What to Wear Tips

What to Wear...

Easy Tips for Clients

1. Stay away from fluorescents: Fluorescent colors tend to color cast on faces and necks. They can be sometimes harsh. I try to recommend versions of primary colors. Yellow (mustard), Red (maroon) and Blue (Navy.. etc)

2. Try to stay away from wearing a lot of green when having photos taken in grassy/wooded areas. It’s just too much green. Green as an accent color is great, though! You want to stand out amongst all the all the greenery you are surrounded by

3. An idea to get the flow going with wardrobe for your family, start with one outfit that you really like. From there, build from it for everyone else.

4. 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. If you can’t find a dress you feel good in, but you rock a pair of skinny jeans, do that. If you can barely walk in heels, there’s no harm in doing cute and comfy flat boots or pretty sandals. If you can’t do a heel, a wedge is a great alternative, too.


5. 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. I love accessories

*photos of my family courtesy of Erica Finnan Photography*

6. Purchase clothes to fit. And fit well. I know we all have a hard time buying clothes for our kids that don’t leave a lot of room for growth, seeing as they do grow so fast. However, keep in mind that for pictures, too large of a polo shirt, saggy fitting jeans or a jacket that’s falling off the shoulders looks sloppy. 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. 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.


7. Matching is out. Coordinating is in. And anything goes nowadays! We know your family is together. 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! Expression is important. We want to see your personality through your wardrobe.


8. Minimal wardrobe for Lifesyle or baby sessions. The times I recommend keeping wardrobe super simple during lifestyle sessions. In these cases, you don’t want the clothing to overshadow the precious little person or your daily life that we’re showcasing. .

9. Dress for the weather, and be flexible. If you’re from Ohio you know that it can be 50 and cloudy one day, 75 and sunny 12 hours later. So, be prepared to be flexible with wardrobe, in case you have to switch it up last minute. If you have plans for a cute sundress, and the weather ends up being 20 degrees colder than you were anticipating, switch it up a bit by adding layers. boots, scarf, slouchy hat, cardigan.


10. Dress for the situation. Just as dressing for weather is important, dressing for the situation is just as important. A fancy black dress and a dress shirt and tie wouldn’t be the most appropriate wardrobe for a forest or grassy setting. More formal wear would be more appropriate for an urban or “big city” feel.


Lastly don't over think it.. most likely you will look amazing! Dress comfortable and lets have some fun!