Style Guide

The most common question once a session is booked is: “What should we wear?”

The goal of this style guide is to help you a bit with that answer. Above all, think of the look and feel you want for your photos: warm and earthy? Bright and airy? Casual? Fancy? I’ll provide some style and color suggestions, as well as some links to different sites to help you out so we can achieve what you want with your session. Don’t forget: comfort is key. If you’re not comfortable, it will show! It’s ok to step out of your comfort zone and wear something that’s not your “norm” but don’t get clothing that is too small, too tight, too short, too hot, (too anything-not-good) or that makes you self conscious. When you feel good, you look good, so that needs to be the goal!

I have several options for girls (or boys who love dresses!) infant through size 14 in my client closet; they are mostly “fancy” dresses (primarily Trish Scully and some Joyfolie) and some boho looks. Maternity dresses are available and some of them work for non maternity dresses, as well. One day, I hope to have some “boyish” options in the client closet for kids beyond newborn sizes one day.

The girls’ dresses are especially handy for newborn sibling sessions, and a white or creamy button down shirt or even shirtless for [traditional] boys is a timeless and beautiful look with newborn sibling photos; sweaters give a nice texture and look great for all types of sessions as well.

• Find the outfit for the most difficult-to-dress person first. Maybe you have a kiddo that has texture or tightness sensitivity with clothing. Maybe mom is self conscious. Maybe dad hates anything but t-shirts. Find something that speaks to you for that person first and build upon that. It’s a great idea to find one pattern and pull colors from that for everyone else.

• Find a color palette you love (Pinterest is a great place to search) and build upon that. Consider the scenery for outdoor sessions: spring and summer sessions tend to have a lot of green. Wear colors that stand out against green: yellow, orange, coral, purple, blue are all great. Jewel tones or pastels are perfect. Fall and winter, though, are great for greens because there are so many other colors with fall foliage, or a bunch of white (snow) or brown (dormant plants). Earthy or jewel tones are always fantastic for fall and winter, and gray or neutral tones (browns, beiges, cream, black) are timeless looks that fit all seasons. Avoid neon colors and, please and try to avoid bright white if we are outside.

• Go for Layers & textures! Scarves, cardigans, unbuttoned over-shirts with a v-neck t-shirt beneath, lace, chunky knits, flowy fabrics, suede, etc. Visual interest is always an eye-catcher in photos!

• Accessorize! Necklaces, earrings, scarves, bow-ties, suspenders; whatever you love the look of in a photo. Add some personality and more visual interest. Let your kid bring that weird thing you don’t understand why they like wearing it and grab one photo with it: you’ll miss their silly little kid personality in their outfits one day (trust me on this!).

• Wear a touch of make-up, even if you’re not a make-up wearer. Just some tinted moisturizer and lip gloss will be all you need if you a non make-up person. Digital photography shows more detail than the naked eye, so these things will help you look like you truly do in person. If you are a make-up wearer, keep it close to your every day look and really concentrate on the eyes.

• Don’t wear something that shows your underwear! It may sound obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how often we don’t realize what things look like beyond a reflection at home… Have someone snap a quick cell phone pic of you in your outfit if you’re in doubt - simply add another layer of coverage like a slip or camisole if necessary.

• Don’t put everyone in patterns! All matching plaid shirts might sound cute, but the photo then becomes about the distracting shirts instead of your beautiful family. It’s best to have one pattern, or possibly a bold pattern and one more subtle pattern for someone else that compliment each other. Coordinate, but don’t match exactly… unless you really have your heart set on it for a specific reason.

• Don’t forget to pay attention to your shoes! A great outfit with dirty, holy sneakers can really ruin a great photo. Re-sale stores are great for this, because shoes for one photo session can really rack up a lot of cost on a little detail that does matter but isn’t front and center for the photos, so spending hundreds isn’t something many want to do. Think canvas shoes, leather boots, ballet flats with a pop of color. Bring along shoes that are easy to walk in, if you plan to wear heels for your photos, though. Barefoot is also a good solution, weather permitting.

• Decide what vibe you want. What suits your family? Casual (jeans and t-shirts, polos or sweaters), dressy casual (button downs and sundresses) or maybe a bit fancier or trendy (bow-ties and suspenders or a sport coat, hats and amazing dramatic dresses, sequins, sparkles…)? These images represent you and your family, so make sure they show who you are as people and no matter what anyone thinks (including me), the ultimate goal is that you’re happy with the way you all look.

If you’re on a budget or if you just want some not-so-trendy and unique finds, always check local re-sale shops and thrift stores. They have surprising gems all the time. I often have more luck here than in stores with new clothing for my son and husband.

Here are some stores I’d suggest for some great options if you’re looking for some new threads, though.
For anyone and everyone, all ages and gender preferences and especially if you don’t want to spend a ton (these suggestions for “mom” or “boys” etc are based on traditional gender roles, but by all means: wear what matches what you feel):

Target
H&M
Old Navy
If your budget has a little more room but isn’t endless, try GAP.

Now, if you don’t care as much about the budget and want some amazing clothing (especially boho dresses):
Joyfolie (girls and women’s- they do have fantastic sales so watch for those if you still like bargains but want to pretend you have no budget!)
*Joyfolie now has a “pre-loved” section with mostly clearance/company-direct items but also some gently used things from sellers. This is a GREAT option for toddlers through women if you want to save some money! Check that out here: {Current Pre-Loved Options}
Zara (great boy options, too)
Trish Scully (a few little boys “fancy” options, girls and some women’s)
Anthropologie
Roolee (women’s dresses)
BalticBorn (women’s dresses- maternity options also)
*** eBay is a great place to find items from the above mentioned sites at a big discount***

And let’s not forget, there’s always Amazon.

Now… here are some outfit ideas to get you feeling some inspiration for our session! Boho/earthy, colorful, dressy casual, etc..
Reach out with any questions!