There are many aspects that go into a successful photoshoot. One of those aspects is outfits. I believe outfits can play an important part in the overall look of the images. When you choose outfits you love and feel good in, you will love the images even more. It allows you to be in the moment with your loved ones instead of worrying about how uncomfortable the outfits are, or how you might portray yourself in them.

HELPFUL STYLING TIPS

THINGS TO INCLUDE – These tips can amp up your look and make your outfits cohesive, stylish, and flattering.

• Don’t match. Coordinate. Choose a 2-3 colors color palette in the same tone and sprinkle in some neutrals to avoid matching .
• Patterns and textures: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns such as florals and stripes, or plaids and polka dots. Adding in textures such as velvet, lace, crochet, corduroy can also add visual interest.
• If you are going for an all neutral look, or lots of earth tones, blue denim jeans can throw off the overall look. Instead, use complimentary colored chinos such as olive, burgundy, khaki, grey, etc.
• Outfits with movement: Picking outfits that can be flowy and show a lot of movement for the girls can create magical images. Stay away from stiff and tight fabrics. Flowy maxi dresses and skirts are a great options. If you are wanting a more casual look, wide leg pants, colored trouser pants, or shorter dresses are also a great option.
• Flattering fits: Accentuate what you love and don’t hide your entire body. Shift dress can create unflattering illusions, instead, select a flowy wrap maxi that accentuates your curves without being too form fitting.
• Accessories: Jewelry, hats, suspenders, knee high socks, cardigans, vests, and hair bows can add layers and help coordinate across multiple people.

THINGS TO AVOID – You and your family are the main focus in the images, so avoid these following things that can be distracting and unflattering in images.

• Neon colors can be distracting and cause color casts on your skin.
• Dress the part from head to toe. If you have amazing outfits, but your child is wearing athletic tennis shoes with bright neon colors, it can throw off the entire look. Instead, choose casual tennis shoes such as sperrys, boots, booties, or neutral colored sandal.
• Large logos can be distracting. Pick a solid or print shirt instead.
• Dresses that are very loose and no form to them can make you look larger than you are. Especially if bending over to pick up your kiddo. Highlight your best asset.
• Everyone in jeans: Change it up with different colors or styles of pants
• Loud patterns are often too distracting. Do not take away from the main focus: YOU!
• Don’t overly match, choosing several colors instead of only two will allow you to tie in more variety.
• Avoid too much black. The photo looses depth if everyone is in all black. Instead, choose other colors such as whites, tans, grays, or ivories to break up the black.
• Don’t mix the same patterns twice. (i.e. all boys in plaids, all girls in floral.) Instead, mix a pattern with a different pattern (stripes and florals).