You've booked your fall photos, yay! Now to decide on outfits!
A few weeks ago I was planning outfits for my own family photos. To say it was a disaster would be an understatement. Thinking I had all the time in the world, I put off looking for an outfit for myself until the last minute. Rookie mistake! After running through the mall, Target and eventually TJ Maxx I was able to find a dress that I liked, but then the real fun came: dressing my husband and daughters. Eventually we did find the perfect outfits, and then it thunderstormed and our session had to be rescheduled until later this month! But I thought, if I had such a hard time figuring out what to pick for family photos, then others probably do too! I searched high and low on the internet, and put together the best advice for planning your outfits for Fall sessions.
1. Start Early!!!
You would be surprised how quickly stores turn over their seasonal outfits. It's not until you need something specific do you realize it's nowhere to be found! Case and point, I literally could not find a flowy maxi dress anywhere I looked the first week in August! Everything had switched over to Fall dresses and colors making my search a little more difficult.
2. Decide on a color scheme
A few years back the fad was to dress the entire family in the exact same outfit (think all white shirts, and jeans). Adding color and variety will make the photos more interesting! It's best to start with one persons outfit and build on from there. Remember, you want to complement colors! Some colors you will want to avoid are bright whites and neon colors.
I love these handy little charts for finding complementary colors
Some great color schemes for fall include: reds, oranges, purples mustard yellows, greens, denim, navy, and neutral.
3. Choose something timeless
Fads come and go, but these photos are going to be adorning your walls for years to come. Try to avoid logos, shirts with large graphics on them, and opt instead for something simpler.
4. Dress for the weather
Fall in Connecticut could mean 80 degrees or 40 degrees. You don't want to be too hot or too cold during your session. Including layers that you can easily take on and off depending on the weather is always a good idea! Things like sweaters, jackets, scarfs, leggings, and tights are easy to layer and take on and off as needed.
5. Textures and Prints are your friends
While you don't want to have everyone in over the top patterns, you should definitely think about including them. It's best to limit these within a clothing set. Plan to have one person with a distinct pattern and maybe one other person with a subtle pattern in their outfit. Tiny plaid print and complicated patterns don't always photograph the best, a larger plaid print, is definitely the way to go.
Textures can be incorporated throughout your outfits, just like adding color it will give some variety to your photos making them more interesting.
6. Don't forget the shoes and accessories
As you plan your outfit think about the shoes and other accessories you might want to wear. Try to avoid open toes shoes, and athletic shoes (I know I know...with kids something that is easier said than done). You want your shoes and accessories to pull together to "make" the outfit.
7. Make sure the outfits are comfortable
Trying on outfits ahead of time to make sure you are comfortable is a great idea. If you are not comfortable in what you are wearing, it may translate into your photos appearing stiff.
Here are some sample outfit samples that I found on Pinterest.
Some helpful hints for each member of your family
Mom:
Things to look for- maxi dresses, A-line dresses, jeans, cardigans, fitted blouses, scarves, ankle boots, riding boots, fitted tunics and leggings
Things to avoid: strapless dresses or tops, sleeveless tops or dresses, low-cut shirts, baggy clothes, chunky knits
Dad:
Things to look for: blazers and jackets, khaki pants/shorts, button-downs, sweaters layered over collared shirts, dark wash jeans
Things to avoid: short-sleeved tee shirts(unless layered under something), short-sleeved button-downs, baggy shorts/pants, athletic shoes, cargo shorts, white t-shirts
Girls:
Things to look for: age appropriate dresses, jeans, cardigans, scarves, skirts with sweater, tunics and leggings
Things to avoid: neon colors, athletic shoes, characters or logos on shirts, visible diaper/underwear (a pair of shorts will do wonders covering this up)
Boys:
Things to look for: button down shirt, blazer or jacket, khaki pants or shorts, layered sweaters, dark wash jeans, but also add in some cute little boy accessories like bowties, or suspenders
Things to avoid: athletic/sports wear, athletic sneakers, sleeveless tops,
You can always feel free to reach out to me as you are planning your outfits. Happy planning!!
Haven't booked your fall or Holiday photo session yet? Contact us today to secure your spot.