When you choose me to capture your precious moments, you're getting more than just someone snapping your picture! I’m available to help plan your outfits and serve as a stylist for your session too! I frequently have have clients ask me what to wear, and this post will help guide you as you start pulling together outfits.

There’s no real “hard and fast” rules here friends, but there definitely are some “Fashion No-No’s” when it comes to photo sessions in the home!

Fashion Do NOT’s:

Please avoid wearing/doing the following:

• The biggest thing I can say is that matchy-matchy is out, and COLOR COORDINATED is in! It’s best to think of a color scheme or palette of colors to build your outfits off of! A key note—as you come up with your color palette scheme, be sure to take into consideration the color and styling of your home! Are you a big and bold kind of style? Or more classic neutrals? Build off of this!

• I provide style and select to my clients, so a LOT of the guesswork of choosing complimentary colors is done for you! With this tool you can choose what style you want as well as 1-2 color palettes you like to see lots of options to purchase new attire or find something similar in your own closet. USE THIS TOOL! It’s amazing! Bonus: you can send me ideas straight from the site of outfits you like to see my opinion too!

• Shoes and socks! Ok, I know you might wear slippers or socks around the house when it’s cold, but for photos, please just leave them off!

• Avoid wearing black and EVERYONE wearing jeans. Limit to 1 or 2 people (and not the same color of denim). I advise no black because it can be difficult to edit and make your final images muddy and not true tones. If you’re wearing black on the bottom, that can be fine, but try to avoid wearing it on top!

• Also, no big logos or athleisure/athletic wear. Dry fit and athletic material tends to be shiny and it won’t photograph well. Trust me on this!

• While short dresses or tight clothes may be something you look good in and like to wear, try to avoid these, or do the sit/movement test—if you can’t sit comfortably without having to tug constantly adjust your clothes to make sure nothing’s showing, then don’t wear it!

• Lastly— wear clothes that are uniquely YOU! You want to look and feel your best for these, and if you’re not feeling confident in it, it will show in the photos. Wearing clothes that fit you well and that YOU feel pretty in are key! Also, for your kiddos, I know it's expensive with how fast they outgrow outfits, but trust me, you will want them to be in something that fits, and not something that they are swimming in or that has to be rolled up!

So… what SHOULD you look for when choosing outfits?

When looking for outfits, look for options that add:

• Texture! Knits, linen and layers of fabric are perfect for photos! Just do it!

• Smaller prints are golden for photo sessions. Nothing too busy with a print/pattern is a great way to break up solids.

• For the littles, hide diapers with bloomers/diaper covers/shorts!

• Long and flow-y dresses for mom are always a good choice; we will be twirling and moving inside too!

• If you’re unsure where to even start with choosing outfits, I recommend trying to select two different patterns (I.e a stripe + polka dot, plaid + floral, etc) for every one solid. You could also choose one texture for every one solid (I.e. lace, crochet, velvet, wool, etc.). For a family of 5 you ideally should choose two solids, 2 patterns, and 1 texture. Or for a family of 4, choose 2 patterns, 1 solid, 1 texture. Oh, and I really like colored or patterned pants/shirts for males (it's an easy way to add in those things if you choose!)

• Again, color coordinated solids & simple patterns are timeless!

As a reminder, you can always take a photo of the outfits side by side and send it to me to help! (and in fact, I really encourage and LOVE that, so please utilize me as your stylist!). Sometimes just seeing the outfits side by side is enough to see if it works well or not. I’m here to assist and can tell you whether a combo looks good side by side and if not, what you can look for to compliment it. 

Before signing off, I’m going to share some of my favorite places to shop for outfits for the whole fam! I’m always on the lookout for sale & coupons! I’ve noted what I love about each shop too! 🙂

Lulus (awesome for those maxi dresses I love for moms, and their return policy is awesome!)

Nordstrom (I love splurging here and frequently buy dresses and jeans; fave brands are BP, Free People, Madewell, and then Seven For all Mankind or Hudson for jeans/pants!)

Vici Collection (this is probably my fave clothing website lately; I have got so many adorable dresses, shorts, shirts, and accessories from here)

J Crew (timeless, classic, great for the preppy and polished look!)

Old Navy (this is my go to for kids clothing, as well solid basics that everyone should have in their closet)

Gap (another fave in the Old Navy Fam, but especially in finding outfits for my son and husband!)

Target (I mean, who really needs an excuse to go to Target!?)
H&M (they have great stuff for the whole fam!)
Zara ( one of my faves for great basic and classic neutrals for kiddos!)
I also reallllllly love to support small boutiques! Here in Southern Pines, I LOVE the following boutique stores:
Dahr (for mom’s outfits)
Bella Bambini (for mom and kids)

I hope you found this guide helpful! Please always feel free to reach out to me…. I love helping make sure everyone look’s their best!

xo,

Julie