Wardrobe tips

1. Setting: What makes you comfortable?

The most important factor when planning your family’s wardrobe is comfort. Your outfits should allow you to move freely without any concerns. My sessions are playful and relaxed, so it’s essential that your wardrobe supports this atmosphere.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to wear sweats to your family session, but make sure you can lift your arms, walk, and hug your family without compromising your clothing. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Is the shirt too short? Make sure it doesn’t ride up if you lift a child.

  • Is the material uncomfortable or itchy?

  • Is mom’s dress the right length?

2. Color + Texture

Color plays a significant role in the mood of your photos. I recommend earth tones, pastels, and creamy neutrals for your session wardrobe. Avoid bright neons, blacks, stark white or any distracting colors.

Textures can also enhance your photos. I love seeing different textures like linens, sweaters, and pleats in photos. Adding one or two elements of texture can make a fantastic difference. Just be careful not to overdo it. Finally, avoid too many patterns. One or two patterns within a family’s wardrobe are great, but it’s easy to go overboard. Choose a main pattern, and plan the other outfits around it.

3. Dress Mom First

Mom is usually the hardest family member to dress for family photos. I suggest you start by picking or buying mom’s outfit first. Make sure she loves what she has, and then base everyone else’s outfits around her choice.

Before planning your family session wardrobe, consider the setting where you will be taking your pictures:

  • Temperature: Dress appropriately for the weather. Find pieces that will be warm enough if it’s cold or cool enough if it’s warm.

  • Conditions: If it’s a windy location, avoid wearing something that might fly up in the wind.

  • Scenery Color: Choose colors that complement the scenery. For example, if we are shooting in a green location, blues, pinks, and creams are excellent choices.

4. Coordinating Colors

Choose a handful of coordinating colors for your family session. Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching black polo shirts and jeans. Add dimension by choosing an overall palette and then selecting pieces for each person that fit within the color scheme. You can search Pinterest for ideas like "Mauve Color Scheme" or "Cream Color Scheme" to find coordinating colors that aren’t too matchy, yet don’t contrast too much.

Have fun with the colors and find something that matches your home and your personality!

5. Movement & Style

Try to dress everyone in the same style of clothing. If you’re aiming for a dressier look, have everyone dress up a bit. If you want a more casual vibe, keep it relaxed for everyone. While each person can vary slightly, maintaining a cohesive look will enhance the overall appearance of your photos.

I love wardrobe with movement! Flowy dresses and loose clothing can look stunning. Try not to wear anything too tight, but that still flatters you and makes you feel comfortable.

6. Things To Avoid

Avoid wearing baseball caps, large logos or patterns, athletic accessories, sunglasses, bulky fitness watches, etc. If you have any questions about what to wear, I’m here to help! Shoot me an email, and I’ll assist you in finding the perfect options.

7.General Guidelines: Where to Shop

  • For Mom: J Crew, Anthropologie, Madewell, Nordstrom, Coral Cove, Pink Turtle, South Moon Under (all Rehoboth)

  • For Dad: J Crew, H&M, Nordstrom, Shorebreak (Lewes)

  • For Kids: Crew Cuts, Rylee and Cru, H&M kids, Janie and Jack, Fairy Godmother (Lewes), LilyPad (Rehoboth), Magnolia Rifle (Fenwick)

8. The Most Important Thing

Remember, these are your photos. While planning outfits can be fun and exciting, don’t stress too much. You are the star of your photos, and as long as you are comfortable and feel amazing in what you wear, we will get incredible results.