Here is a quick step-by-step guide to my top tips and best advice as you choose your outfits!
1. CHOOSE THE LOCATION.
Before you even consider what outfits you want to wear, let's figure out location options and what you most prefer. Will you have a casual beach session or will you be dressed up downtown? Will we be hiking through the trails at Stoney Creek or will we be hanging out in a field of wildflowers? Your location actually matters a lot as you choose your outfits. Consider the vibe you are going for first as you select your outfits and then work with me to choose a suitable location.
2. START WITH MOM’S OUTFIT.
It can be hard to know where to begin, but think of it as building blocks. Start with one outfit and then you can build upon that. My recommendation is to start with mom (or daughter), since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints. And let’s be honest, we are more picky about how we look, and moms are typically pulling the outfits together anyways.
My best advice is for you to wear a dress in your favorite color. Not only are dresses flattering, but you will feel good in it. If you hate dresses, think about a skirt/top combo, but choose something that is slightly dressier than your everyday look. Opt for high quality fabrics (not t-shirt material) because they hang better.
3. CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE.
After you’ve chosen mom’s outfit, think about 2-3 coordinating colors, some neutral and one of which pops and brings life to the outfits. I’ve created the below examples with summer family photo outfit ideas! Go check it out!
4. THINK MUTED COLORS.
Avoid overly saturated and bold colors, as they distract from the photo. Look for MUTED versions of the same color. For example, if you have a bright hot pink shirt, try a muted dusty rose instead.
5. COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH.
Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white polos and khakis for family photos on the beach. Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as your spouse or putting your girls in matching dresses.
After mom’s outfit is chosen, begin to find 2-3 coordinating colors that complement.
6. ADD VARIETY WITH SUBTLE PATTERNS.
They say that variety is the spice of life right? To add depth and interest to your photos, create dimension by having primarily solids with a few coordinating subtle patterns and textures. Patterns are great in small doses and add a lot of your photo. Avoid bold, large prints that can distract from the photo though. You want your family photos to be about you and not merely your outfits.
Layers are another way to add variety with cardigans, shawls, scarves, etc.
7. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER.
You might have the perfect outfit on, but if you’re freezing or sweating to death, a family photo session can quickly unravel. Layering is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or sweltering August days! Remember, little ones get cold more quickly than adults when temperatures are low, so pack a cardigan or sweater for them. Cold kiddos = sad photos…keep those kids warm!
8. JUST BE YOURSELF.
Don’t dress like someone else you saw on Pinterest just because you found an amazing outfit idea. You want these photos to represent the real you and your family and not be something that you aren’t. This might mean you wear shorts or torn up jeans or a boho vintage thrift store dress. Just be you!
9. COORDINATE WITH YOUR INTERIOR STYLE.
How you decorate your home says a lot about you and your style. Consider coordinating your outfits to your home décor, as you will likely display your photos on your walls. For example, if your house is decorated in white muted tones, don’t wear bright and bold outfits.
10. REMEMBER THE SHOES.
Shoes have the power to compliment an outfit or completely destroy it! Think about your session location. If you are in a field, for instance, you won’t be able to walk in those stilettos. Avoid bright white shoes, all athletic sneakers, and kids’ shoes with cartoon characters and sparkles. If you just can’t find shoes you love, consider having the family go barefoot for the session (just bring shoes to walk around at the location!).
11. DON’T WAIT TO TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE.
Try on your clothes well in advance so you can switch it up if something isn’t working. Look at your outfit from different angles and move around to make sure it works for lifestyle photos. There’s nothing worse than a gorgeous v-neck dress that keeps gaping wide-open to show your bra as you cuddle and tickle your kiddos.
If You Are Still Reading This…
…and feel completely overwhelmed, start with one outfit—probably yours, mom! Choose something you love and feels flattering on you, and then coordinate a few other colors and build from there.
Remember, these photos are about you, your family, and the love and connection you share! Having great outfits is the icing on the cake! If you feel comfortable and confident about how you look, you are much more likely to love your photos. I share all of this advice because I want your outfits to compliment and help make the photo, not detract from it.
Please don’t stress :) Reach out if you have any questions. Let’s document these sweet moments and preserve these memories!