What to Wear Guide
Coordinating
but not matching
I know there's so much more to you than jeans and a white shirt! Wearing the same colored shirt, pants, shoes, ect. can sometimes look a bit awkward. Coordinating color is what actually helps bring everyone's look together. I usually choose two to three main colors that run through everyone's outfits and maybe one accent color to help things really pop. Also, mixing stripes with plaids and tweeds is okay! Expression is important. I want to see your personality come through in your wardrobe choices. To get the creative flow going for your family, start with one outfit that you really like. From there, coordinate the outfit for everyone else.
Style
The most important part of putting together your child's outfit is allowing their personality to come through in what they're wearing. If your daughter has a favorite pair of boots, let her wear them (at least in a few picutres). If your son prefers running around naked to being fully clothed, we'll let him strip down at the end of the session. If your child loves to wears hats and sunglasses, bring them! I'll focus on whatever makes your child their own adorable, individual self. Yes, we all want our children to look adorable and fully polished for photos. I'm not recommending you refused to brush your daughter's hair or avoid wiping off the smudged PB&J of your toddler's face, but allowing them to have a little bit of input when planning their wardrobe will be a big help. And never say "no" to bringing their favorite toys/animals/blankets along. I want to capture those, too!
LAYERS
Even in the summer, layers make outfits more interesting and we can quickly change a look by adding/removing them. Layers add dimension and depth. In warmer weather, layer a dress with a cute belt and pendant necklace. In cooler weather, try cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarves, hats, blazers, ect.
TEXTURE/ PATTERN
Try to use as few solids and as many textures as possible. You CAN mix patterns, colors and textures. Please keep in mind that graphics will not photograph well. Shirts with words should be avoided!
COLOR
I like color and lots of it. To coordinate colors, I would suggest choosing three main colors to work with. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to dressing the entire family. It will also make your pictures really pop! Again, you want to coordinate, NOT match. I do not want to find out that you sent out a memo saying "Everyone wear jeans and a white shirt" and call it a day. White tops generally wash people out in photos, so I suggest staying away from white altogether unless it's just an access color. Also, keep in mind that every person DOESN'T have to wear each color you have chosen. Split the colors up. It makes the photos more playful and less uniform. Also, steer clear of fluorescents. Fluorescent colors tend to cast color on faces, necks, and hair. Instead, I suggest using versions of primary colors. Yellow (mustard), red (maroon/ brick), and blue (navy / royal). Also, try to avoid wearing a lot of green if your session will take place in grassy / wooded areas. It's just too much green. Green as an accent color is great, though. You want to stand out amongst all the greenery you're surrounded by.
WHITE DONE RIGHT
White (or black) would NOT be my first choice for your main outfits, but white does work well on a onesie / tee for a baby or as a dress for a little girl or mom. White is also a simple and classic choice for family sessions.
INTEREST
Once you've selected the outfits, try to add at least one small item or accessory to reflect your personalities, like a hat, a fun t-shirt under a jacket, or cool shoes. Wear what you feel good in! Parents, this tip is for you specifically. If you aren't comfortable in what you've chosen for pictures, it will show. If you can't find a dress you feel good in, but you rock a good pair of skinny jeans, do that. If you can barely walk in heels, there's no harm in wearing cute and comfy flat boots or pretty sandals. If you can't do a heel (like me), a wedge is also a great alternative.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Living in Illinois, you know that it can be 50 degrees and cloudy one day, and 75 degrees and sunny 12 hours later. So, be prepared to be flexible with wardrobe, in case you have to switch it up at the last minute. If you have plans for a cute sundress for your daughter, and the weather ends up being 20 degrees colder than you were anticipating, switch it up a bit by adding layers. Tights, boots, scarf, slouchy hat, or cardigan. Dress appropriately for the weather that we will actually have that day, even if it doesn't go with your original plan. If your child is sweating profusely in a sweater during his shoot, he won't be happy. Similarly, if your child is wearing a tank dress and the temperature drops too much in the evening, she'll be a grump, and it will reflect in the final images.
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