THE LIFESTYLE STYLING GUIDE
Simply put: outfits are meant to compliment you, not the other way around. Most of all, I recommend that you choose something you feel both comfortable and confident in. If you feel like you need to readjust quite a bit or that the outfit doesn’t match the vibe you envision, pick a different one! I’m here to help if you need advice. This guide is meant to do just that: guide you, not rule you. While your outfits do play an important role in your session, they aren’t telling your full story. Keep these tips in mind, but don’t forget to have fun with putting your outfits together!
The vibes:
Planning the rest of your family around you (looking at Moms!) tends to be the easiest way to start. What you wear determines the vibes of the full session. There are multiple directions you can go with this. You can do cozy, intimate vibes. This includes jeans, oversized sweaters, or matching sets. We love a good family monochrome moment.
If you want to incorporate patterns, choose your “statement outfit” and then pick the other outfits to compliment that.
Dainty statement details are beautiful touches to add, especially if you are choosing to go more casual. Statement rings, stacked necklaces, and dainty bracelets all go a long way when photographing the little moments.
The colors:
Neutral colors are going to be your best friend. The overwhelming majority of the clothing on your entire family should be of the warm, neutral range. When choosing colors, avoid bold and bright. This is especially important when considering the season. For example:
Spring/summer color palette: blush, sea (blue or green), peach, sage, butterscotch, grey-ish blue
Fall color palette: muted blues, green, burnt orange, and plum
Winter color palette: evergreen, rust, off white, olive, berry
I recommend making sure all of your families color palettes fall within either neutrals or those listed above for the appropriate season.
A note on patterns: It's generally best to stay away from large patterns altogether as they can be distracting to look at in the final images. If you decide to include a pattern, limit it to one article of clothing in the entire group, and try to pick a smaller one. Textures (such as lace or knit) are a wonderful way to add to your photos!
The kids:
Coordinate without matching. Consider contrast. Have someone wear darker neutrals, and another wear lighter neutrals. Lay out your items next to each other, and make sure they don't all blend together too much. For colder season: scarves, jackets, sweaters, layers! These are all great ways to dress up a neutral outfit - and KEEP LITTLES WARM! Keep in mind that we will be moving a lot. Make sure you and your littles are wearing something you’re comfortable moving around in - sitting on the ground, bending over, running, jumping, dancing. Let the kiddos wear something you wouldn't mind getting dirty or wet.
