What to wear

 

This is the always the #1 question I get asked and honestly, it’s an important one. When you’re digging through Pinterest or the gram for ideas, 9 out of 10 times you’re going to save an image based on what the subjects are wearing versus what they’re doing. So I’ll let you in on the big secret…

Outfits can make or break your family portraits. 

There, I said it, it’s out there, you are finally in the know. Nooooo, it can’t be that big of a deal you say? Yes, yes, I am right. Example: Mom hates her outfit or the way it fits…you won’t see those photos A-N-Y-W-H-E-R-E; kids are uncomfortable or hot in stiff clothes, their misery will show on their entire face; everyone is wearing neon or bright white and it looks like they’re glowing or washed out; Dad can’t move his arms because his shirt has zero stretch. See now? Maybe you’ve agreed with me from the beginning because you’re a style queen, I was just checking to make sure you were listening. 

Not only is it important to understand what DOES work, it’s equally as important to understand what DOESN’T. I want my clients to show up happy, confident and looking their best for photos so I can focus on capturing memories. Here are some tips to make the daunting task of clothing selection a little less overwhelming. 

Basics that apply to everyone:

1. Purchase clothes to fit now. I know as a parent we buy our children’s clothing big to fit for as long as possible but this can tend to look sloppy in photos. Most likely, you’ll be purchasing outfits specifically for pictures, so get something that fits perfectly or even a tad snug. Please please try clothes on in advance. If we’re standing in a field, ready to start shooting and you slip the kids in their outfits, there will be nothing we can do about to-big clothes at that point. 
2. Colors to avoid: Avoid bright colors; solid primary colors and neons. They cast colors onto the face and hair. Bright white. Solid black. 
3. Colors that work: Earth tones, jewel tones, pastels and neutral colors. Earth tones are brick, rust, mustard, navy, chocolate, ivory, charcoal. Jewel tones are emerald, sapphire, deep red, plum purple. Incorporate prints like florals, subtle patterns, textures like lace and suede. These are the colors you will want to keep an eye out for when pulling your wardrobe together. 
4. Layers and accessories like fur vests, bows, floral crowns, hats, beanies, bracelets, necklaces, scarves, boots, jackets, ties, suspenders, and kimonos. Layers add depth to your wardrobe. 
   1. Note: if you have a little one who is fascinated, chews or pulls on necklaces while you hold them, it might be best to skip that particular piece of jewelry. 
5. I highly recommend coordinating colors – key word: Coordinate. No matchy matchy. Do not show up all in the same exact solid t-shirt.

Women 
Women usually focus on everyone else’s outfits first, then stress about what to wear for themselves. Switch it up and shop for yourself first! Find something you absolutely love, then work everyone else’s wardrobe around you. And can we talk about dresses? Say YES to that dress! Break up with jeans or pants just for one day and pick a dress or skirt. Women of all shapes and sizes can beautifully pull off a dress, however there are certain clothing items, fabrics, cuts and styles that restrict poses and movement, or cannot lay in a flattering way. 

Don’t wear:
1. Short “shift” dresses. Lift up your arms, everything still covered? It should be!
2. Dresses with stiff fabric
3. Maxi dresses with no defining features – think “pillow case” style dresses

If dresses are completely out of your wheelhouse, then you’ll need to know which tops and bottoms look best. 

Don’t wear:
1. Baggy tops (purposefully slouchy, off the shoulder or oversized is okay), in general, baggier is not better – for anyone
2. Stiff or boxy fabric, which can crease and fold in all the wrong places
3. Jersey knit fabric, which can show undergarment lines and cling in certain areas.

Wear this instead:
I highly recommend dresses, because the right dress can be the most flattering piece on every body shape. Look for dresses with flowy fabric and defining features. Rompers and jumpsuits are very popular right now and these can look fabulous. Tops and sweaters that can be tucked, or front tucked, into pants or skirts, or waist defining blouses are also a great option. Layers with cardigans or jackets can add depth to your outfit. Always always always, for the love of God, where the right undergarments under your clothing. 

Men and boys

Males of all ages typically do not have the variety of options that females do. They are limited to shirts, sweaters, pants and shorts. When choosing an outfit, men and boys should steer clear of these items:

Don’t wear: 
1. Neon colors
2. Large brand logos (Nike, Under Armour, Polo, American Eagle, Hollister)
3. Overpowering patterns
4. Oversized polo shirts
5. Baggy pants or jeans

Wear this instead:

Rather than overpowering patterns and logos, try plaid or solid color button-up shirts or sweaters. Fun patterns that go with a particular look are also okay. For example, a funky pattern or bold stripes make sense if you are going for a retro look. When in doubt – stick with a classic dark khaki pant and chambray button up or jeans and a henley top. Okay want some “real talk”? If your guy hates his.. ugh.. “upper chest”, pick a shirt with front pockets or a thicker collared shirt to cover and conceal. Thin t-shirts will accentuate. 

Children and toddlers

Kids are a little easier because body image isn’t a factor, but they still have a few “do nots”. Character tops, bright neon colors, and logo brands are all battles with kids clothing. But with all of the kids clothing options available, those photo no-nos should be easy to avoid. Graphic tees with fun sayings or prints are okay, but shirts or dresses with race cars or unicorns is probably not going to create the look your going for. 

Little Girls Don’t Wear:

1. Character tops
2. Graphic tees with busy patterns
3. Dresses without panties underneath
4. Uncomfortable or tight shoes
5. Gigantic bows that can block faces behind

Little girls wear this instead:

1. Solid simple muslin dresses or tops 
2. Patterned skirts paired with solid tops or vice versa
3. Bibs!
4. Light and airy dresses
5. Rompers and jumpsuits

Boys Don’t Wear:

1. Character tops
2. Graphic tees with busy patterns 
3. Sweaters with stiff collars that stick up in their face
4. Anything itchy
5. Jeans or pants that are to short or to bunched around the waist

Little boys wear this instead:

1. Baseball style t’s
2. Layer a solid or color blocked t-shirt/muscle shirt underneath a collared shirt with coordinating colors
3. Need warmth? Put a collared shirt under a sweater or sweatshirt
4. Little boys can pull off rompers and jumpsuits
5. Jeans or jean shorts with suspenders

Babies

Babies are so dang cute, but distracting clothes can take the focus off of that adorableness. Stick to simple outfits. Purchasing clothes that fit are especially important for babies. ALWAYS try clothes on first to ensure they sizing is correct. 

Also something else to consider, if your baby needs to be held, coordinate their clothes closely with yours. If Dad is wearing an olive green shirt and baby is also wearing that similar color, it probably won’t visually look the best and you’ll have to hold them in all the photos. Generally, baby should be the most simple and neutral.

Don’t Wear:

1. Onesies that are two sizes to big
2. Collared shirts
3. Jeans, unless they’re able to stand up by themselves
4. Large, stiff bows
5. Oversized ruffles and frills
6. Thick or puffy vests that bunch up at the neck
7. Denim or leather jackets on babies who can not sit up unassisted
8. Shoes. If they aren’t walking, they don’t even need shoes. One less thing for you to worry about!

Wear this instead:

For baby boys, simple onesies, adorable rompers or overalls are timeless pieces that look great. Pair outfits with a beanie or suspenders to accessorize. For baby girls, timeless dresses, rompers with delicate lace, ruffles and texture. Add layers like tights, knee socks, bonnets or cardigans to complete the look. 

I go rounds and rounds with Moms about hair bows. Keep them simple. Not because I want to crush your heart buy recommending no gigantic sequined bows, but because they block the faces behind them and take all the focus off that sweet face. I love dainty bows, headbands, tie backs, and clips. If your child has hair that often gets in their face I definitely recommend clipping it back, pulling it into a pony tail or low water spout. If they have a LOT of hair, this is the only time I think they could pull off wearing a larger bow.

Don’t forget about the shoes!

What you put on your feet should NOT be an afterthought. You have the perfect outfits picked out, but everyone is wearing old tennis shoes or glittery character sandals. Yikes. 

Shoes are a part of the outfit and should match the style of clothing you’ve picked. If everyone is wearing dressy/boho vibe clothes, they should not be wearing Nike tennis shoes or watermelon Old Navy flip flops. If the collective ensemble is leaning towards a retro/modern feel, then shiny dress shoes and cowboy boots will not mesh well. 

Shoes should always complement the overall outfit or be as neutral as possible. 

Places to Shop:

Women

1. Lulu’s
2. Vici
3. Free People
4. Anthropologie
5. ASOS
6. Forever 21
7. Altar’d State
8. Urban Outfitters
9. Rollee
10. Target
11. Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
12. Target
13. Loft 

Men

1. Zara
2. Urban Outfitters
3. Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
4. Target
5. Buckle
6. H&M
7. Banana Republic
8. Cuts Clothes
9. Express
10. Gap
11. J Crew

Little Girls

1. Tea
2. Alice and Ames (twirly dresses)
3. Old Navy
4. Target
5. the boutique brandy buys stuff
6. Shop James
7. Little James
8. Kate Quinn Organics
9. Lilly and Dre
10. Jamie Kay
11. Rylee and Cru
12. Baby Gap
13. Bitte Shop
14. Murray and Finn
15. Janes (janesdsm.com, they’re located in the East Village, Des Moines)

Big Girls (size 7 and up)

1. Alice and Ames (twirly dresses)
2. Joyfolie
3. Abercrombie Kids
4. Old Navy
5. Target
6. Shop James
7. Little James
8. Rylee and Cru
9. Gap Kids
10. Roolee
11. Garnet Hill

Little Boys

1. Zara
2. Target
3. Tea
4. Little James
5. Kate Quinn Organics
6. Rylee and Cru
7. Bitte Shop
8. Murray and Finn
9. Janes (janesdsm.com)

Big Boys (size 7 and up)

1. Zara
2. Abercrombie Kids
3. Target
4. Tea
5. Little James
6. Rylee and Cru
7. Baby Gap
8. Roolee

Babies

1. Shop James
2. Little James
3. Lilly and Dre
4. Rylee and Cru
5. Baby Gap
6. Bitte Shop
7. Murray and Finn
8. Janes (janesdsm.com)