What to Wear
I always start my response to this question with, "First and foremost, dress like yourself." I don't want to suggest something you would never ever wear. But I do believe certain clothing options will give that “timeless” look while matching the “vibe” of my image style.
Below are a few of my definite clothing tips as well as some links to shops that I think have beautiful clothing that matches my "look"
TIPS
1. DRESS FOR THE LOCATION
The clothes and the colors should "go" with where we are.
At an open yellow wheat field pastel peaches or aqua blues will look great against the golden tone and cotton candy sunset sky.
That aqua blue dress and coral necklace would look out of place if we choose to be in the rich green woods at Mackenzie Park in Lubbock, Walking park in Seminole, or Comanche trails in Odessa.
A bold red fitted dress might look very appropriate for a high school senior in a downtown Lubbock urban look, but would not be appropriate for the flower fields where the color palette is very different and maybe a maxi dress catching the breeze would look much more flattering
2. THE BOY BAND
This is what I use to describe how to pair your outfits. You want to look like you belong together without being perfectly matched.
How do you do this?!
I like to suggest picking just a color palette - soft neutrals, warm rich fall colors, pastels.
You could also pick a neutral color or two, pick an accent color, and don't be afraid to throw in a pattern or accessories to make your family looking perfectly coordinated without everyone wearing khakis and white t-shirts circa 1999 style.
For example - Maybe your color choices are navy blue and pink. Dad could wear a Beige T-shirt & darker jeans, Mom could wear a pink dress, the little guy could do a navy t-shirt with a lighter wash jeans and suspenders, and the little lady could wear a navy and pink floral pattern dress.
3. THE DON'Ts
I'm not the queen of style rules....I once suggested no stripes for flower photos and had a little lady come with the most precious candy colored striped vintage dress and it was amazing.
However, in general, these "don't"s usually apply
**Don't wear shirts with logos, cartoon characters, or writing/words/slogans on them.
I want your photos to be timeless.....and shirts with graphics don't really do that.
**Don't be uncomfortable for the sake of fashion....wearing a dress that's too tight and 6" heels might look good in the mirror at home, but when you're navigating a field of dirt and flowers and trying to play and interact with your child....constantly fixing your clothing, worrying about how short something is, or worrying about twisting an ankle will be no fun.
Where to shop
The stores below have either been suggested to me by a past client, I have used myself, or I just found them and think the style is perfect for a photo session.
Have a great suggestion, let me know and I'll add it to the list!!
CHILDREN
https://www.zara.com/us/en/kids-l1.html?v1=436012
This is possibly my favorite shop on this page.
Love the color tones, love the simple “vibe”….
and really reasonably priced. (those dresses are only $39)
THE BORROWED BOUTIQUE
Rent Tutu Du Monde, Nellystella, Dollcake, and more amazing brands for children. From super frilly and dress, to simple and sweet.
https://borrowed-boutique.myshopify.com/
JOYFOLIE
Feminine boho looks for your little lady
https://www.joyfolie.com/collections/jeune-fille
CORA AND VIOLET
Adorable handmade, one of a kind, rompers and outfits
https://www.coraandviolet.com/collections/
JANIE AND JACK
Classic looks for girls or boys.
And my favorite part ....they have a section called the "Outfit Shop" where they put together complete looks for you and take out all the stress of putting together an adorable outfit. Buy one piece or the entire set all at once.
PONPONIA
Vintage inspired outfits in great colors.
Good deals in the sale section, but be prepared to wait about 2 weeks for delivery.
WOMEN
LULUS
I have bought quite a few things from this webpage and each piece has been excellent quality, and if you shop
from the sales section you will get amazing outfits at a very reasonable price
RENZ BRIDAL ON ETSY
I have used this store for custom dresses a few times for myself, also for styled wedding shoots. I have never been disappointed. They have some gorgeous gowns!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RenzBridal
FOREVER 21
I know, this might be a shocking suggestion….but they have some really cute maxi dresses right now
https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/category/f21/women-main
JOYFOLIE
Feminine & carefree looks with beautiful textures and fabrics
https://www.joyfolie.com/collections/mademoiselle
RENT THE RUNWAY
Rent gorgeous dresses - from elegant evening gowns to casual maxi dresses for amazing prices.
Use the button below and if this is your first time ordering from them you'll receive $30 off your first order.
(as per their terms & conditions)
https://www.renttherunway.com/
ZARA
Chic, Casual styles
https://www.zara.com/us/en/woman-l1000.html?v1=358501
MATERNITY
FILLY BOO
Although they are a little pricier, I have had some clients show up with these
gorgeous boho maternity dresses, and oh the photos turned out stunning.
Sometimes they have some pretty good coupon codes. So check it out
http://www.fillyboomaternity.com/
THE BORROWED BOUTIQUE
Those gorgeous dresses from the above shop....well, they're now available to rent! This store is just developing this maternity section of rentals so they don't have many dresses for rent yet, but keep checking!
Click below to create an account and save 15%
https://borrowed-boutique.myshopify.com
SEW TRENDY
Order a completely custom gown - so many styles, 40 different colors, and many other options on dresses (e.g. train length, open back, etc.) - or, save some money and look in their "Ready to Ship" or "Used Gown" section.
https://www.sewtrendyaccessories.com
AMAZON
Yup, Amazon.
Search "Maternity Photoshoot Dresses"
Lots of options, quick shipping....but as with everything in life, you get what you pay for. The quality is less than the other options, BUT....for just the sake of photos, I've been impressed with what people have brought to their session.
Katharina hakaj couture
Dresses that are so lovely and fairytale like!
This designer is in Germany and site says it's 3-4 weeks processing time, and that's not including the shipping.
So, if interested, order far in advance!
Also, she offers a 15% discount for photographers in exchange for credit on social media (when I post the image) and for her to be able to use images on her website.
https://www.katharinahakajcouture.com
