This is a question I am always happy cover with my clients — and something nearly everyone wants to discuss before their lifestyle portrait session. Gone are the days when it was expected that everyone would show up in identical khaki pants and white button downs. When it comes to lifestyle portraits, families, couples, and high school seniors alike typically want to have fun and let their personalities shine through. Clothing choices are one of the clearest ways to make that happen.

When it comes to wardrobe, there are no hard and fast rules. But I do offer some guidelines.

Types of Clothes

• My absolute #1 most important tip is to choose outfits that you feel good in — and that you don’t have to tug into place, re-button, rearrange to hide undergarments, etc. If you’re comfortable in the photos, it shows. If you’re not comfortable, it shows even more. This is especially true for small children. If you typically don’t feel confident about the way you look in something — say cap sleeves or slim-fit button-down shirts — your portrait session isn’t the time to give that type of clothing another chance.
• Choose timeless over trendy for outfits that you’re still going to like when you look at the photos in 20 or 50 years.
• Loose, flowy dresses and tops can work beautifully — just make sure any loose clothing is figure-flattering instead of figure-swallowing.
• Layering can be a great way to create a few different looks without having to change entirely. Layer with jackets, sweaters, vests, scarves, hats, jewelry, belts, etc.
• Whatever you want to wear — dress true to your own sense of style and personality!

Color Palettes and Patterns

• You and your family don’t need to be matchy-matchy in identical tops and pants, but you will want to wear colors and patterns that coordinate or are complementary.
• Consider choosing a palette — something as simple as “pastels” or “neutrals,” or select specific colors — and then give everyone at least one item incorporating those colors.
• Think about the colors of your surroundings at your shoot location. Portraits that look the most cohesive usually feature subjects wearing colors that blend well with the surroundings (this is especially important for portrait sessions at home — make sure you coordinate with your decor rather than clashing!), or subjects wearing colors that really pop against the surroundings.
• Contrary to what many people have been told, patterned clothing works great in photographs. Simple florals, checks, polka dots, stripes, and plaids, are all great. They add interest without being distracting. For family portraits, consider a fun mix between patterns and solids that incorporate the colors in your palette.
• If you’re working an outfit change or two into your session, as we can do with longer sessions, it is a great idea to coordinate the colors between your different outfits — that makes it easy to mix-and-match the images from your session into a cohesive, beautiful collection in an heirloom album or set of wall art, or to collage together for a Christmas or announcement card.
• If you’re planning to display your photographs in your house, you may also want to consider how the colors and patterns you wear will fit into your home’s decor.
• Just as you should dress true to your sense of style, you should also choose colors that you like on yourself/on your family members — and colors that make you happy!

I hope these tips help you get ready for your shoot! Have more questions? I’m always happy to brainstorm wardrobes or be a sounding board as you narrow down your outfit choices. I want all my clients to look and feel their best in every way!

~ Laura