Dressing for your session (October Edition)
Hello all,
It’s about time I come on here to formally address something I get asked about more than anything else; how to dress for your session! Wardrobe is such a fun ingredient to creating dynamic, timeless family portraits. I want to be clear; it is an ingredient, it is not the base of the soup. That would be your family. But I get so many questions about this by all types! Those who want a step by step guide to copy/paste, those who want to enhance whatever they themselves might have in mind, and those who want their family session to look distinctly editorialized. I’m here for all of it. Let’s walk through together. It is possible to create more artful images with a few thoughtful decisions about color, texture, or silhouette.
For those who are more visually inclined, here is a link to my Pinterest where I have pinned outfits for all seasons for you to take inspiration from.
Overall dynamic is key. By this I mean, in a family of three, if everyone is in a short sleeved shirt and pants, we are missing an opportunity for adding inherent dynamic and interest. So instead for example, have dad in a short sleeve shirt and pants, mom in a skirt with a cardigan, and baby in a blouse and overalls. This really does balance out images beautifully.
Pattern and color are another way to add dynamic and balance. Let your session season and location inspire you in this regard. I have mood boards on my instagram in a Wardrobe FAQs highlight for both the summer meadow and the seaside. For fall sessions, which is why I’m here writing to you today as my October minis draw near, think moody florals, ginghams, plaids, and stripes for your patterned pieces. We generally want at least one pattern to break up the solids. In a family of five, you might consider gingham dresses on both girls and an olive cable knit sweater on dad; cable knit is subtle, one-tone pattern -as well as texture!
In terms of fall color, think warm autumnal earth tones and neutrals such as tans, browns, creams, and black.
And how do we feel about…all neutrals? Love it too. This really is a time when the end result is so much greater than the sum of its parts. It can end up feeling artistic and stylized, and is a lovely way to keep focus on skin and warm smiles. When choosing to go all neutral for your fall family session, overall dynamic as previously discussed is of utmost importance, and we want texture and layers (below.) If it resonates with you, something fun that can be done with the neutral palettes specifically is incorporating fun pops of color in the outfit of one or two people. Think about what colors you have a lot of, what you like. I love browns and creams, so I would personally create a canvas of browns and creams, then throw on some red Mary Janes and a red beanie on Holly. Viola! A Ralph Lauren editorial or family session? There are many examples of color pops on my Pinterest, where you can see how they add to an image.
In a family of three think a single marigold scarf, or in a family of four a navy hat for baby and blue sweater for mom. Or an orange plaid shirt on dad, an orange beanie on son and orange corduroy trousers on mom.
Remember; there will be colors all around us. Consider this when choosing your pieces. We want you to coordinate, while also standing out.
“What should I avoid in terms of color?”
Too much black. It can become very heavy feeling in the overall image. For this reason, try to keep it to accent items or in a pattern to break it up. I love a black sweater dress as much as the next girl, and that’s fine, but don’t go overboard with it on everyone!
The only fall color I would personally suggest be generally avoided is cool-leaning burgundy or purples. Those that lean warmer or more red are fine. It’s an editing thing; I personally feel that my editing style is complimented more by warmer tones of that side of the color wheel. But if cool purple is your favorite color…please, by all means, wear it. It will look great. These are general guidelines.
Don’t underestimate incorporating some texture.
Eyelet, softly wrinkled linen, heavy knits, woolen pom poms, rubber boots, leather flats, a straw hat.
Layering is another valuable asset. Not only does it easily change up the look throughout the session while still keeping the photos congruent, it adds further interest and even prop potential.
Chunky cable knit sweaters, long cardigans that we can wrap our children in, vests, and hats are all great options.
And lastly, you don’t have to try too hard! Really. I mean, you can. You can absolutely commit to a silk evening slip dress for yourself and have everyone else in their Sunday best. But you can also wear baggy burgundy denim with an oversized sweater and topknot if that feels like you. These photos are for YOU. It doesn’t have to be formal or perfect. It can be cozy or silly and still be dynamic and interesting.
I sincerely hope this helps you if you needed it, and don’t hesitate to email me with questions. I found a job where I never had to grow out of loving to play dress up! I’m happy to help, or simply provide reassurance.
With love,
Ashley