outfit-guide

1. DON’T SKIP PLANNING — IT’S IMPORTANT!    

I am serious! Planning lets you choose the best clothes and avoid rushing at the last moment, which can lead to chaos and stress on the day of the photoshoot. So, getting ready ahead of time makes everything go smoother, and your photos turn out great! To proceed with the practical aspects of preparing your outfit, you’ll first need to establish the location, the purpose, and the theme of the photo session.

LOCATION

When planning your outfit, consider the surroundings and setting of the photo location, especially the backdrop, because it influences color coordination and contrast. Urban settings may favor formal attire, while natural places like parks call for casual clothing. Climate and weather conditions can also affect your choice. Think about practicality, too, ensuring your outfit allows for ease of movement and comfort based on the activities at the location.

PURPOSE

Ask yourself, is it a casual, semi-dressy, or full-on fancy event? Your outfit should match the mood you want to capture in your photos. If it’s an engagement or a classic family portrait, you might want to wear your fancy pants or a pretty dress. But if you’re aiming for a relaxed and casual atmosphere, feel free to opt for comfortable and easygoing attire.

THEME

The theme of your photo session may also influence your photo session. It can dictate the colors, styles, and accessories that work best. If you want your outfit to tell a cohesive story, make sure it matches the theme of the photo session. For example, your photo session may correspond with a particular season or holiday, such as fall or Christmas — so your outfits may reflect the associated colors, textures, and mood of that season or occasion.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND APPROPRIATE  

Choose outfits that are straightforward, not overly complicated or flashy, and that suit the occasion/theme of the photos and are appropriate to weather conditions. 

SIMPLICITY

Simplicity often works best and is less likely to distract from the subject; therefore, opt for uncomplicated and timeless outfits. 

No LOGOS or INTRICATE DETAILS 

No PRINTS or BUSY PATTERNS

No BRIGHT or NEON COLORS

To add visual interest to the photos, you can consider the following:

• Use clothing with subtle patterns or interesting textures.  
• Use accessories to add a statement or color to the outfit.

BUT REMEMBER! The goal is to strike a balance between simplicity and sophistication, ensuring that the focus remains on the subject and the intended message or theme of the photos. 

WEATHER APPROPRIATENESS

By considering the weather and planning your outfit accordingly, you’ll be more comfortable during the photo session and ensure that the conditions don’t negatively impact the quality of the photos.

• Check the weather forecast before the photo session. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect.
• If it’s a cooler or variable temperature, opt for layers. 
• Dress for the season. It’s essential to choose season-appropriate attire, especially when we have kids, as their comfort and well-being significantly influence the photo session’s success and the photos' final quality.
• Adapt to wind. On windy days, consider clothing that won’t billow excessively and opt for wind-resistant hairstyles.

3. USE COLOR SCHEMES AND COORDINATE  

When you choose outfits that go together, your family will look better, show closeness, and look great over time. It’s a significant step to make your family memories more unique and beautiful. 

Contemporary photography often focuses on capturing genuine moments and personalities, so coordinated or complementary outfits are now favored over perfectly matched ensembles. MATCHY-MATCHY outfits for photo sessions have become less popular because they can appear overly staged and lack the personal touch and individuality many prefer to express in their photographs. 

The internet offers many suggestions for color outfit schemes in photo sessions, and I believe it’s unnecessary to provide specific recommendations here. Please use the pins I’ve gathered as a source of inspiration for your outfits. Remember, when selecting a color scheme, factor in the photo session’s location and theme, your existing wardrobe options, and the color preferences of all family members.

4. FLATTER YOUR SHAPE

Wearing a comfortable outfit that matches your body’s proportions may allow you to focus on posing and expressing yourself rather than adjusting or fidgeting with clothing. 

• Know Your Body: Understand your body shape and embrace it. Choose outfits that accentuate your best features and provide balance.
• Use Shapewear: Wear shapewear to create a smooth, polished silhouette, especially under form-fitting clothing.
• Define the Waist: Highlight your waist, as defined waists often flatter all body types. Belts, cinched dresses, or high-waisted pants can help achieve this.
• Vertical Lines: Vertical patterns or clothing with long lines can create a slimming effect, making you appear taller and leaner.
• Choose Flattering Necklines: Select necklines that complement your face and body shape. 
• Avoid Pure Black or White. I suggest adding some texture to them.

• Avoid Overly Baggy Clothes: While comfort is essential, excessively baggy clothing can hide your shape. Opt for well-fitted, tailored pieces.
• Layer with Confidence: Layering can be your friend. A well-chosen jacket or cardigan can create structure and definition.
• Flattering Fabrics: Choose fabrics that drape well and flatter your body type. Avoid stiff or bulky materials.
• Black color slims, while light colors add weight only when combined. Always remember that the dark color should be in the problem area. To avoid highlighting any body part, make your outfit not very contrasty. 
• Shoes should always complement the overall outfit or be as neutral as possible. 

5. ACCESSORIES.

Accessories can add style, personality, and visual interest to the look. However, it’s essential to strike a balance. Just remember the rule — LESS IS MORE. … and NO APPLE WATCHES.