The session fee is paid, the portrait agreement signed, and you’re excited about your upcoming session. But then . . . the dreaded question arises: “What on earth are we going to wear?” Undoubtedly you know the basic portrait rules: that you can’t go wrong with solid colors, that you probably don’t want 40 photos of Aaron in his day-glo Lightning McQueen tee shirt (maybe a few, though, since he loves it so much?), and that a huge bow on Violet’s head might draw a bit too much attention away from her sparkling hazel eyes. But where to go from there? And what traditional portrait wardrobe rules are meant to be bent, if not broken entirely? And what about dressing the entire family? Worry no more–that’s where this guide enters the, ahem, picture. So sit back, enjoy a little light reading, and get inspired! The result will be fresh, classic yet distinctly modern portraits that tell the story of your family.
The Visual “What to Wear” Guide
Click on the image below to view visual our “What to Wear Guide.” When the viewer pops-up, simply mouse-over the right or left side of the image, and you will see the navigation arrows appear. Simply click the arrows to either go forward or backward through the presentation. If you’d like to skip to a specific part of the presentation, simply click on the title of that section below. If you prefer just to read the text, just scroll down.
Maternity
The simplest wardrobe choice for your maternity session is . . . none at all! Moms-to-be are often stunned at the elegant images that result from creative posing and camera angles that show “just enough.” A lose sarong or wrap can lend a beautiful touch. If you’re not inclined to bare all, there are many options that result in the gorgeous bare belly shots everyone wants. Try a fitted tank top and low-waisted yoga pants (black looks especially sleek). The “fitted” part for any wardrobe choice is key. Open front shirts allow the belly to show in a very flattering way. A few fun shots with hip tees with clever proclamations on them are always nice as well! If you have jeans with a nice waist band, those can be very hip and fun with a top that can be pulled up to reveal your beautiful belly. Be sure to keep tightly-fitted elastic waistbands and socks far far away for a few hours before your shoot so that we avoid indentations in your skin. Wristwatches are also best left off for the session. Dad’s clothing can coordinate with your choices (except, perhaps skip the tight-fitting tee).
Newborns
For newborn sessions, two key wardrobe questions significantly affect your resulting images. First, what will the baby wear? And second, what will we wear? That’s right, mom and dad . . . you’ll be in some of the photos as well, even if just as a “backdrop” to the star of the show.
Newborns are absolute perfection when they wear nothing at all! For variety and some fun pops of color, I also like to use the swaddling blankets you have at home, fun, colorful hats and for images with a diapered bottom, either simple or fun diaper covers are perfect. If you have cloth diapers (and pins), wonderful.
There are few things as stunning as skin-on-skin shots of a newborn and the proud parents. Dad can be shirtless for some shots, as can Mom, or she could wear a strapless bra or tank top. This type of shot is generally closely cropped. Also, long-sleeved black shirts for Mom and Dad provide a sophisticated, dramatic “backdrop.” But don’t be hemmed in by these options. Your usual, casual clothing can be perfection. Just take notes from the “family” section of this guide.
Star of the Show
A wildly-patterned pair of cargo pants and a hipster tee. Her funky hot pink tutu and cowboy boots. His “superhero” cape. Individual shots give your child a chance to show his or her personality through fashion like no other. Without the concern of clashing or competing patterns that exists in a family shot, the possibilities are limitless! So break out your daughter’s bright, crazy Oilily ensemble–the one that gives your Strasburg-loving mother-in-law fits–or your son’s beloved rain boots, and let’s capture something bold, memorable, and no-holds-barred fun!
Siblings
Wardrobe choices for sibling shots, like those for family images, should be complementary but far from “a matching uniform.” A tried and true formula for a boy/girl sibling duo includes a patterned dress or skirt for the girl, with the boy in a solid shirt pulled from that pattern. If the little girl is wearing a solid shirt with a patterned skirt, have the boy’s top match a different color in her skirt, so that their shirts don’t match precisely. Trust me, it works! While many parents have the urge to put their boys or girls in the exact same outfit, mixing it up a bit–while still creating a pleasing overall combination–creates a considerably more interesting color palette and image.
Families
Flowing white shirts and khakis on the beach. Navy polos and yet more khakis all around. We’ve all seen those photos–heck, most of us have been in those photos. But did you know that coordinated but not “uniform” looks for families create a much more pleasing photograph? Moreover, it is not nearly as difficult as you think it is! The cardinal rule of dressing a family for portraits is simple: choose items for the entire family as if you were creating one outfit. If all of your choices were somehow on one person, would the result be pleasing, colorwise? A handy trick for those who are hesitant to break away from the monochrome madness is to choose one patterned item (for example a print dress for your daughter) and then select the rest of the family’s clothing from colors within that pattern. Trust me. . .and have fun!
Putting it All Together
Now that you know some basic tips for various types of sessions, how do you put it all together? A good place to start is by defining the style sensibility you want your session to reflect. Do you want to capture your typical style, or perhaps a more formal or casual version of that? Look at the furniture around your home, or notice the magazine spreads to which you are drawn. Chances are that these preferences have everything to do with your clothing style and can point you in the right direction for your session wardrobe choices.
What follows are a few common styles; while by no means all-inclusive, they should get those wheels turning! Finally, you’ll find an extensive collection of web resources at the end of this guide. Happy shopping!
Modern Classic Style
Is your home a mixture of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Pottery Barn? Refined but never stuffy, modern classic style is not quite traditional, not quite trendy, and “just right” for many. Streamlined looks from Gap, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Burberry are perfect for this look. For those who want modern classic but with a smidge of romantic whimsy or British flair, try Anthropologie for her and Thomas Pink for him. You’ll find loads of smart classics for the little ones at Janie and Jack (Gymboree’s more refined big brother), J. Crew’s Crewcuts, Land’s End, and Lilly Pulitzer.
Modern Trendy or Euro Style
Are you more Terence Conran with a dash of Jonathan Adler than Restoration Hardware? If so, you’ll undoubtedly love trendy, European labels like Deux par Deux, Le Fromage et L’orange, Room Seven, and Oilily. The bold, colorful prints of these French and Dutch labels scream fun, whimsical childhood. For those of us desiring more subtle but nevertheless cutting-edge looks, Mini Boden and Tea Collection are complete perfection. Mom and Dad will also love (not-so-Mini) Boden, which offers hip yet refined style with an undeniably British sense of humor.
Traditional Style
Though my particular style of photography–which focuses more on lifestyle images than elaborately posed captures–lends itself less to ultra-traditional wear, sometimes clients will want slightly more formal clothing for their session. I particularly love the retro-sweet styles of Olive Juice Kids and Pears and Bears; they are traditional, yet updated and fresh looks. For the ultimate in luxurious old European (as opposed to funky European!) styles, try Flora and Henri and Papo d’Anjo. You won’t be disaapointed with their impeccable, classic choices. For mom and dad, try Brooks Brothers (for both), Talbots (for both but more commonly for her), and Hickey Freeman (for him).
Where to Shop
The short list . . .
best modern classic . . . http://www.janieandjack.com
best modern trendy . . . http://www.bodenusa.com
best Euro style . . . http://www.achildscloset.com/
best traditional . . . http://www.olivejuicekids.com
modern classic
http://www.hannaandersson.com
http://www.gapkids.com
http://www.oldnavy.com
http://www.talbots.com
http://www.gymboree.com
http://www.jcrew.com/crewcuts_home.jhtml
http://www.janieandjack.com/index.jsp
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/
modern trendy
http://www.jenjenkids.com/
http://www.bodenusa.com
http://www.izzyandash.com
http://www.teacollection.com
http://www.shopgenes.com
http://www.garnethill.com
http://www.milkshop.com
http://www.gingerbreadmonkeys.com
http://www.artebebe.com
Euro style
http://www.oililyworld.com
http://www.roomsevenusa.com
http://www.trendytogs.com
http://www.emmyandally.com
http://www.tuttibella.com
http://www.chasing-fireflies.com
http://www.naartjie.com
http://www.pumpkinpatchusa.com/
http://www.catimini.com/
http://www.littlelunablue.com
http://www.achildscloset.com/
http://www.westvillagekids.com
http://www.shilav.com/
http://www.oliebollen.com
http://www.moppetfrocks.com
http://www.matildajaneclothing.com
traditional (some with a modern or retro twist)
http://www.florahenri.com/
http://www.pearsandbears.com
http://www.papodanjo.com
http://www.orientexpressed.com
http://www.kellyskids.com/
http://www.lucysykes.com
http://www.olivejuicekids.com
http://www.dagmardaley.com/
http://www.tinymcsmall.com
http://www.strasburgchildren.com/
http://www.rachelriley.com
http://www.bonpoint.com/
http://www.pinstripeprep.com/
http://www.hickeyfreeman.com
shoes (sources for Primigi, Umi, and more!)
http://www.zappos.com
http://www.vincentshoestore.us/
http://www.piperlime.com
http://www.shoebuy.com
http://www.striderite.com
http://www.rileyroos.com/
http://www.heatherstreasurebox.com/
http://www.pediped.com
http://www.livieandluca.com
http://www.robeez.com/
http://www.bestfootforwardllc.com
hats, tights, cute tees, and other fanciful accessories
http://www.littlemissmatched.com/
http://www.trumpette.com
http://www.babylegs.net/
http://www.thebelovedchild.com
http://www.lafolieknits.com
http://www.charleekatz.com/
http://www.wiggystudio.com/
http://www.kitsel.com
http://www.ellabeebaby.com
http://www.tinyrevolutionary.com
http://www.littleuni.com/
http://www.prissypoofs.com
http://www.peas-on-earth.com
