Clothing is very important to a session. However, as always, your connection is the main goal.  With that being said, choosing coordinating outfits can add a lot of beauty to your session and make you look like a cohesive unit.  Colors and textures and layers can also add so much depth and visual interest as well. There are some easy things you can do to choose great outfits without having to purchase all new things.   

Choose two to three main colors

Color plays a huge part so choosing complementary colors is best.  I recommend choosing 2-3 accent colors and then fill in the rest with neurals.  For example, you might choose maroon, hunter green and mustard for a fall session for your highlighted colors and then mix and match neutrals like khakis and jeans in.  All my clients have access to my styling website once the book a session and that helps take all the guesswork out of selecting colors and outfits.

Layers look great

Some great options for layering are scarves, sweaters, jean jackets, and accessories like bows, teis, necklaces, hats and fun shoes.  Again, my styling site helps recommend accessories once your main outfits are coordinated.

Say yes to texture!

This goes hand in hand with layers.  Texture adds so much visual interest.  Choose different fabrics and patterns. Maybe a floral top for mom and a lace solid color dress for sister. Pop in a soft knit sweater on dad and some stripes and corduroys on brother.  Top it off with a hair bow, some jewelry and you’re golden!

Leggings or shorts for little girls

Is your little girl a wiggly thing who wants to climb and play? We love and encourage play but you may not want to see her Little Mermaid undies or diaper peeking out in photo after photo.  If undies on display is a worry for you, pop some leggings on under her dress so she’s free to have all the fun she can.

Dont go heavy on dark colors like black and navy

These colors can look especially dark in photos.  Particularly if worn by multiple family members. If you do opt for these colors, try to have accessories or layers to break them up.

Not Quite White

Cream is a great alternative to white and photographs better, creating a soft more neutral tone.  

Sleeves for parents

Most of the time, sleeved options look better on adults than their sleeveless counterparts.  But with that being said, if you go sleeveless all the time, keep it up! It’s important that you look and feel like yourself during your session.

Mom Comes First

Usually moms are the most particular about what they wear during a session, so choose for yourself first.  You’re the heart of the family, so build all the rest of the families outfits around yours! Choose something that makes you feel beautiful and that you feel amazing in. Clothes that move or flow look so beautiful, so if you like wearing long dresses, this is your opportunity to pull one out!

Steer clear of big patterns, words or graphics

Dots and stripes look great, as well as floral pattern on dresses.  Aim to forgo shirts with logos or pictures or words as our brain likes to look at them and can distract the eye.

Watches off!

I’ll keep track of the time for you! Go ahead and leave your apple watch and that bright red spiderman watch at home.  They are distracting in images. Classic timepieces are different. If its a piece of jewelry, go ahead and wear it, if it is meaningful to you!