Referenzbilder.</p>
+				<p>
+					Lade ein Bild hoch — es wird automatisch für KI-Referenzen freigegeben und erscheint hier
+					in der Auswahl.
+				</p>
+			</div>
 		</div>
+		<MeImageUploadZone
+			variant="compact"
+			label="Referenzbild hochladen"
+			hint="Gesicht, Ganzkörper, Hände — was du in Generierungen sehen willst"
+			disabled={uploading}
+			onFiles={handleUpload}
+		/>
+		{#if uploadError}
+			<div
+				class="rounded-md border border-error/30 bg-error/10 px-3 py-2 text-xs text-error"
+				role="alert"
+			>
+				{uploadError}
+			</div>
+		{/if}
+		<p class="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+			Mehrere Bilder + AI-Opt-in pro Bild:
+			<a href="/profile/me-images" class="font-medium text-primary hover:underline">
+				Meine Bilder
+			</a>.
+		</p>
 	</div>
 {:else}
 	<div class="space-y-2">
diff --git a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/MeImagesView.svelte b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/MeImagesView.svelte
index d67557d7d..e984438e7 100644
--- a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/MeImagesView.svelte
+++ b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/MeImagesView.svelte
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 	import MeImageUploadZone from './components/MeImageUploadZone.svelte';
 	import { useAllMeImages, useImageByPrimary } from './queries';
 	import { meImagesStore } from './stores/me-images.svelte';
-	import { readImageDimensions, uploadMeImageFile } from './api/me-images';
+	import { ingestMeImageFile } from './api/me-images';
 	import { migrateLegacyAvatarIfNeeded } from './migration/legacy-avatar';
 	import type { MeImage, MeImageKind, MeImagePrimarySlot } from './types';
 
@@ -70,22 +70,7 @@
 		uploadError = null;
 		try {
 			for (const file of files) {
-				const dims = (await readImageDimensions(file)) ?? { width: 0, height: 0 };
-				const uploaded = await uploadMeImageFile(file);
-				const created = await meImagesStore.createMeImage({
-					kind,
-					mediaId: uploaded.mediaId,
-					storagePath: uploaded.storagePath,
-					publicUrl: uploaded.publicUrl,
-					thumbnailUrl: uploaded.thumbnailUrl ?? null,
-					width: dims.width,
-					height: dims.height,
-				});
-				if (claimSlot) {
-					// setPrimary transactionally clears any previous slot-holder,
-					// so the old Face/Fullbody automatically drops into the grid.
-					await meImagesStore.setPrimary(created.id, claimSlot);
-				}
+				await ingestMeImageFile(file, { kind, claimSlot });
 			}
 		} catch (err) {
 			uploadError = err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Upload fehlgeschlagen';
diff --git a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/api/me-images.ts b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/api/me-images.ts
index de8aa3892..9900a5bcd 100644
--- a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/api/me-images.ts
+++ b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/profile/api/me-images.ts
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@
 
 import { getManaApiUrl } from '$lib/api/config';
 import { authStore } from '$lib/stores/auth.svelte';
+import { meImagesStore } from '../stores/me-images.svelte';
+import type { MeImage, MeImageKind, MeImagePrimarySlot } from '../types';
 
 export interface UploadMeImageResult {
 	mediaId: string;
@@ -59,3 +61,48 @@ export function readImageDimensions(file: File): Promise<{ width: number; height
 		img.src = url;
 	});
 }
+
+/**
+ * Full ingest pipeline for a single File: read dimensions → upload to the
+ * auth-protected endpoint → write a LocalMeImage through the store (which
+ * handles encryption + sync) → optionally claim a primary slot.
+ *
+ * This is the exact sequence `MeImagesView.ingestFiles()` runs for every
+ * file it receives. Extracted so in-context upload cards in other modules
+ * (wardrobe try-on, picture reference picker) can trigger the same write
+ * without duplicating the orchestration.
+ *
+ * `autoAiReference: true` flips `usage.aiReference=true` on creation —
+ * only intended for call-sites where the upload context itself is the
+ * consent (e.g. "upload a reference for the picture generator"). The
+ * default remains opt-in-per-image, matching the /profile/me-images
+ * flow.
+ */
+export async function ingestMeImageFile(
+	file: File,
+	options: {
+		kind: MeImageKind;
+		claimSlot?: MeImagePrimarySlot;
+		autoAiReference?: boolean;
+	}
+): Promise<MeImage> {
+	const dims = (await readImageDimensions(file)) ?? { width: 0, height: 0 };
+	const uploaded = await uploadMeImageFile(file);
+	const created = await meImagesStore.createMeImage({
+		kind: options.kind,
+		mediaId: uploaded.mediaId,
+		storagePath: uploaded.storagePath,
+		publicUrl: uploaded.publicUrl,
+		thumbnailUrl: uploaded.thumbnailUrl ?? null,
+		width: dims.width,
+		height: dims.height,
+		usage: options.autoAiReference ? { aiReference: true } : undefined,
+	});
+	if (options.claimSlot) {
+		// setPrimary transactionally clears any previous slot-holder, so an
+		// old face/body automatically drops into the grid on the profile
+		// page without a separate cleanup step.
+		await meImagesStore.setPrimary(created.id, options.claimSlot);
+	}
+	return created;
+}
diff --git a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/ListView.svelte b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/ListView.svelte
index 8122f1a8f..50bd6aa45 100644
--- a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/ListView.svelte
+++ b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/ListView.svelte
@@ -12,6 +12,10 @@
   the same way picture/ListView does.
 -->
 <script lang="ts">
+	import { UserCircle } from '@mana/shared-icons';
+	import { useImageByPrimary } from '$lib/modules/profile/queries';
+	import MeImageUploadZone from '$lib/modules/profile/components/MeImageUploadZone.svelte';
+	import { ingestMeImageFile } from '$lib/modules/profile/api/me-images';
 	import GridView from './views/GridView.svelte';
 	import OutfitsView from './views/OutfitsView.svelte';
 
@@ -23,6 +27,29 @@
 		{ key: 'garments', label: 'Kleidung' },
 		{ key: 'outfits', label: 'Outfits' },
 	];
+
+	// Face-ref banner: the minimum requirement for *any* wardrobe try-on
+	// (outfit or solo-garment, accessory or full). Body-ref is asked for
+	// later in the detail flow — keeping the top-level banner to one slot
+	// avoids a two-upload wall on first open.
+	const face$ = useImageByPrimary('face-ref');
+	const face = $derived(face$.value);
+
+	let uploadingFace = $state(false);
+	let faceUploadError = $state<string | null>(null);
+
+	async function handleFaceUpload(files: File[]) {
+		if (files.length === 0) return;
+		uploadingFace = true;
+		faceUploadError = null;
+		try {
+			await ingestMeImageFile(files[0], { kind: 'face', claimSlot: 'face-ref' });
+		} catch (err) {
+			faceUploadError = err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Upload fehlgeschlagen';
+		} finally {
+			uploadingFace = false;
+		}
+	}
 </script>
 
 <div class="wardrobe-root">
@@ -40,6 +67,36 @@
 		{/each}
 	</nav>
 
+	{#if !face$.loading && !face}
+		<div class="space-y-3 rounded-xl border border-dashed border-border bg-background/50 p-4">
+			<div class="flex items-start gap-3 text-sm">
+				<UserCircle size={18} weight="regular" class="mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0 text-primary" />
+				<div class="space-y-1">
+					<p class="font-medium text-foreground">Lade ein Gesichtsbild hoch</p>
+					<p class="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+						Wir brauchen dich auf Bild, damit Try-On Kleidung an dir visualisieren kann. Das Bild
+						bleibt lokal und wird nur für deine eigenen Generierungen genutzt.
+					</p>
+				</div>
+			</div>
+			<MeImageUploadZone
+				variant="compact"
+				label="Gesichtsbild hochladen"
+				hint="Kopf + Schulter, möglichst neutrale Beleuchtung"
+				disabled={uploadingFace}
+				onFiles={handleFaceUpload}
+			/>
+			{#if faceUploadError}
+				<div
+					class="rounded-md border border-error/30 bg-error/10 px-3 py-2 text-xs text-error"
+					role="alert"
+				>
+					{faceUploadError}
+				</div>
+			{/if}
+		</div>
+	{/if}
+
 	<div class="wardrobe-body">
 		{#if activeTab === 'garments'}
 			<GridView />
diff --git a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/GarmentTryOnButton.svelte b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/GarmentTryOnButton.svelte
index 2d6bf5446..b064b1a1d 100644
--- a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/GarmentTryOnButton.svelte
+++ b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/GarmentTryOnButton.svelte
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@
 	import { Sparkle, UserCircle, Info } from '@mana/shared-icons';
 	import { getActiveSpace } from '$lib/data/scope';
 	import { useImageByPrimary } from '$lib/modules/profile/queries';
+	import MeImageUploadZone from '$lib/modules/profile/components/MeImageUploadZone.svelte';
+	import { ingestMeImageFile } from '$lib/modules/profile/api/me-images';
 	import { isAccessoryGarment, runGarmentTryOn } from '../api/try-on';
 	import type { Garment } from '../types';
 
@@ -40,6 +42,9 @@
 	let error = $state<string | null>(null);
 	let lastResultUrl = $state<string | null>(null);
 
+	let uploadingRef = $state(false);
+	let uploadRefError = $state<string | null>(null);
+
 	const estimatedCredits = 10;
 
 	async function handleClick() {
@@ -60,6 +65,23 @@
 			running = false;
 		}
 	}
+
+	async function handleRefUpload(
+		files: File[],
+		kind: 'face' | 'fullbody',
+		slot: 'face-ref' | 'body-ref'
+	) {
+		if (files.length === 0) return;
+		uploadingRef = true;
+		uploadRefError = null;
+		try {
+			await ingestMeImageFile(files[0], { kind, claimSlot: slot });
+		} catch (err) {
+			uploadRefError = err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Upload fehlgeschlagen';
+		} finally {
+			uploadingRef = false;
+		}
+	}
 </script>
 
 {#if !hasPhoto}
@@ -67,22 +89,53 @@
 		Lade erst ein Foto hoch, um dieses Stück an dir zu visualisieren.
 	</p>
 {:else if missingFace || missingBody}
-	<div
-		class="flex items-start gap-3 rounded-xl border border-dashed border-border bg-background/50 p-4 text-sm text-muted-foreground"
-	>
-		<UserCircle size={18} weight="regular" class="mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0 text-primary" />
-		<div class="space-y-1">
-			<p class="text-foreground">Lade erst Referenzbilder hoch, um das Stück an dir zu sehen.</p>
-			<p class="text-xs">
-				Solo-Try-On braucht ein {accessoryOnly
-					? 'Gesichtsbild'
-					: 'Gesichts- und ein Ganzkörperbild'}
-				in diesem Space. Öffne dafür
-				<a href="/profile/me-images" class="font-medium text-primary hover:underline">
-					Meine Bilder
-				</a>.
-			</p>
+	<div class="space-y-3 rounded-xl border border-dashed border-border bg-background/50 p-4">
+		<div class="flex items-start gap-3 text-sm">
+			<UserCircle size={18} weight="regular" class="mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0 text-primary" />
+			<div class="space-y-1">
+				<p class="font-medium text-foreground">Für Solo-Try-On brauchen wir dich auf Bild.</p>
+				<p class="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+					{accessoryOnly
+						? 'Ein Gesichtsbild reicht — das Stück wird darauf montiert.'
+						: 'Ein Gesichts- und ein Ganzkörperbild. Beide werden nur für deine eigenen Generierungen genutzt.'}
+				</p>
+			</div>
 		</div>
+
+		{#if missingFace}
+			<MeImageUploadZone
+				variant="compact"
+				label="Gesichtsbild hochladen"
+				hint="Kopf + Schulter, möglichst neutrale Beleuchtung"
+				disabled={uploadingRef}
+				onFiles={(files) => handleRefUpload(files, 'face', 'face-ref')}
+			/>
+		{/if}
+		{#if missingBody}
+			<MeImageUploadZone
+				variant="compact"
+				label="Ganzkörperbild hochladen"
+				hint="Stehend, freier Hintergrund, gut erkennbare Haltung"
+				disabled={uploadingRef}
+				onFiles={(files) => handleRefUpload(files, 'fullbody', 'body-ref')}
+			/>
+		{/if}
+
+		{#if uploadRefError}
+			<div
+				class="rounded-md border border-error/30 bg-error/10 px-3 py-2 text-xs text-error"
+				role="alert"
+			>
+				{uploadRefError}
+			</div>
+		{/if}
+
+		<p class="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+			Weitere Referenzen oder AI-Opt-ins pro Bild:
+			<a href="/profile/me-images" class="font-medium text-primary hover:underline">
+				Meine Bilder
+			</a>.
+		</p>
 	</div>
 {:else}
 	<div class="space-y-2">
diff --git a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/TryOnButton.svelte b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/TryOnButton.svelte
index f96b254b0..54c493017 100644
--- a/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/TryOnButton.svelte
+++ b/apps/mana/apps/web/src/lib/modules/wardrobe/components/TryOnButton.svelte
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@
 	import { Sparkle, UserCircle, Info } from '@mana/shared-icons';
 	import { getActiveSpace } from '$lib/data/scope';
 	import { useImageByPrimary } from '$lib/modules/profile/queries';
+	import MeImageUploadZone from '$lib/modules/profile/components/MeImageUploadZone.svelte';
+	import { ingestMeImageFile } from '$lib/modules/profile/api/me-images';
 	import { isAccessoryOnlyOutfit, runOutfitTryOn } from '../api/try-on';
 	import { CATEGORY_LABELS_SINGULAR } from '../constants';
 	import type { Garment, Outfit } from '../types';
@@ -35,6 +37,13 @@
 	let running = $state(false);
 	let error = $state<string | null>(null);
 
+	// Inline ref-upload state. Deliberately local — the missing-ref
+	// experience lives right here instead of deep-linking to /profile/
+	// me-images, because leaving the outfit detail to upload a face photo
+	// and coming back is jarring (especially inside the workbench card).
+	let uploadingRef = $state(false);
+	let uploadRefError = $state<string | null>(null);
+
 	// Rough credit estimate — mirrors the server tariff from the M3 plan
 	// (3 low / 10 medium / 25 high; we default to medium). Shown on the
 	// button so the user knows the hit before clicking.
@@ -57,25 +66,76 @@
 			running = false;
 		}
 	}
+
+	async function handleRefUpload(
+		files: File[],
+		kind: 'face' | 'fullbody',
+		slot: 'face-ref' | 'body-ref'
+	) {
+		if (files.length === 0) return;
+		uploadingRef = true;
+		uploadRefError = null;
+		try {
+			// Only take the first file — these slots are single-image.
+			await ingestMeImageFile(files[0], { kind, claimSlot: slot });
+			// face$ / body$ live-queries re-run automatically, so the
+			// missing-block disappears and the button becomes active.
+		} catch (err) {
+			uploadRefError = err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Upload fehlgeschlagen';
+		} finally {
+			uploadingRef = false;
+		}
+	}
 </script>
 
 {#if missingFace || missingBody}
-	<div
-		class="flex items-start gap-3 rounded-xl border border-dashed border-border bg-background/50 p-4 text-sm text-muted-foreground"
-	>
-		<UserCircle size={18} weight="regular" class="mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0 text-primary" />
-		<div class="space-y-1">
-			<p class="text-foreground">Lade erst Referenzbilder hoch, um dich im Outfit zu sehen.</p>
-			<p class="text-xs">
-				Try-On braucht mindestens ein {accessoryOnly
-					? 'Gesichtsbild'
-					: 'Gesichts- und ein Ganzkörperbild'}
-				in diesem Space. Öffne dafür
-				<a href="/profile/me-images" class="font-medium text-primary hover:underline">
-					Meine Bilder
-				</a>.
-			</p>
+	<div class="space-y-3 rounded-xl border border-dashed border-border bg-background/50 p-4">
+		<div class="flex items-start gap-3 text-sm">
+			<UserCircle size={18} weight="regular" class="mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0 text-primary" />
+			<div class="space-y-1">
+				<p class="font-medium text-foreground">Für Try-On brauchen wir dich auf Bild.</p>
+				<p class="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+					{accessoryOnly
+						? 'Ein Gesichtsbild reicht — der Rest bleibt wie auf deinem Foto.'
+						: 'Ein Gesichts- und ein Ganzkörperbild. Beide werden nur für deine eigenen Generierungen genutzt.'}
+				</p>
+			</div>
 		</div>
+
+		{#if missingFace}
+			<MeImageUploadZone
+				variant="compact"
+				label="Gesichtsbild hochladen"
+				hint="Kopf + Schulter, möglichst neutrale Beleuchtung"
+				disabled={uploadingRef}
+				onFiles={(files) => handleRefUpload(files, 'face', 'face-ref')}
+			/>
+		{/if}
+		{#if missingBody}
+			<MeImageUploadZone
+				variant="compact"
+				label="Ganzkörperbild hochladen"
+				hint="Stehend, freier Hintergrund, gut erkennbare Haltung"
+				disabled={uploadingRef}
+				onFiles={(files) => handleRefUpload(files, 'fullbody', 'body-ref')}
+			/>
+		{/if}
+
+		{#if uploadRefError}
+			<div
+				class="rounded-md border border-error/30 bg-error/10 px-3 py-2 text-xs text-error"
+				role="alert"
+			>
+				{uploadRefError}
+			</div>
+		{/if}
+
+		<p class="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+			Weitere Referenzen oder AI-Opt-ins pro Bild:
+			<a href="/profile/me-images" class="font-medium text-primary hover:underline">
+				Meine Bilder
+			</a>.
+		</p>
 	</div>
 {:else}
 	<div class="space-y-2">