“Do you have any wardrobe suggestions?”  This is asked of me often!  So often that I have finally decided to put all of my suggestions into its very own blog post!

I don’t want to alarm you, but it needs to be said:  YOUR WARDROBE CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR PHOTO SESSION!  I want to create timeless images for you that you’ll look back on forever.  I don’t want the first thought in your mind to be “What was I wearing?!”  I want you to look back on your images and only feel the happy memories that were made that day.

Here are some tips and tricks that might help with the sometimes stressful business of putting together a coordinating wardrobe for you and your family

1.  BE COMFORTABLE!  This is the number one tip I tell my clients.  No, this doesn’t mean to come to your session wearing yoga pants and flip flops… this means to make sure you feel great in whatever you choose.  If you feel like your dress may be to revealing on the top, you will probably spend half of your session looking down to make sure that your “ladies” are contained or even pulling up your dress just to make sure.  Make sure you can move around in your outfit without having to constantly alter it!  Make sure that when you look at yourself in the mirror, you feel like you can conquer the world in that outfit….or at least have no regrets about it when you see your final pictures.

I love their layers and textures!

2.  COORDINATE – I like to pick a color palette that consists of two neutrals and a pop of color.  For example: white, khaki, and turquoise.  Obviously you don’t have to do this, but it helps when trying to have your outfits look cohesive with one another.   Pinterest is a   great resource that you can refer to when choosing a color palette.  Simply search for “what to wear to a photo session” and you’ll see thousands of ideas!

PLEASE do not show up in matching outfits!  The matching “white shirt and jeans” look was a thing of the past and I hope it stays there forever.  In fact, if I meet you at your session and everyone is wearing the same exact outfit, I might just run away!  Haha, no I won’t but I’ll definitely think about it.

 

3.   ACCESORIZE:  Wearing accessories can definitely enhance an outfit.  Hats, scarves, floral crowns and  jewelry are all great accessories. This is also an easy way to complete your color palette.  Maybe your daughter is wearing a coral dress and to complement that, mom wears a coral necklace too.  Just make sure not to over accessorize!  You don’t want to look like a 90s wrapper who’s drowning in millions of gold chains on their neck!

This can also include your nails.  Maternity clients: I’m especially talking to you!  Chances are that I’ll photographing you putting your hands on your belly.  Please of please make sure you have clean nails (even polished!) during your session.  I promise, you won’t regret it!

 His bowtie and suspenders make his entire outfit come to life!

4. DON’T FORGET YOUR SHOES!  Shoes can actually make or break your outfit.  Obviously you don’t want to show up in a gorgeous dress and finish it off with some stinky sneakers.  If we’re shooting at the beach, you will probably want to have bare feet because we will be doing a lot of walking, twirling, and even splashing down by the shore. For park sessions, you might want to keep the stilettos at home because you’ll sink in the soft grass!  For those sessions, I suggest boots or wedges.  Any shoe with a higher heel will elongate your body and instantly make you appear thinner.  Yes, you read that right ladies!

5.  BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SESSION LOCATION:  Are you shooting at the beach?  Then you might not want to wear jeans.  They really don’t match the environment.  Plus, we’ll most likely get a bit wet.  Have you ever worn wet jeans?  Yeah, that’s pretty much the worst!  Instead, think of a maxi dress (they look great on any body type!).  Are you shooting at the park?  Then you might want to stay away from wearing green.  You’ll blend in too much with the green grass and trees that surround you. Wear colors that will stand out from the background such as red.

Now that I’ve explained some wardrobe tips to take into consideration, I also need to explain what NEVER to take into consideration…

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Match everyone in the same outfits! This is only cute for little kids  (See above- Coordinate)

• Wear clothing with logos, graphics, etc.  Leave your “Tired As A Mother” t-shirt at home 🙂

• Wear any neon colors.  Neon green, orange, and yellow belong on traffic signs and nowhere else.

• Also, if you don’t want your bra straps showing, make sure that they aren’t.  Yes, I know how to Photoshop them out but no, I won’t spend my time doing it 😉

 

So, now that you know how to coordinate and accessorize, where can you purchase fashionable, tasteful clothes?

I’m glad you asked!  Below you will find some of my favorite places to shop for any budget!

 

ShopJule.com  I’m currently obsessing over this website that is made especially for photo session clients!

Target (the one stop shop for everyone!)

Francescas (boutiques for women that can be found in any of the local malls.  They are almost always running a sale and have the cutest accessories too! )

H&M (cute inexpensive items for men, woman, and children)

Doll cake Oh So Girly (you can also find FB groups that offer these amazing dresses for resale, which are a lot cheaper!)

Tutu Dumonde (gorgeous dresses for girls, you can also find FB resale groups or eBay that sell these for a fraction of the price)

Nordstrom Rack

Free People

Gap Kids

Zuliliy (visit the kids section for great sales)

Etsy (you can find just about anything on etsy, plus you’ll be supporting small shops which is always a plus!)

 

Maternity Sessions:

Sew Trendy Fashion and Accessories

Fillyboo  (Boho inspired maternity)

Pink Blush Maternity

 

 

ALSO- Please check out Rainey’s Closet!  They have sooo many beautiful pieces that you can RENT!  Yes, you read that correctly..RENT!  Have your eyes set on a dress that just doesn’t fit our budget?  RENT IT for a fraction of the price!

I now offer STYLING as well!  Upon booking, you’ll receive an email from me that informs you more about this amazing option.