This What to Wear guide will act as your best friend when planning a look and style for your family for your upcoming session! Imagine she's sitting there with you as you piece together your selections nodding 'yes' and 'no' until you get it just right! In this guide, you'll find helpful recommendations for choosing your wardrobe, colors and ideas to avoid, complete with lists + links to make finding that perfect outfit that much easier.
What to wear: A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
Jamie Sapp Photography
Matching is out - coordinating is in
Start with one outfit you like, and build from it for everyone else
Steer clear of fluorescents
Purchase clothes to fit -- and fit well
Dress for the weather + be flexible
Dress for the location
Less is more for studio or indoor sessions
TOP TIPS
We’re photographing you as a unit! Wearing the same colored shirt, pants, shoes, etc. looks a bit awkward. Coordinating color is what really brings wardrobe together. I usually choose two 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.
COORDINATING
DRESS
FOR
THE
LOCATION
START WITH ONE OUTFIT + BUILD FROM THERE
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
sometimes
less
is
more
CHOOSE CLOTHES THAT FIT + FIT WELL
Just as dressing for weather is important, dressing for the location 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. Same goes for the beach or studio - something light and flowy would compliment your surroundings and create a 'feel' for the image.
location
The weather is unpredictable - especially in the South! It can be 60 and cloudy one day, 85 and sunny 12 hours later. Be prepared to be flexible with wardrobe in case you have to switch it up last minute. Dress appropriately for the weather that day, even if it doesn’t go with your original plan. If your child is sweating profusely in a sweater during his shoot, he won’t be happy. And on the same token, if your child is wearing a tank dress and the weather dips too much in the evening, she’ll be uncomfortable, and it’ll reflect in the final images.
weather
It may seem silly to purchase clothes for your children that do not leave a lot of room for growth (as they do grow so fast), however, a baggy polo shirt, ill-fitting jeans or a jacket that’s falling off the shoulders can look sloppy in photos. We want to be intentional! In most cases, outfits are purchased specifically for photos, so choose something that fits perfectly, or even just a little bit snug. We want to create a tailored look!
fit
Timeless always has a place. I love when my clients show up to a shoot with the most simple and timeless of outfits. A smock dress that belonged to Great-Grandma. A plain white lace dress with a simple bow. A plain diaper cover. Naked baby! These outfits (or lack thereof) will always stand the test of time, and will never go out of style.
CHILDREN
Shoes are a very important part of wardrobe. If you have the cutest little trousers and button down for your son to wear for pictures, but put his favorite pair of Disney tennis shoes on him, we lose cohesiveness within the look. My recommendation for shoes are boots, leather sandals, Converse All-Stars, Freshly Picked, Sperry's, Joyfolie, and Willits. And always, barefoot is an adorable option, especially with babies in studio. I’d much rather see bare feet than the bottom of their shoes.
THINGS
a few more
FAVORITE SHOPS
The most adorable girls clothing you’ll ever find if you’re vintage-inspired in your look.
A go-to option for “basics.” Just about anything you’d need, you’ll find on their website
Perfect for soft and sweet styles. Adorable rompers for boys and skirts for girls
You can go wrong making a quick run through or hopping on either!
For ideas and inspiration, check out Facebook, Instagram or these Pinterest boards to see what other clients are doing!
High quality + worth every penny. Selections are unique and last forever
My happy place. Think easy, breezy, comfy, boho chick
Their Crew Cuts kids line is probably one of my top 5 sites for kids clothes. Also, their shoe selection for kids is perfection
I consider H&M THE place for all things boy and men. Price point is low, and the clothes are my favorite. My boys’ closets are stuffed full with H&M items. Their trouser pants are adorable! Amazing. Also, the cutest little cardigans, sweaters, button downs and other great accessories for such an affordable price. Keep in mind that H&M sizes are a little different, and they run big. If your son is an average size 4, buy him the size 3-4 pants. The 4-5 seems like the obvious choice, but they’ll be too long and too big around the waist.
I get lost on this site, seriously. So many adorable pieces, shoes + accessories
For girls and women. Breathtaking dresses, jackets, caplets.
High quality + worth every penny. Selections are unique and last forever
My happy place. Think easy, breezy, comfy, boho chick
Their Crew Cuts kids line is probably one of my top 5 sites for kids clothes. Also, their shoe selection for kids is perfection
I consider H&M THE place for all things boy and men. Price point is low, and the clothes are my favorite. My boys’ closets are stuffed full with H&M items. Their trouser pants are adorable! Amazing. Also, the cutest little cardigans, sweaters, button downs and other great accessories for such an affordable price. Keep in mind that H&M sizes are a little different, and they run big. If your son is an average size 4, buy him the size 3-4 pants. The 4-5 seems like the obvious choice, but they’ll be too long and too big around the waist.
I get lost on this site, seriously. So many adorable pieces, shoes + accessories
For girls and women. Breathtaking dresses, jackets, caplets.
LINKS
LINKS
(LINKED)
thank you!
We'll be in touch shortly
aT THE END OF THE DAY, THESE ARE YOUR IMAGES; ONES YOU WILL HAVE FOREVER! WARDROBE IS IMPORTANT AND WILL DETERMINE THE LOOK OF YOUR SESSION, BUT IN ALL OF IT, STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF AND MAKE SURE YOUR AND YOUR FAMILY ARE COMFORTABLE. wE WANT TO REMEMBER YOU AS YOU ARE!
