What Do I wear?

What to wear Tips & Tricks
This is my number one most asked question! What should we wear? I have experience in this myself! The little one doesn’t want to wear this shirt, or Dad doesn’t think he looks good in this color. It can be a pain!
If you’re stuck, ask for help!
Many stores offer free styling assistance in picking out clothing! I also love helping my clients choose their outfits. Just text or email me photos of different possibilities and we can solve the puzzle together!
GENERAL TIPs
START WITH ONE PERSON.
It’s way easier to visualize the whole image once you have one outfit set! Try starting with mom or daughter, since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints. Once you have one outfit put together, build off of that one outfit.  Incorporating colors from to each outfit. This will bring everyone together. It does not have to be the same color. It could be shades of one color or complimenting colors.
COMPLEMENT, DON’T MATCH.
The day of all white shirts and khaki pants are long past (Except maybe at the beach!)! Images look great with complimenting colors! Colors that generally complement each other, for example, cool colors (light blue, gray, blush) or warm colors (brown, orange, burgundy) draw in colors from the background to make the image stronger and more appealing. If you want colorful images, then you should choose a more vivid color scheme for your outfits! If you need help, look to your favorite flowers for inspiration! Nature is great at complementing colors!
Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be! All you need for an awesome family session is one outfit for everyone. Changing outfits will take time away from your shoot and can put your kids in a grumpy mood.
So how do we choose our colors?
CONSIDER YOUR HOME DECOR.
If you’re planning to hang your images in your living room that’s decorated in all white, you probably don’t want your clothing to be dark. If you’re hanging them in a colorful nursery, then wear vivid outfits. If you have a color theme in your home, that color in your photo would tie into your décor!
CONSIDER THE LOCATION OF YOUR SESSION.
If we will be photographing in a field in the fall, chances are the field will be brown. Complementing colors of browns are oranges and reds. If we would be photographing in a green area, purples and blues would work well.
PLAN FOR THE WEATHER.
Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in a perfect outfit. If you’re planning an outdoor session in November, think about coats, gloves, and hats. In the summer, dress in layers that you can easily take off if you get too hot. If we would still like to photograph outdoors in the cold or the rain, keep your warm coats with you!
 DON’T FORGET SHOES!
These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfits! If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot (just bring walking shoes to get from point A to point B). Steer away from athletic shoes and bright white sneakers. Keep in mind uniformity, if one person is barefoot, ideally everyone should be barefoot.
TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES WELL IN ADVANCE!
Check your outfits from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try sitting, squatting, leaning forward, etc. The kids’ clothes should work well in motion so that we can play during your session (think flying, tickling, and hanging upside down).
LET THE KIDS HAVE INPUT.
If your daughter hates wearing dresses, don’t force her to wear one for picture day. If your son thinks that bowtie is uncomfortable, ditch it. Happy kids make for happy photos!
 MOST IMPORTANT RULE OF ALL!! BE COMFORTABLE!!
If you or your children are not comfortable, it will show in your images. Steer clear of itchy sweaters, tight shoes, or “I don’t like that color” shirts.
 
OVERALL TIPS
 SAY YES TO:
COMFORT If you feel good, you will look good! Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, and won’t require a lot of maintenance throughout your session.
TEXTURE
Add some visual interest to your images with unique fabrics. Some examples: lace, cable knits, chambray, tweed, herringbone, chambray, faux fur, wool
PATTERNS
Don’t be scared of patterns and prints! They can work great in moderation. Try one statement piece (for instance, a colorful floral dress for mom) and one subtle pattern (maybe tiny polka dots for baby girl), and then keep the rest of the family simpler.
 LAYERS AND ACCESSORIES
These are the quickest way to take your outfits from average to amazing! Think scarves, blazers, cardigans, belts, jewelry, fun socks, and hats.
FITTED CLOTHING
We don’t want your clothing to be too baggy or too tight. Properly fitted clothing looks put together and will show your shape. For women, your upper half and lower half should be balanced: so for instance, blousy shirt + skinny pants, or tight shirt + flowing skirt.
CLASSIC CHOICES
Try to steer away from current trends, since they’ll date your photos 10 years from now.
 SAY NO TO:
FORMAL CLOTHES
BRIGHT WHITE (exceptions may apply)
NEON COLORS
 LOGOS & TEXT
ATHLETIC SHOES
 HOLIDAY COLORS
SHORT-SLEEVED T-SHIRTS
TINY PLAID & COMPLICATED PATTERNS
 
CHEAT SHEET
 MOM
SAY YES TO:
maxi dresses, fitted tops tucked into long skirts, A-line dresses/coats, skinny jeans, cardigans, blazers, scarves, ankle boots, riding boots, fitted tunics,
SAY NO TO:
strapless, sleeveless (unless you love your arms), low-cut shirts, baggy clothes, chunky knits, cheap/flimsy fabrics
 DAD
SAY YES TO:
blazers, chino pants/shorts, button-downs with sleeves rolled up to elbows, sweaters layered over collared shirts, dark wash jeans, leather shoes/boots, cardigans
SAY NO TO:
short-sleeved polos, short-sleeved button-downs, baggy shorts/pants, athletic shoes, cargo shorts, white t-shirts
 GIRLS
SAY YES TO:
everything listed for mom, plus these optional accessories: headbands, hats, bows, rainboots
SAY NO TO:
visible diaper/underwear (try shorts for under dresses), neon, athletic shoes or character shoes
 
BOYS
SAY YES TO:
everything listed for dad, plus these optional accessories: suspenders, bowtie, caps, high-top sneakers
SAY NO TO:
tank tops, neon, visible diaper, athletic shoes or character shoes (Disney, etc.)