I’ve worked in fashion for more than half of my life. I’ve sold clothes on Rodeo Drive and even have styled celebrities—and yet nothing confounds me like the idea of styling my own family for yearly photos. There is something insanely overwhelming about picking outfits for your kids that are comfortable, let their personalities shine, and somehow coordinate so you are able to immortalize the photos on your gallery wall. Hence the standard white T-shirt and jeans number that families have been doing on the beach for decades.
With so many creative photographers available and brilliant locations to be found, it’s time to step outside the box a bit and give it your own flair! From what I’ve learned styling family photos for Instagram over the past few years, Pinterest is a great place to start for ideas. Take risks with your color palette, never with patterns. And although you should not dress super trendy, I think it is definitely OK for mom to choose an outfit that makes her feel fabulous! Start with what she wants to wear and build the family’s look around it. Personally, I find a dress I feel really good in, build my kids’ outfits with a few fun, coordinating elements, and always keep my husband’s clothes simple. I’ve also asked two brilliant photographers for their tips on putting your best foot forward when it comes to creating a great aesthetic for upcoming family photos …. I know we’re all excited for that Missouri fall foliage!
Bianca Wyatt, Jane Landry Photography:
Dress in neutrals—but that doesn’t mean your outfits have to be boring. Although I am always a sucker for cream, I also love blue, grey, green and pink. Just be sure to stick to the softer side of these colors. And don’t dress everyone in the same outfit or color because it really can make a portrait fall flat. Switch it up, and use layers and textures. You wouldn’t use one color or texture when decorating your home, so avoid it for portraits.
Colin Miller, Strauss Peyton Photography:
The most important thing about family portraits is that you are all together. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the location, and choose colors that work in harmony with one another. Dress in something you like, in a style that makes you feel comfortable—now is not the time to experiment! You want each member of your family to feel relaxed during the sitting.
Katelyn Young Meyer is a local mom of two (her #crumblycrew) who shares real moments of motherhood as it relates to fashion, food and fun! Follow her on Instagram at @_katelynyoung_ or follow her blog at thebejuledlife.com.
