CLOTHING

I know picking out outfits for everyone in the family and making sure they all go together and hoping your kids will even wear what you pick out...can be a daunting task to say the least.

This page isn't here to overwhelm you, but to help guide you and take much of the guess work out of things. Hopefully after reading this page, you'll have gained better understanding of what makes great clothing for photographs and you'll feel more empowered to take on this task rather than trying to figure it out on your own.

I recommend starting to think about wardrobe several weeks before your photo session so that you're not rushed last minute in case you do need to order anything, enough time for cheaper shipping options, trying it on, and possibly having to exchange it.

I'm also a text or call away if you are having trouble piecing together your family's outfits. I'm here to help! Seriously!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

BUILD AROUND FAVE OUTFIT:
I recommend that mama choose her outfit first, then the rest of the family members dress accordingly.
Or, if you have a very picky dresser in your family, or a favorite kid outfit, go with them first.

COLORS:
Earth tones.
I recommend going with the first four color tones in the chart below: black, brown, tan, beige.
Then add an extra color from the right-hand side if you want to and a patterned item as well (someone wears a flannel shirt or scarf or

Don't all match in color, but make sure the colors "go together." Some examples are below.

PATTERNS:
Only 1 family member (2 at most) should wear a patterned shirt or dress. The rest should wear solids.
Plaid, gingham, small florals are perfect.

TEXTURES:
I can't stress this enough! Linen, 100% cotton, & wool will make your photos feel natural and timeless. These fabrics also add a layer of texture to your photographs. Flowy fabric and loose-fitted clothing will give your photos a sense of movement and a laid-back feeling.

For fall and winter - add layers like knitted sweaters, coats, scarves, boots & hats, all keeping with earth tones.
For spring and summer - you could add textures like lace (like on a collar of a dress or cardigan) instead of wool, for example, for those warmer months. Linen and cotton breathe well in the summer season.

ACCESSORIES:
Lastly - socks & shoes! And coats (if needed)

Neutral colored socks. Yes, these can peak through pants in some cases!

Leather/brown shoes or boots, barefoot, or flat sandals. *Make sure the bottom of your children's shoes are neutral toned as well.

Ditch the raincoat and choose a beautiful wool coat.

Nearly all locations are NOT suitable for high heels.
I may even encourage you & the children to go barefoot depending on the location!

FINAL NOTES:

FOR THE MAMAS & DAUGHTERS

I strongly recommend (but never required) that mama & girls wear dresses that flow! The movement from flowy dresses adds magic & movement to photographs! Plus, the girls love to twirl in them!

FOR THE DADS & SONS

Brown pants, jeans and khakis are great for the boys. Button down shirts and henleys are great for tops.

SHOES

Brown shoes are a go-to for not being distracting. Avoid neon shoes at all cost, even on the soles. Going barefoot in some locations, like the beach or an in-home session, adds a more natural look.

HAIR

Down and flowing is best for photos, especially if it's windy! Avoid tight braids or buns. I'd prefer messy hair rather than slicked back. For young girls, add a bow or cute headband if you wish!

WHY THIS WORKS

The mixture between warm tones and cooler tones is perfect for the variety of greens in the background. The warm toned shirt that Mama is wearing automatically brings warmth to the photograph. You could add a patterned shirt in here and it would be stunning.

WHY THIS WORKS

This is a great example of how texture can add more interest to a photograph. Ruffles in the young girl's dress creates contrast in light and shadow, (not to mention flow and movement), while mom's lace dress has so much texture...chef's kiss!

Dad has a patterned button-down shirt - plaid- always a go-to pattern if you're in search for one. Baby wears a warm tone to balance out the cooler colored dress mom is wearing. Young girl is in a neutral color as a palette cleanser. Boy is wearing a solid olive green color and has a knitted texture in his sweater. All works together great and looks naturally put together.

DON'T ALREADY HAVE WHAT YOU NEED?

WHY THIS WORKS

This family mixed warm tones (rust, orange) with neutral and cooler tones (khaki, blue, green) and works well together. Little brother's brown corduroy overalls and Mama's knitted sweater give nice textures to the image. One person could have a patterned shirt or dress and would be great as well.

Below are some places to find great garments for all types of budgets.

The ones marked with * means that 99% of their clothing will work for your photoshoot. It takes a lot of the guesswork out, but you may have to fork out more $$$.

I've always had great luck finding neutral or small patterned items at Old Navy without breaking the bank.

And of course, there is always something to find at thrift stores but you'll need to have a clear vision in what you're after and do the work finding and putting it all together, but a great way to save on some cash.

My absolute favorite is Simple Folk.

I'm not affiliated - (I wish!) - but pretty much "anything goes" from this store.