The number one question I get asked when someone books a family or couples session is this, “What should I wear?!” Here are some what to wear tips for any family or couples session!

When I started my business, I had no idea that being a personal wardrobe consultant would be part of my job. I am someone who loves to wear messy bun in my hair, yoga pants and bunny hugs, so who was I to give suggestions on what to wear for a photo session!!

But I learned pretty quickly that most clients needed help on what to wear before their photo session. So over the years I have seen what works, and what doesn’t and have picked up a lot of tips and tricks along the way. Today I want to share my top 8 tips with you because there tips that look great and help everything come together for beautiful photos!

(All photos in this blog post are great examples of what TO do! Just so you know! 🙂 )

So let’s get started!

1. Coordinate Colors But Don’t Match Outfits

Remember back in the day when everyone wore blue jeans and white shirts? Yeah, I’m trying to forget it too. There is a better way to coordinate! You want to avoid everyone doing “matchy matchy” clothes. Instead, you want them to 2 -3 colors that go well together. Wearing the same color in different shades is actually more ideal and eye pleasing than trying to find the exact color.

2. Layers, patterns and textures

Layers, patterns and textures are beautiful and creates visual interest in your images. Having a variety of layers (coats, sweaters, vests, etc), patterns (flowers, stripes, polka-dots, color blocking) and textures (fur, cotton, lace, wool, etc) adds visual interest to you photos. (But don’t over do it.)

3. Stay clear of logos

Stay clear of clothing with characters, logos, or anything splashed all over the clothing that detracts from your family’s beautiful faces. This means no Dora, no Nike Swoosh sign across a shirt and no light up shoes. Keep those at home for this session! This is especially true when you are wanting more “fancy” photos. But if you child loves that big logo or character shirt, we can do a few photos at the end with it.

4. Accessorize

Now it’s time for accessories – I love this part! Accessories are perfect for pulling outfits together. Some examples are scarves, necklaces, belts, jean jackets, blazers, hats, bouquets, flower crowns, headbands, suspenders, cardigans, jewellery, or leather jackets! Just watch that you don’t over do it. Feel free to bring a few and we can pick on the session what works best.

Over all, don’t over think it! Some of my favourite outfits are the simple ones.

Just a note on hats, they be super fun and add a lot of variety to the photos, but hats with bigger brims tend to block the face of the subject. So I would recommend if you can start with out a hat, and then at the end we can add one on for some variety if you want to wear one. Here is a whole post on hats, check it out!

5. Don’t Forget your feet!

Shoes do matter because they will be in the photos! You don’t want to show up to your photo session looking gorgeous in your clothes but ruin your look with your 10 year old sandals that clearly show their age.

I know when finding outfits for my family can add up if buying everything new. So look through what you have. If shoes need to be cleaned up or scuff marks taken out, do that to bring new life into them and make sure to choose shoes that are right for your outfits.

And watch out for white socks! They stick out like a sore thumb when you wear darker color shoes and pants. Especially for the sitting poses.

6. Make sure you are equal when it comes to how formal or casual your attire is

If Mom is wearing a little black formal dress, then Dad shouldn’t be in shorts and tennis shoes. It will throw off the balance of the photo when there are mismatched attire among the family or couple. Choose a theme (Casual or dressy) and pick outfits that go well together.

7. Wear Attire that is flattering to your figure

Moms, this tip is mostly for you because I know that I too want to make my figure look great – especially after having kids. Make sure you wear something that you are comfortable and confident in. For example, if you don’t like the way you look in stripes on a normal, day-to-day basis, you’re not going to love the way you look in your stripped dress or shirt in the images that I take. If you’re self conscious about your legs, don’t wear a mini-skirt. Instead, wear your fav long maxi dress, or cute jeans. If you are nervous about your belly area, don’t wear something that is tight around the waist. Wear a coat or cardigan, or an outfit that shows off what you love most about your body. If you’re self conscious about your arms, I wouldn’t recommend wearing a sleeveless shirt. Instead, wear a cute coat or cardigan on top.

Bottom line, make sure you wear something that you are comfortable in. Sure, I’m going to teach you how to pose in super flattering ways, but you’ll love your images so much more if you wear an outfit that you are comfortable and confident in! Confidence photographs well!!

8. Optional – Dress for your surroundings or have a theme

Sometimes my clients like to do an outfit change during their session. Why not dress for the location or season you are in? In the mountains, have more of the “camping” vibe. At home session, cute and comfy! Or make your session a date and dress up! Different outfits are a great way to add variety to your session!

BONUS TIP FOR ROMANTIC PHOTOS

If you want extra ROMANTIC images, consider wearing something long and flowy. I absolutely love photographing fabric that flows in the wind! It photographs so well!

AND, light and neutral colors allow images to appear more light and bright no matter what the weather is.

Bonus List of Do’s and Dont’s for What to Wear to a Photo Session:

Here are some quick “Do’s and Don’ts” that will help plan for your session!

Do’s:

• Have either a fresh coat of nail polish on your nails that coordinates with your outfit or don’t have any nail polish on at all. Chipped nail polish doesn’t look nice in photos. Men and women, don’t forget to lotion your hands!
• Ladies, wear makeup even if you don’t normally. If you don’t usually wear makeup, use a tinted moisturizer and mascara. This will help even your skin tone and make your eyes pop a little bit. If you do normally wear makeup, I suggest going to your salon and getting professional makeup and hair done. It’s so fun to pamper yourself and know you will look even more amazing! I work along side with some amazing make up artists and hair stylists, so if you need some recommendations, let me know and I can send you some names.
• Bring along makeup for touch ups. And bring your brush and hairspray just in case!
• Make sure everyone’s hair is done. If family members need a haircut, do it a week before the session.

Don’ts:

• Ladies, don’t wear a bright colored bra. It’s best to wear a nude color bra. Make sure it’s strapless if you are wearing a spaghetti straps or any clothing where your bra straps could be seen. It just looks cleaner in photos.
• Don’t show up with chipped nail polish. I know that was mentioned in the DO’s, it’s just that important!
• Don’t wait until the last minute to put your clothing together. Being rushed and stressed isn’t good! If you are anything like me, I make poor decisions when rushed. Trust me, I have had photos take of me where the shirt I wore made me look so much heavier. No good!

I hope that these what to wear tips for any family or couples session will be so helpful for planning your next session!

If you want to bring your pet to your session, here are some tips to make that a smooth session!

Any questions or comments about planning what to wear for your next photo shoot that wasn’t covered?