I get asked A LOT on what to wear for family portraits. I usually throw out an awkward "wear something you love!", but I know some people need more help than that. I think it can be much simpler than what we make it out to be. Often times, what would work best is already in your closet! We all have one item that we love wearing (talking to the mamas here), and feel AMAZING in. Why not wear it?
(I think outfits are very subjective and personal. I don't intend this post to be taken literally, rather as inspiration and a sense of ease to styling your family's photo session. These are all my ideas and my style, even though I am no style guru, just a photographer. Please keep that in mind)
Some Tips:
- Start with YOU. Yes you, mom. Pick your outfit first. Whether it is the dress in the closet you love, or something new you feel amazing in, start there. Plan everyone else to match or compliment you. There is nothing wrong with putting yourself first. It doesn't mean you think you are the center of the photo session, it is simply getting the hardest outfit out of the way.
- Use what you have. I know it is always fun to buy new stuff, but I truly think you can grab something in your closet and make it work. Its less stress, you know it fits well, kids and husbands wont be turned off by unfamiliar clothes. Plus, free!
- Don't think too much about location. This adds unnecessary stress when it honestly won't make a difference. Most of the time, outfits that are complimentary and cute look good anywhere (just like bad outfits would look bad anywhere). I would suggest to avoid wearing a lot of green (bright green) since most outdoor sessions have a lot of natural greenery and it will clash.
- Don't feel like you need to look like you're dressed for winter. I don't know why people think they have to be in scarves and sweaters for Christmas card photos. Yes its cute, but when we are shooting in October and its HOT still, it just makes for hot cranky kids. Make sure you look like you are all dressed for the same weather. No tank tops when someone is wearing a hot sweater.
- Don't be afraid or timid of patterns. I love patterns and texture in clothing. I would say to make sure no two people are in the same patterns. So if dad is in a gingham plaid, its now a pattern no one else should wear. Match colors, not patterns.
- When in doubt, go neutral. Everyone in creams or greys is gorgeous, especially when the textures are different. Thermals, chambray, lace, tulle, denim. All different textures but can be found in a similar color palette.
- I pray and hope everyone knows that the days of wearing white or black t-shirts and jeans are long over. Please oh please don't do that to yourselves.
Ready for some examples? These will not all be complete outfits. If pants are not pictured I will say what I would pair it with. ALL these items were thrown together this morning. ALL from my kids and my closets! (we are a family of 4 with a boy and a girl, so that's why most images reflect that)
You can do this too!
Floral dress for mom. Navy and white gingham for dad, paired with denim pants. Boy in grey baseball tee. Girl in grey thermal and fur vest, would look amazing with red/maroon leggings or jeans.
Mom in adorable flowy striped tee. I would wear with olive cargo skinny pants (which I am on the HUNT for! That's my family photo outfit this year!) Baseball tee again for boy. Paired with jeans. Gray hoody for dad, paired with jeans. Coral dress for girl, maybe with camo leggings (my daughters were in the wash or they would be pictured!) .
Girl in fun striped flowy top and floral leggings. Boy in navy and maroon gingham print thermal with jeans. Dad in baseball tee with jeans. Mom in maroon top and denim vest. Pair with a skirt or skinny dark jeans with ankle boots.
This is a very colorful arrangement. My only one this bright. Fun floral dress for mom, with ankle boots. Girl in complimentary coral dress, maybe with matching headband. Boy in striped aqua/navy thermal (colors in moms dress). Dad stays neutrtal in chambray shirt and khakis.
Knotted striped tee with a flowy blush skirt for mom. Gingham dress for girl. Grey henley for boy. Grey v-neck for dad. Since everything is so neutral and working well, I would put dad and boy in khakis.
Same dress as the first collection but paired differently. Dad in chambray gingham. Girl in flowy striped top (pictured again), boy in blue henley. I would again put dad and boy in khaki, or rust colored denim.
Family of 3 (if I did this look for my family I would need to buy something for my son. Perhaps an oatmeal tee?). Mom in a lacy top, paired with grey denim. Dad in striped sweater paired with grey khakis. Girl in chambray top and same dress as above with fur vest.
This may be my favorite look. Striped tee again, with same olive cargos I am trying to find! FUN graphic baseball tee for boy, paired denim. Bee dress for girl, grey henley with maroon denim for boy, grey baseball tee for dad with jeans.
Another favorite. I think I really love casual with a pop of color and a fun graphic! This bear shirt is too small for my son now but he would love it if I let him wear this for family photos. Mom in a striped baseball shirt paired with a rust denim to match the girls rust aztec dress. Boy in graphic tee with demin (or colored denim) and dad in baseball tee and jeans.