What to Wear for a Family Session

6 Pro Tips For Putting Together Outfits That You’ll Love And Will Stand The Test Of Time.

Wondering what to wear for your family photos? It’s smart to put some consideration into your outfits since these photos will appear on everything from your holiday cards to the walls of your home and office.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ You are always welcome to text me photos of your outfits for feedback.

If you aren’t a fashionista we urge you to find a personal shopper at your favorite store and tell them you’re putting together outfits for a photoshoot.

Look at Gap.com and notice what they show on their models and what they recommend that you accessorize things with. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

1. Wear Clothes That Are 100% You

If you’re strictly a T-shirt and jeans person, now’s not the time to pull out a ball gown and tux. You should feel comfortable and look like yourself but at your best. Style choices that are outside your level of comfort will make you look and feel awkward in your photos.

Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look and feel great. Bring your favorite clothes, the ones that make you feel attractive or special or important. Bring clothing that you love, stuff that says, “this is me; this is my look.”

Oftentimes one of the best outfits we use is the one clients walk in wearing off the street and didn’t plan to use! That’s because it’s simply them.

Ritter_Family

2. Choose Subtle Colors & Patterns

Your clothes should never steal focus from your face. You don’t necessarily want your wardrobe or an accessory to be the focus of your photographs. You want your faces and the love between you to stand out. Try to stay away from anything too busy or bright, as it can be an unnecessary distraction in photos.

Avoid bold patterns, stripes, and really loud colors. Subtle, solid colors that aren’t too light are the best. Avoid super bold colors like bright red. If you have blue, green, hazel or other “bright” color eyes, bring tops that match your eye color to bring out the color of your eyes. WE LOVE JEWEL TONES! Google it if you’re not sure what it is. Avoid all black and all white for the outside layer of your shirts.

3. Incorporate Accessories & Toys

A stylish scarf or chunky necklace can lend oomph to any look. This is especially true if you have a family heirloom or something sentimental. If you don’t have anything that immediately comes to mind this then becomes an ideal opportunity to gift one another something special that can be featured in the photographs!

For young children bringing an iconic and color toy can lend an emotional anchor during the session. A good example would be a favorite red trike or a board game or even sports equipment. You get it.

4. Flatter Your Body Type

Clothing looks best when it fits properly and accentuates your assets. Here are the basics: Pear-Shaped: To show off your curves, focus on cinching the waist with an A-line silhouette that flares at the bottom. Apple-Shaped: An A-line style with a gradual flow from the waist to the legs is always flattering. This shape is also great for a dress with texture and/or a deep V-neck. Busty: Scoop and sweetheart necklines offer support and open up the décolletage so the focus is on the face rather than the bust. Small Chest: Look for textured or ruched styles to create fullness in the chest area. Plus Size: An empire-waist is flattering and emphasizes the smallest portion under the bust, creating the effect of a slender silhouette from top to bottom.

5. Get A Free Style Consultant

Did you know that many retailers have dedicated personal shopping assistants? Their job is to curate their whole store to suit your particular tastes, body type and budget. Not only that but most of them do not even work on commission so there’s zero pressure to buy even a single thing. My personal Chicago favorite is the Trunk Club but any Gap store will help you when they aren’t too busy.

6. Final Tips


Don’t feel you have to go formal unless that is your style or the look you’re going for. Men especially, but women, too, if it fits your style: make sure to bring a white, black, and grey undershirt to layer. Iron, steam, or have your clothes pressed. It’s ok if they wrinkle some in travel, we’ll take care of it. Women: Please bring a seamless, smooth bra that matches your skin tone.

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