One of the most common questions I get after a client books a session is “What should we wear?”

I’m going to share with you a few tips and suggestions but keep in mind that this is only my opinion and ultimately I want my families to be comfortable and feel like themselves!

Tip 1: Coordinate – Don’t Match

I’m not a fan of everyone in the family matching with the exact same color. Instead, I suggest going for a similar color palette and mixing up solids and prints, etc.

Tip 2: Stay Away From Neon/Primary Colors/Logos

I am a fan of muted color palettes, soft pinks, yellows, blues, white, and grey. I would suggest staying away from primary colors and neons as they tend to leave a color cast on your skin. I once had a dad wear a bright yellow shirt and it made everyone look like they had neon yellow skin and was a nightmare to edit. Soft colors are much more flattering in pictures.

That being said, there are a few exceptions to this rule! I love a good mustard yellow, rust orange, coral, etc. But use these colors sparingly and as “pops” throughout the family.

Mom, start with yourself!

Moms are usually the ones who book family sessions and I think of them as the star of the show. If mom doesn’t like how she looks in the photos she will not like them, period. You may think it’s all about the kids but let’s be honest, when you see a photo you immediately look at yourself. So moms, I suggest starting with your outfit first! It will probably be the hardest to find, cost the most amount of money, and will take the most time.

I looove when mom wears a flowy dress, skirt, or top. Tips on what to look for: texture, pretty little details, and fabric that drapes and flows. It is extra flattering and movement in photos is my favorite!

Favorite brands for moderately priced dresses: Free People, Cleobella, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Pink Blush, Lulus.

Favorite brands for budget friendly outfits: Forever 21, Roolee, Old Navy, The Gap, Amazon.

I realize that all of these options are dresses, but you can also pick a flowy blouse or sweater for the same effect!

ARE YOU NURSING?

I actually love capturing mama’s breastfeeding their babes (if you are comfortable with it obviously) so it’s important to consider this when choosing your outfit for your family photo session. You obviously want something that will be easy to nurse in and won’t require getting fully unrobed. Roolee and Pink Blush have some great nursing-friendly dresses and tops that will allow you to easily breastfeed while looking beautiful! You can also just google “nursing friendly clothing” for more options.

Time to Dress the Kids!

Once you have decided on your outfit mom, now you can start to pick your kids’ outfits! Again, go for coordinating colors with a mix and match of patterns/solids. My all time favorite shop for kids clothing is Zara. It is so timeless, cute, budget friendly, and fits all of my tips of having texture and sweet little details. Here are some of my favorites!

DON’T FORGET THE ACCESSORIES!

Think headbands or bows for the little girls, dapper little hats for boys, and don’t forget jewelry and shoes! I love Janie & Jack for accessories and Wunderkin has the cutest bows!

What to Wear – Dads!

In my opinion, dads/men are the easiest to dress. Once mom + kids are taken care of, pick a neutral outfit for dad. I like dad to be comfortable but also coordinate with the family. A collar (button down or polo shirt) is a good choice with either shorts, khakis, or jeans. Steer clear of logos/graphics and either go for plain, stripes, or a small print.

And the most important thing you can wear to a family photoshoot is a smile and a good attitude! If you’re comfortable and ready to have a relaxed/fun hour loving on your family then everything else will fall into place! I can’t wait to capture your family!