Selecting the perfect outfit for every family member can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! I love guiding families through the styling process to get gorgeous classic photos that will stand the test of time. Long gone are the days of all khaki and white outfits on the beach. Below are my top three tips as you begin your outfit search, as well as some important things to avoid when selecting your clothes. As always I am thrilled to help in selecting color schemes for your session.
Here are some great rules of thumb as you begin your session design:
Put most of the family in different neutral shades (i.e. ivory, gray, beige) and then add a few pops of coordinating color. Necklaces, shoes, or scarves are great for color pops.
It’s way easier to visualize the whole puzzle once you know what one piece looks like! Try starting with mom or daughter, since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints. I want mom to feel beautiful and celebrated
Pops of pattern can definitely look great, but if you’re looking for a fail-proof family combination, go with solids. Textures help give photos some personality (think chunky knits, tulle, lace). Avoid tiny prints, especially small plaid and small stripes. I always bring a cream colored textured blanket to sessions to wrap up with, sit on, or even make into a little hammock for tiny kiddos!
You would be wise to avoid:
BRIGHT WHITE
If you love white, try off-white or ivory instead. I love cream as a neutral and it pairs well with so many pastels and deep tones.
DARK COLORS
Black and dark navy/brown/gray should all be avoided, since they tend to darken the overall feel of your photos and keep them from feeling airy! Sometimes pops over darker colors is unavoidable, but the goal would be to not let too dark of colors to dominate your clothing choices.
NEON COLORS
These create skin tone/color cast issues which can make editing difficult and for unflattering colors in your image. We know the 90's style is back, but let's leave that for our selfies, right?
VERY SATURATED COLORS
Colors like bright red, bright yellow, and such. Opt for more muted versions of the same color: so for instance, replace bright red with dark red; replace bright yellow with mustard, etc.
LOGOS & TEXT
Sorry kiddos, leave the Paw Patrol t-shirt at home. Words will draw attention away from your faces. They also tend to not age well over time.
ATHLETIC SHOES
We all know why, right?