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:
First consider where you plan to shoot. Outdoor sessions carry a different vibe than in-home sessions. Studio sessions tend to be more timeless and do well with simplicity. Scour Pinterest to see what you’re drawn to and start there when putting outfits together.
I find that 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. Perhaps you are drawn to a 90’s style “pop of color”. Maybe you love the flowy farm dress look ( with rain boots on the babies?? Sign me up). Sometimes it’s easier to build the outfits for everyone when you know what you envision for even just one person in your family.
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. Knit bonnets, high socks, bows, scarves, overcoats- these all can help your photos feel more dynamic.
The colors:
Here’s the thing. Neutral colors are going to be your “safest” option. The following palettes (below) will always photograph beautifully. If you choose to go this route, 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
However (!!!!), incorporating color into sessions is SO fun and a great way to give it a unique spin. I recommend mixing in some bold color with neutrals to give your photos a more dynamic feel. I will say that bright colors (such as pink, purple, bright green, etc) can be distracted. However, even these can be incorporated in a way to give you that pop, especially if they are more muted. See example above for what I am referring to.
A note on patterns: I LOVE a good mix and match pattern moment. Stripes with florals is a big favorite of mine. Gingham is another patter that photographs SO well and goes with most other patterns. Textures (such as lace or knit) are another wonderful way to add to your photos. However, you will want to be careful to not mix and match too much. I recommend not putting every single person in a pattern. Perhaps the kids wear patterns and the parents focus on textures. Or the girls wear print and the boys have fun accessories, like a knit cap. You will want to balance pattern with color, which is fun but takes intentionality.
Again: Pinterest is your best friend for ideas! I also like to use the app SCRL to screenshot outfit ideas and paste them on a white background to play around with what looks good together.
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.
