Because I know not everyone worked in the Fashion District for 12 years like myself, I have a few tips and tricks on how to put together outfits for your entire family so that everyone looks fresh, timeless yet hip during your photo session.  It took me days to pick out outfits for our family session last fall so I know the struggle is real but I’m here to help!

• My number one rule is to be comfortable!!  You will be walking, sitting, playing with your kids and possibly laying down during your photo session so please wear something that you can easily move in but that makes you also feel wonderful!! Pulling a dress up every 5 minutes doesn’t make for a stress free time!  Same goes with kids and itchy clothing – they need to be as comfortable as possible so they can relax and we can make beautiful images together.
• This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, clients love Rent the Runway for their session because it’s such an affordable way to feel like a million bucks.
• Don’t be afraid of color, it will make your images pop!  Even if you have a neutral palette you can add color with accessories like a scarf, hat, pair of shoes or cardigan.
• As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.
• Stay away from all white tops or all black tops – you need to add some variety to spice things up!
• Mom – select your outfit first so you are comfortable and know that you have a flattering outfit on.  Then select options for everyone else in the family that coordinate with yours!
• Say yes to the Dress!  Dresses and skirts look most stunning for mom because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses. Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like the forest, field or beach. Consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle which allow for beautiful movement in the images.
• Patterns are your friend!  You can use a favorite patterned dress or top, then pull colors from the pattern for the rest of the family to wear as solids.
• Layered Looks!  Layering pieces like cardigans, vests, blazers or button down shirts can give you a few options throughout your session by taking them off/on during your session.
• The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better. I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’s going to look great all together.
• Mix and Match prints in the same color family and scale.  This works well if you shop at the same store for everyone’s outfit since most stores, such as J. Crew or The Gap,  will carry their color palette from mens to woman’s to children’s through the season.  Instant coordination for your entire clan!
• Pick a print or plaid then match a stripe to it and weave in solids to fill in the rest of the family wardrobe.  For instance plaid shirt for dad, coordinating print for your daughters dress, then solid dress for you and a nice stripe for your sons shorts or top.
• Don’t forget colored pants are fun and unexpected!  Think outside of the box!
• For a timeless look I recommend staying away from large logos or type on clothing.
• Think about where you would like to hang the images from your session around your home.  You can then coordinate your outfits to the decor in that room.  For instance if your living room has a lot of greys in it you can select a grey toned plaid or print, then mix in a few soft neutrals or blues to coordinate with your room decor.
• Paring an accessory or two with your outfit can help bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with a group. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not be as noticeable on camera.  Think cowboy boots, a fun fedora hat or bold necklace!  All of which can be removed if desired for part of our session.
• It’s all in the details!  Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp complements to any outfit for men and boys alike.
• If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress and flats, while the other wears a skirt and boots. One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other one wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
• Dress for the season and weather – don’t try to be brave and wear short sleeves in November, you will just be shivering and cold the entire time!
• Don’t stop at just your clothing – moms and daughters can paint their nails a fun color too!  Don’t forget those toes as well – especially at beach or in-home sessions where shoes are optional.
• I also suggest to bring a blanket that coordinates with your outfits for some sitting images.

For some actual outfit inspiration you can browse my recent family sessions here or check out my pinterest board that I update regularly for more clothing ideas and options!

Last but not least you can take a photo of what you are thinking about wearing and email or text it to me for feedback and/or more ideas!  Also with all of my family sessions you do have the opportunity to change outfits if you wish so if you truly can’t decide bring a few items to your session and we can try them out!  Sometimes children do not want to have to change outfits so think about how your children will take to switching things around mid-session.  You know your kids best:)