Whether your planning a formal event like a wedding or anniversary party, or a casual event like family portrait session, planning what to wear can be challenging. You will want to make sure everyone’s style compliments each other without everyone looking exactly the same.
What to Wear – Choosing Portrait Outfits
For our family portraits, I like to choose 1-2 neutral colors for everyone to wear and I pair that with one bold accent color worn by a few select family members in their jewelry, undershirts, hair accessories, scarfs, ties and/or shoes. (Let’s face it, I can’t always talk hubs into wearing the accent color.)
Layers are in and I love how they add depth to photos so I try to incorporate them as much as possible in every portrait session. (Our summer months are too hot to do this, but I do do it when possible).
Another popular trend I love to incorporate in our family portraits is dressing our youngest in the accent color. I just think it pulls the entire look together.
Check out the two amazing photographers below for more stylish tips on what to wear for gorgeous family portraits. I use their tips as inspiration for all of our family portrait sessions.
Have fun with your clothing.
Laci Davis of Laci Davis Photography wrote an excellent article on what to wear for your family photos which I have referenced many times before our own family portrait sessions.
In her article, she explains how photography has recently evolved to include more fun and candid shots.
Out are the days of wearing back and khaki, white and jeans, or matching polos. These days photography is taking on more of a candid, editorial style and you can get fun with your clothing! The goal is to have everyone complement each other, but not be too “matchy-matchy.” Try to avoid big logos on t-shirts, but don’t be afraid of colors or patterns.
Laci also explains how “Layers and texture look great in a photo. As with all design principles you apply when decorating your home, texture looks fabulous in photos!”
Image courtesy of Laci Davis.
3 Methods to choosing family portrait outfits.
Emilie of Blue Cricket Design shows you how choosing what to wear for portraits can be easy and stress free with one of her 3 easy methods.
By planning your family’s outfits around one stand-out piece of clothing, or choosing a season of colors, or by having 2 or 3 colors in every outfit, you are sure to have gorgeous family photographs you will cherish for years to come.
Image courtesy of Photos by Emilie.
Do you have a go-to style for your family portraits? What fashion trends do you like to incorporate into your photos?
About Stacy Molter
Great post, and the links to the other posts were really terrific! Lots of wonderful inspiration and practical ideas! Thank you!
Now to decide what I’ll wear for ours…..
I’m so happy you enjoyed the post! I hope you have a great time at your event, and don’t forget your camera!