Style Guide
Style Guide
This photo shoot is meant to capture your personality, including individuality and style, so let your outfit choice reflect your personal style. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when choosing outfits:
Think coordinating, not matching. Color is in, so don’t be afraid to embrace it. A three color scheme works well as a foundation. If color scares you, start minimal, add an accent color. Or, avoid it completely and go with a monochromatic look, using varying shades of one neutral, but mix in some pattern and texture.
HERE IS MY LIST OF “DOS” AND “DON’TS” WHEN CHOOSING WARDROBE FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS…
What to do:
Start with one outfit that you love when putting together outfits for a family (mom, it’s perfectly ok to start with YOU), and build everybody’s outfit from this one.
Pick a color palette: Choose 2-3 colors that go well together, and add in some neutrals and various tones
Pattern and texture. Think florals and polka dots, or lace, velvet, and courduroy for some additional patterns and textures.
Adding layers and accessories is an easy way to add dimension (AND are essential for a colder day)… Think sweaters, vests, tights, bows, hats, jackets (Bonus tip: They are also a great way to add in an accent color)
Wear well fitting clothing. Moms, think form fitting but flowy, for the most flattering looks. Maxi dresses and skirts, high waisted wide leg pants, wrap dresses are all good options. Make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing.
Switch up the blue jean look. Maybe blue jeans go with your look, but maybe the color blue isn’t part of your palette. Colored pants and chinos are always a great way to avoid the “go to” blue jeans.
What to avoid:
Neon colors. Unless you are in a color run obstacle course, please leave them at home or in the 80s
Graphics and logos. This will keep the look clean and timeless.
Overly matching. We don’t want to be dressed head to toe in the same outfit, but rather a coordinated look spread across the whole fam
Too many dark colors. Black sweaters and dark jeans can easily get lost in the photo. Break it up with lighter neutrals, or swap out the dark jeans for colored pants.
A few more things to consider…
Weather: We live in New England so we have to be prepared for a 40 degree day in May and a 90 degree day in October. Without ruining your wardrobe plan entirely, dress appropriately for the weather that day. If you planned for a sundress and it is 40 degrees out, pair it with a jacket and a cute pair of tights and boots. If it turns out to be 90 degrees and you had layers and sweaters for everyone, see if you can simplify a bit by making the sweaters removable, or plan on a 2nd look that allows for less bulk. If it’s rainy or wet, feel free to prepare for puddle jumping and snuggling under the umbrella.
Dress for our location! We chose the perfect location, so let’s style it appropriately. If we are shooting in the city, feel free to dress it up a bit more than you normally would. If you plan on wearing heels to your beach session, make sure you also plan on kicking them off as soon as we get to the sand. If we are shooting a lifestyle session in your home, feel free to dress as comfy cozy as you normally would when lounging at home.
Flaunt your best asset. We all have parts of our body that we are self-conscious about, but let’s focus on the parts that we love to show off! If you are not comfortable showing off your arms, wear sleeves instead. On the other hand, if you work hard for those tris and bis, flaunt em! If you are more of a leg girl, show off those stems. Feel like you’ve lost your waist? Try a high waisted pant or a belted dress. Know your body type and try different styles to find what flatters your figure. Heels always make your legs look longer (pro tip: wear flats and bring heels if you’re not used to walking in them)
Let your individuality shine! If your kid loves hats and sunglasses, or needs their lovey at all times, go with it, you’ll be happy you captured your kid as they are at this stage in life.
No matter what style you end up choosing, don't worry about perfection. Keep it fun, try not to stress, and ALWAYS feel free to text or email me your clothing options laid out before our session! I love helping out when I can and being a part of the process.
I’ll leave you with some more inspiration below…
