What to Wear Planning Tips

Steer clear of fluorescents and overly bright colors. Fluorescent colors tend to color cast on faces, necks, and hair. They’re harsh sometimes. I always recommend versions of primary colors. Yellow (mustard), red (maroon, brick), and blue (navy, royal).
 

Consider the location you are having your session when selecting color.  If it's a green field or woodsy area, stay away from wearing a lot of green. It’s just too much green. You want to stand out amongst all the greenery you’re surrounded by.
 

Start with one outfit that you really like. From there, build from it for everyone else. 
 

Matching is out. Coordinating is in. It use to be the trend to dress everyone in the same outfit - think white shirts and jeans, but anything goes nowadays! We know your family is together, but how often do you dress alike in your day to day? So, wearing the same colored shirt, pants, shoes, etc. looks a bit awkward. Coordinating color is what really brings wardrobe together. I usually choose two to three main colors of wardrobe, and maybe one accent pop of color. Also, mixing stripes with plaids and tweeds is okay! And try adding in some different textures - a fur vest, chunky knit sweater, or flowy chiffon - and have some fun! 
 

Wear what you feel good in! Moms and dads, this tip is for you specifically. If you aren’t comfortable in what you’ve chosen for pictures, it will show. Maxi dresses typically flatter all body types, but you rock a good pair of skinny jeans, do that.  

Layer, layer layer! Layers add dimension and depth. In the summer? Layer your dress with a cute belt and pendant necklace. In the fall and winter? cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarves, hats, blazers, etc.
 

Purchase clothes to fit. You’ll be purchasing outfits specifically for pictures, most likely, so choose something that fits perfectly or even just a little bit snug. Make it look almost tailored. Go a size smaller in jackets, cardigans or blazers. A too-big jean jacket will not compliment shape. It hides hips and waist for moms. If you typically wear a size medium jacket, try on the small. Even if it’s just a little snug in the shoulders, it should lay nicely around your hips and waist, creating a tailored look. Keep in mind that for pictures, too large of a polo shirt, saggy ill-fitting jeans or a jacket that’s falling off the shoulders looks sloppy.
 

Dress for the weather, and be flexible. Don't like the weather in New England? Wait 5 minutes! New Englanders know that the weather can start out sunny and warm and flip to gray and chilly in a heartbeat. So like the Boy Scouts always say - Be Prepared! If you have plans for a cute sundress for your daughter, and the weather ends up being 20 degrees colder than you were anticipating, switch it up a bit by adding layers. Tights, boots, scarf, slouchy hat, cardigan. Dress appropriately for the weather that day, even if it doesn’t go with your original plan. If your child is sweating profusely in a sweater during his shoot, he won’t be happy. And on the same token, if your child is wearing a tank dress and the weather dips too much in the evening, she’ll be a grump, and it’ll reflect in the final images. And let's be honest - once kids decide to stop cooperating, chances of successful negotiations are slim (at least with my kids).
 

Try something new! You obviously want to feel comfortable and confident, but try to push yourself outside the box.  Perhaps you should try on something you wouldn’t normally take off the rack.  It may be a complete disaster, but you may also find a new love!  We all know that fashion is a form of self-expression, so just be the best, most flattering version of you!