What Should I Wear For Our Portraits?

Photo thanks to Amanda Vick.

Many clients ask for help when it comes time to decide what to wear during your portrait sessions. Whether you’re dressing yourself or planning your whole family’s wardrobe here are a few things to keep in mind when putting together your look.

• Keep it simple. Unless your portraits are exclusively meant to showcase your outfit (hey there, fashion blogger, here’s to you), your clothing should not draw attention to itself. If it’s too loud it distracts us from the most important thing in the photo (that’s you and your loved ones!).
  Pro-tip: this is a running theme throughout all the outfit-planning points.
  

• Too neutral or not too neutral? Let me just say, neutrals are great and they usually work together quite nicely for a photograph - especially when you’ve got a whole family together. With that being said, here are a few things to consider.
  
  Light colors are typically quite fresh and flattering, especially outside, which is where I tend to do most of my sessions. If you’re considering wearing white, keep in mind that if you are quite fair-skinned (like me 80% of the year) a stark white can make you look paler than you are. If you’re concerned about looking slim, opt for darker colors instead of a bright white. Pastels can be a great option to consider for spring and summer sessions as they enhance the natural skin tone of virtually anyone. I personally tend to lean towards muted colors (off-white, beige, soft pastels, etc). I love a little texture + layering in a family wardrobe because it can add a little depth and interest without becoming too distracting.
  

• Prints, patterns and logos are (usually) NO-GOs. Now, there are always exceptions to the rule but for the most part, you can’t go wrong with solid colors or layering to break things up. My general rule of thumb is one pattered item in a portrait. So if we’re going to incorporate a blanket, scarf, etc. then I want that to be the patterned item and keeping the outfits relatively simple. Or if there’s an outfit(s) that has a pattern, then we’d want to try and find a solid blanket.
  

• Under-accessorize. If you always wear a simple necklace, ring or bracelet, keep em’, wear em’ and let’s capture moments with you as YOU. But feel free to leave any extra accessories that aren’t your daily staple at home. Remember, we’re trying to avoid any/ all distractions while also still capturing the things that are so-very-you.
  

• Coordination is key. When planning your family portraits, keep in mind, all your outfits should work together. Depending on the season and whether or not your session is indoors or out you should start by deciding whether or not your color scheme will be warm or cool-toned. Keeping your color tones similar and within the same color family will help keep the focus on all of YOU and not what you’re wearing. Avoid coming in a family uniform but instead, think of it more as a family-theme.
  

• Lay it alllll out. Before your session, organize all the clothing items and shoes you or your family is planning on wearing on the bed or floor. See how everything is looking now that it’s all together. A general rule of thumb is that if anything is grabbing your attention right away (while laid out), it’s going to do the same in a photo. Consider swapping it out if it’s too distracting or doesn’t quite fit.
  

• It’s all in the (neck)lines. Here’s something you may not have thought much about since middle school: necklines. Now, you won’t be getting any in-school suspension for showing cleavage but you should know what is flattering in your portraits. Wider necklines (on anyone) tend to also widen the appearance of your neck so something that comes closer to the neck tends to be more ideal (unless of course, you’re going for a wide neck look,). V-necks or turtlenecks are good options as they are both face-framing and slimming.
  

• Keep it casual. My photography style is more of a tailored ”everyday” feel. That means, I’m not setting up a stage for you, I don’t expect you to show up in your very Sunday best, and I certainly don’t want you to stress too much about the little details of our session. With that being said, no matter what you’re wearing I want you to feel GOOD. I want you to have fun and I want you to be comfortable.
  
  Wear clothes that fit you, that aren’t too big, but that you’re can wear comfortably. Wear an outfit you actually like and make sure your family feels good in what they’re wearing too. There’s a time and a place for a wedding gown, tux, or your Sunday-best, and you better believe that I’ll be there when you want me to get those portraits too but for your family portraits don’t stress too much about the small stuff. We’re going to get great shots and all of these are merely guidelines if you’re stuck on what to wear.

Always, always, always reach out with any questions you might have as you get ready for your session. Send me the photos of your outfits all laid out. Show me the things you’re considering buying. Bring extra items to your session if you’re not sure about an outfit or a piece! I’m here for it all and happy to give feedback or style-ideas whenever it’s needed! I love getting you and your family to a point where being in front of the camera isn’t intimidating or scary. What you wear can often influence how you show up and how comfortable you will feel which is why I want to give you a little boost if/when you need it.