10 steps to fabulously outfit your family

littletreenola

Sep 2

5 min read

We all have that friend…you know her, the one whose photos are always immaculate.

She looks effortlessly gorgeous, her family is fabulously dressed and their holiday

card looks like something out of a magazine.

Well I’m going to let you in on a little secret: she didn’t wake up like that! And she didn't just throw those outfits together the morning of, or even the weekend before her photo shoot. She had a vision and executed it. These steps are designed to help you put together a look that is, well, put together!

1. Start Planning Early

Good things take time!

I recommend starting the wardrobe process at least one month before your session. This gives you plenty of time to shop, order things online, try everything on, return the things that don't work, and make any necessary alterations.

It also gives you time to realize that the adorable dress you ordered for your daughter looks completely different in person. We've all been there.

Starting early = less stress.

2. Decide the Vibe

Before you start searching for outfits, decide what you're going for.

Do you want classic, timeless images, or are you looking for

something more seasonal? Will these photos be for the wall or for a phenomenal holiday card?

The red streetcars on Canal St are perfect for a formal and holiday forward feel.

Both are great! It just helps to know what you're trying to achieve before you start buying things.

Then decide whether you want a formal or casual look. Think about your location, too.

A formal dress and heels may be gorgeous, but if we're shooting in a field and chasing toddlers through the grass, you may regret that decision approximately 4 minutes into the session.

Consider what feels appropriate for your family and your location. Make sure your children are comfortable and feel like themselves in their outfits. For older kids (tweens & up) whether they select from their current wardrobe or shop for a new outfit, let them choose. That doesn't mean you have to okay their first choice, but landing on something they like will make a huge difference in their attitude.

Love this cool toned color palette and casual style for a comfy home shoot

Toddlers? It's a gamble banking on (your) chosen outfit to actually be worn. I've had countless occurrences of dress refusal, and generally an insistence upon a piece of clothing (or costume) that is the exact opposite of "the vibe". Just be ready to roll with it! These looks are generally some of my favorite, and will be yours too,if not now then in a few years when you can laugh about it!

3. You First

I always recommend starting with your own outfit.

Mom, this is your photo shoot! Don't wait until everyone else is dressed to find something for yourself. Pick something that makes you feel beautiful and confident, and then build everyone else's outfits around it.

Always choose a color and fit that looks great on you!

And PLEASE move around in it before the session.

Sit down. Bend over. Lift your arms. Walk around. Make sure you can actually move in it (especially if movement is an important aspect of your desired images). Are you able to toss your baby up without your midriff showing? Can you squat down to interact with your toddler?

If you're going to spend the entire session pulling your dress down, adjusting your neckline, or worrying about whether you can sit comfortably on the ground, you're not going to be able to relax, which will translate into stiff images.

4. Next Up: Daughters, Sons, Then Dad

A mixture of prints and solids is always a great look

Once you've picked your outfit, it's time to move down the line.

I typically recommend:

You → daughters → sons → dad

Your outfit will establish the overall color palette and feel of the session. From there, find pieces for your girls that coordinate with yours, then your boys, and finally dad (dad goes last bc generally he already owns everything he needs).

This makes the process MUCH easier than trying to pick everyone's outfit at the same time.

*I know this lineup in priority is rather old-fashioned. If your family doesn't fit this very generic structure, then think of it this way: Begin with the most fashionably minded members and then go down the list in descending order.

I'm not saying boy's clothing can't be fun. BUT, girl's clothes are typically more fun, so start with them and move onto boy outfits next.

5. Don't match the entire family

Please, please, please don't feel like everyone needs to wear the exact same color.

We're going for coordination, not matching.

Think about colors, patterns, and even textures that work well together and then mix them throughout the family. Your shirt and your daughter's dress don't have to be identical, but maybe they share a color. Your son's pants might coordinate with Dad's shirt.

Her bow might pick up a color from the pattern on his sweater.

You get the idea.

Neutral tones are particularly easy to coordinate, but don't be afraid of color! Especially if you're doing holiday photos or images for a festive card. A pop of red can be gorgeous.

The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together without looking like you're all headed to the same uniform convention.

*note- I do love matching outfits on children. (Generally two children in the same outfit can be precious, or matching fabrics and different style outfits)

6. Don't Forget the Underwear!

This may seem obvious, but I cannot tell you how often the little things underneath an outfit become a problem.

Toddlers and babies: if their diaper can be easily seen, bloomers are a must.

For little girls, matching bloomers or undershorts can be a lifesaver, especially with dresses.

Women: check those bra straps and panty lines. Also evaluate sheerness, maybe a slip is needed.

Men: you'd be surprised how often I find myself editing out man nipples, in which case an undershirt usually solves the problem.

7. Consider Custom Tailoring

If you find something you absolutely love but it doesn't fit quite right, consider having it tailored.

You will always look your best in clothing that fits you perfectly.

This is especially true for your own outfit. A little nip here, a hem there, and suddenly the dress you were feeling “meh” about looks amazing.

Poorly fitted clothing isn't flattering on adults and it's downright frustrating on kids.

If your toddler's pants are falling down every five seconds, neither of you is going to enjoy the session.

8. Bring Wardrobe Tape & Pins

Wardrobe malfunctions happen. Especially when we're outside.

I recommend having some wardrobe tape and safety pins on hand for those little emergencies.

Collar flipping up in the wind? Tape.

Strap that won't stay put? Tape.

Something needs a tiny adjustment? Pin it.

These little things can save us from missing a great shot because we're constantly stopping to fix someone's outfit.

And yes, I will absolutely help you with this. That's what I'm here for!

9. If the Shoe Fits...

Make sure everyone's shoes actually fit and are comfortable.

This one is especially important for kids.

A grumpy toddler is one thing. A grumpy toddler whose shoes hurt? Absolutely not.

And if your tween already wasn't thrilled about taking family pictures, uncomfortable shoes are certainly not going to improve the situation.

Have everyone wear their shoes around the house before the session. Make sure they can walk, run, sit, and generally exist without complaining about their feet.

10. At the end of the day, don't overthink it.

What I want most is for you to be relaxed during your shoot. I want it to feel authentic and intimate. So even if your toddler is barefoot and your tween is wearing that outfit you despise, take a deep breath and remember how much you love those hardheaded cutie patooties. We're here to document your perfectly imperfect family. I promise not only are you going to love the outcome, we're going to have a great time too!