What to Wear This Spring…..from the experts (and me)
As you prepare for your family portrait session this spring, one question inevitably arises: What should we wear?
I thought I would get suggestions straight from the pros – stylists and shop owners - who know how to make your family shine in every frame (pared with a few ideas from me)
Can’t wait to see you lookin’ gorgeous!
Starting with some overall styling thoughts ….then some ideas for mom and then to the kids….Scroll on down! and let me know if this is helpful!
I recently worked with fashion and home stylist, Jessica Grabler on a project, and my clients and I were blown away with her selections, so I asked her for advice on how she would style a spring session this year!
COORDINATE BUT DON’T MATCH
Look for colors that play nicely together. That coordinate but without requiring every family member to be wearing the exact same color.PICK 3 - 4 COLORS
I like using this tip with larger groups, like extended family, multi-generational photos. Pick a color scheme, for example, white, denim, khaki, and navy - and let all family members create their own outfits within the scheme.THINK TAILORED AND LESS FUSSY
Try something with clean lines or structure and less slouchy. You will feel good in the photos if you are not constantly adjusting your sleeves or ruffles.DITCH THE LOGOS
Clothing with logos will 100%, without a doubt, hijack a family photo because the eye will go right to that logo and take away from the faces of the people being photographed.OTHER THINGS TO AVOID
Small patterns (they tend to distort on film)
Neon colors (they can make skin tones look green)
SPRING COLOR PALETTES
Navy, White, Khaki, Pink
Lavender, Navy, Grey, White
Soft Pastels - Sage Green, Khaki, Cream, Soft pink
Black, White, Light Blue
White and Khaki
Founder and Author Jen Shoop of Magpie, by Jen Shoop, shared that for portraits:
I always suggest a dress that requires little adjustment and errs on the side of more coverage -- less to fuss with, or worry about. I generally choose something midi length with at least a cap sleeve. Doen is my go-to -- effortless, breezy, not-too-formal, but "a step above." I like pattern mixing in photos and would pick something like this for myself. For something easier to style with other family members, a gorgeous dress in white like this or this would be gorgeous, too.
Thank you to Apothea founder Jeanne Birnbaum for suggesting the following beautiful dresses! Apothea carries high-quality, sustainable, forever pieces for women…..Check out all of the new items @Apothea Here!
Fashion and lifestyle influencer, Candace Ourisman suggests this Ulla Johnson dress, saying, “For photo shoots, I always love color! This Ulla Johnson dress features the most vivid cobalt blue and a universally flattering silhouette.”
And some things that have caught my eye that could be good for portrait sessions…..
Cute matching…….
Additional Thoughts:
If it’s hard to commit, use Rent the Runway!
If you have high-end taste and an Amazon budget (one of my new fav terms) check out The Real Real!
For the Kids….
Little ones….
My favorite DC children’s boutique, Little Birdies, just re-opened in Alexandria!! Owner, Shanlee says she suggests Proper Peony dresses for girls and provided two super cute options! This Cherry Dress and this White and Pink Dress (and I’m adding in this dress bc it is soooo cute) . A lot of these dresses have matching options for siblings!
……and matching one-pieces from Bella Bliss to match Plaid Bubble and Green Striped Overall
Bigger Kids….
One of my favorite children’s boutiques, Pocket Full of Posies, is in Osterville, MA. I asked the Founder, Jenn what she would suggest when dressing older kids…and tweens….. . Jenn curates the most beautiful clothing from babies to tweens, which is one reason I love the store so much, she carries everything from gifts to smocked dresses to Patagonia….Check out everything new @Pocket Full of Posies!
Girls: “One thing we’re always successful with with that age is anything from DL1961. Their fabric is SO soft and comfortable which is hard to find for jeans. We have been selling only bootcut and wide leg jeans... no more skinny style for girls. I feel like they could be perfect for a casual Spring/Summer photo shoot for a girl that doesn’t want to wear a dress or skirt. ”
Boys: “ ….when boys have to dress up, we sell the Southern Tide Intercostal Button Down in White very well because once again, it’s soft and comfortable without looking frumpy. It’s also moisture-wicking, lightweight, stretchy and has sun protection! Another thing I think I should add is that we sell boys blazers! It can be hard to find a nice quality, well-fitting blazer for boys but we always keep a classic navy one in stock in sizes 2 to 12.”
To Jenn’s point on jeans for girls, I love these Zara ones! (on adults and girls!)