One: Classic is best
I love when my littlest clients show up to a shoot with the most simple and timeless outfits. A smock dress that belonged to Great-Grandma, a plain white dress with a simple bow or a plain diaper cover.
These outfits (or lack thereof) will always stand the test of time and will never go out of style. Same goes for adults too, keep it simple and classic.
Try to avoid shirts with large logos or character prints that might be in favour now but could look out of place in a few year's time.
Two: Get the size right
Dress your kids in clothes that fit perfectly, not with room to grow. Even if your child may only wear the outfit for a few months it will look much better than putting them in something that they still need to grow into.
Go a size smaller in their outer layer, jackets, cardigans, blazers, sweat shirts, sweaters, or hoodies that are too big can look sloppy on children.
Three: What about the footwear?
Shoes are a very important part of the wardrobe. If you have the cutest little outfit but slap their favourite pair of bright Disney shoes or scruffy old shoes, the whole image is changed. Stay away from themed shoes and crocs!
My recommendation for shoes are boots, leather sandals, Converse All-Stars and Mary Janes. Barefoot is always an adorable and classically kiwi option especially for babies. I'd much rather see bare feet than the bottoms of their shoes.
Four: Coordinate don't match
Remember you're looking to coordinate your outfits for a family portrait rather than match them, it's much more natural and allows individuals to retain their own style.
See the photo at the top of this article for some colour combos that I love to shoot.
Five: Let the personality shine through
The most important part of putting together your child's wardrobe is to let their personality come through in what they're wearing.
If your child has a favourite pair pair of boots, let them wear them (at least in a few pictures - you'll look back on them fondly one day).
If they prefer to be naked, we'll let them strip down at the end of the session. If they love wearing hats and sunglasses, bring them! Whatever makes your child their own adorable individual self lets focus on those things.
Yes, we all want our children to look fully polished for photos and I'm not recommending you skip brushing their hair or wiping the marmite off their face, but allow them to have a little bit of input when planning their wardrobe.
It can be sweet to have them bring a a favourite toy or teddy along too, I love capturing them with their most prized possessions.
Looking for Inspo?
To check out my most recent shoots for inspiration, click here.
Still got questions?
Give me a call I'd be happy to answer your question +6421520301
