Having a family myself, I know how styling your family can turn a fun experience into something stressful. Let me give you some tips that will hopefully ease some of that stress that comes with planning your families outfits.
You can reference this whenever you need!
You have invested in a lifestyle family session, you are likely getting excited about it. I say an investment, because it is, it's an investment in your time and of course your money. So you want to make sure everything goes great, and I agree, I want to be here to help in anyway I can. I want this to be fun for you, I want this to be a way to express who you are, who you are as a family!
1) Show your personality in your outfits - This is where you can be a little creative! I want to show your connection you have as a family and if someone isn't comfortable, it will show. So what I mean is if your daughter hates being in dresses, or your son doesn't like button down shirts, don't put them in one, if they hate what they are wearing, they will not have fun and it will show. You don't have to be in your Sunday best to get great family photos. You can dress in clean, nice, comfortable clothes and still look your best, in your own style!
2) Start with Mom - Start with Mom's outfit, as it is usually the hardest one to put together. A flowy, long maxi dress is very flattering for a mom.....and very comfortable. If your not a dress gal, then wear pants! Pick something you feel amazing in!! If you feel amazing, it will show through in your photos and you can also just concentrate on having fun with your family. If you have a pattern in your outfit then you know to look for a solid for your partner/husbands outfit. Once you have these, it is so much easier to find cute outfit for your kids!
3) Stay away from graphics and florescent colours - I know your kid is probably loves his orange florescent sporty shirt.....but It's my worst nightmare....it will make your kids face orange, or yellow and that isn't cool....so just don't do it. As for a graphic tee, it can really date your photos, and I want them to be timeless!!
4) Coordinate, Don't match - Start with 3 - 4 colours, a couple of them being neutral, like white or grey. then do not go more than two patterns. when you choose too many colours or too many patterns it gets too busy and really distracting. I want to highlight your love for each other, not the clothes you are wearing. It also isn't great when you are all in the same colour, like all wearing white shirts and jeans....you all just kinda mesh together.
5) Make sure clothing fits - I know, I get it, when you buy your kids new clothes you want them to last a while so they are usually a little big. It just doesn't look all that great in photos. I actually try to do our shoots with the current clothing we have, but I do understand that doesn't always work out. So have fun shopping if you have to!!
6) Dress in layers - Think about jackets, sweaters, vests, scarves. This is great if it is a little chilly and it warms up as we go.....or you just want to change the look of your outfit. This is where you can really get creative with your outfits!! You may want to wear a fashionable hat, however be aware that I willl be asking you to remove it for some of your photos, so make sure your hair is great under that hat. Speaking of hats....please no baseball hats....it is really hard to see your face......if your husband or other family member is insistent, fine....however, same rules apply...I WILL ask you take it off for some of your photos, so still have some nice hair under it.
7) Accessories are important too - As I am not too picky on these things, but a nice pair of shoes or a pretty necklace can really bring an outfit together!! If your shoot is in the winter and we are doing an outdoor shoot, please do not wear your big clunky boots. This is another thing that is super distracting in your photos.
8) Pinterest -This may seem obvious, but it can really help!! Make yourself a pinterest board to get inspiration from for your outfits. Here is my pinterest board if you want to take a look here.
9) Ask for help - Hey you read all of this and still would like some help, or have some questions. Please reach out. I'm here to help!!
When I'm planning my own family's outfits, I lay them out on the floor so I can see how they all look together!! Another little trick to help you navigate styling your family.
I know you will rock your outfits for your next family session!! You got this....and if you don't, I've got you!! Have fun with it!!
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