What to Wear - Family Portraits
GENERAL TIPS
There are lots of great patterns to wear that will look great in family photos! Here are some examples!
Florals: you can find so many different kinds of florals that look amazing in photos! Smaller, spaced out floral patterns look awesome, and so do larger florals. I also really love a simple floral pattern where the background is one color, and the flowers are another. You can even find floral patterns that are busy but still look great!
Stripes: I love stripes as long as they aren’t skinny and close together. Thick stripes, or skinny stripes that are spaced out look amazing.
Subtle Shapes: Subtle is the operative word here. If you’re going to have a pattern like this where the shape repeats throughout the item, you want the colors to not be too different (So don’t do black and white or something like that).
The trick to choosing patterns for your family photos is that you don’t want to have too many and make your photos too busy. Usually I’d suggest sticking to one or two patterns and have solid colors and textures for the rest. But there are exceptions to that rule! I’m always available to help all my clients figure out clothing, so if you have questions, no worries, just ask!
Sometimes you can get away with having two or three floral patterns, you just have to make sure the patterns are different enough. For example: One smaller floral print, and one larger.
SEASON: FALL
Coordinating Colors:.One of the most important things to consider when choosing outfits for your family is color coordination. While you don’t want everyone to be super matchy-matchy, you also don’t want outfits to clash. You can start by choosing a few colors to work with, such as neutral tones like beige, cream, or grey. You can add some darker tones like black, navy, or forest green, along with some pops of color like burgundy or rust-colored accessories. By choosing a few coordinating colors, you can give each person in your family the flexibility to style themselves in a way that showcases their individuality and personality.
Textures and Layers: .Fall is all about the cozy textures and layers, so have fun with it! Choose outfits with layers and textures that add interest and depth to your photos. You can mix and match different pieces like chunky sweaters, denim jackets, scarves, and hats to keep everyone comfortable and stylish. Plus, layers provide the flexibility to change up your outfits and try different combinations throughout your photo shoot.
Dress for the location:.When planning your outfits, consider the location where you’ll be taking your photos. If you’re headed to a park or woodland area, it’s best to choose clothes that blend into the natural surroundings. For instance, go for earthy, muted tones that will complement the autumnal colors. If you’re taking photos in a more urban environment, you can play with brighter colors and bolder patterns, but keep in mind that you still want to coordinate your family’s outfits.
Shoes and Accessories Matter:.Accessories can make a huge difference in tying an outfit together. From hats to jewelry to shoes, every detail counts. Make sure the shoes and accessories enhance the outfits while keeping them understated to complement the fall season’s natural, organic vibes. Be sure to have a coordinated wardrobe, so the accessories will blend into the outfit rather than stick out.
Leave room for creativity:.Lastly, remember to have fun with it! You don’t want to stress too much about what you’re wearing; it should feel natural. Choose items that reflect you and your family’s personalities and incorporate little details that make the outfit a bit more unique. Your family photos should be a reflection of who you are, so go with what feels comfortable yet fashionable.
SEASON: SPRING & SUMMER
Family portraits are a great way to capture memories and show how your family has grown. Whether you’re gathering the entire family or just capturing a special moment between siblings, planning what to wear for your photo session can be one of the most stressful parts. But with some thoughtful coordination of colors, styles, and textures—plus good old-fashioned fashion advice from yours truly!—you’ll have everyone looking their best when you hit up your local photographer this spring and summer. Read on for tips on how to dress for success in your upcoming photo session!
Coordinate outfits with your partner and children. Planning the perfect color scheme for your photoshoot? Consult with your photographer to discover which hues will capture your special location in its most stunning light. Whether you have an idea of what would look great or are looking for expert guidance, they can help create just the right atmosphere!
Choose colors that complement each other. For this, I like to use resources like Pinterest to help me out! There’s some great inspiration there! I love neutrals with a pop of color personally, but whatever you choose try to stick with clothes that look good and make you feel confident.
Stick to light, airy fabrics for a spring feel. It really helps to focus on the color tones. You can still totally wear red if that looks good on you, but opt for a more muted tone instead of the traditional bright red. Same with maroons or really any other color. Muted tones give you that light and airy look for your images that pair well with that neon grass we see during the spring and summer seasons.
Add accessories for personality and interest. Accessories can be the easiest way to dress up those simplistic pieces you’re wearing. Think of fun floppy hats, belts for the boys, jewelry for the gals. Even a fun blanket to sit on or a stylish toy to interact with. There’s so many fun ways we can bring your families personality into your pictures with accessories and props!
Have fun with it! This is a chance to capture memories of your loved ones. Last but not least, just enjoy the day! You’ve done all the prep work. Go toss those babies in the air and smile that your hubs in with your crew. After you’ve put all the hard work into making your family look picture perfect just relax. Then take your family out to eat!
SEASON: WINTER/HOLIDAY PHOTOS
Overwhelmed with the thought of having to choose outfits for your upcoming Christmas themed pictures? Don’t worry, we’ve taken the stress out of that process and curated a list filled with what to wear for your own family pictures this fall!
If you’re dressing your family for holiday themed mini’s try to think outside the box. More than likely they’ll have a few plaid things so don’t over do it on the patterns! The smaller the print, the better. And if you’re doing something like a red truck themed mini, try to steer away from that specific color and choose something like a neutral cream color to really pop your outfits.