THE FAMILY WARDROBE GUIDE
Obviously I'm giving out guidelines and wardrobe expertise for photography, so of course, don't just wear sweatpants and a hoodie. :) But, apply all of this to what you already know looks good on you and makes you feel confident and comfortable!
Here are my creative pointers...
WHAT DO YOU
ALREADY HAVE?
Take a look at whatever is already in your closet, and go from there! Don't immediately jump to: "Let's buy something new that I'd never wear in real life!" Totally cool if you want something new and special for your shoot, but just make sure it reflects who you've been all along!
If you want something new, maybe wear it a few times before the actual shoot day, and think about how you like it on yourself!
How does it make you feel when you are in social settings or when you look in the mirror? Same thing with something-you've-always-had, make sure you do love wearing it, and it makes you feel confident/comfortable!
MOVEMENT
Make sure you can move in your outfit very easily, and it's a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well!
TRY: flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, etc... AVOID: Stiff, crisp, business, starchy, etc...
TIMELESS
Look for a piece that you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could probably still wear it!
COORDINATING MULTIPLE PEOPLE
Pick one color palette and let everyone interpret it differently — matching head-to-toe reads stiff and dated. Aim for 2–3 colors from the same family (e.g., cream, rust, olive) mixed across the group instead of identical outfits.
KIDS
Prioritize comfort over "cute" — a kid who's uncomfortable will not cooperate, no matter how good the outfit looks. Bring a backup outfit for younger kids in case of spills, diaper blowouts, or meltdowns.
HERE'S WHAT TO AVOID:
Avoid crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted or overly formal. stay away from blazers or business-wear. we want a comfortable, cozy, fun version of you!
At all costs, avoid sports/athletic wear, gym clothes or gym shoes.
If logos or branding are bigger than a quarter, try to look for something else without any branding or words on it!
last thing: stay away from big patterns and neon colors!
Let's talk about COLOR...
I always recommend neutrals and earthy-toned colors that visually fit into the natural/earthy surroundings we are shooting in! You want to avoid the highly-manufactured / bright / aggressive colors and tones that just don’t look like they belong in a natural setting, because they will stand out like a sore thumb, and will end up looking out of place in the final photo.
When it comes to color, you do want to stand out from your surroundings, but still look like you belong there.
That said, One or two pops of color pair nicely with neutrals everywhere else. For example, If you do have a pop of color in the outfits, it’s nice to not overcrowd that color (or 2) with other ones. on the right are some recommended neutrals and colors!
OUTFIT IDEAS for GIRLS
Flowy dresses oversized/roomy sweaters, jumpsuits/rompers
denim & tee, denim and top, denim and tank, Statement jacket, denim jacket
Cosmetics & Footwear
Leather/suede boots, timeless sneakers (non-athletic), leather sandals, or barefoot at the beach are all recommended!
makeup should make sense with the scene/vibe.
hair needs to move. It’s best worn down!
OUTFIT IDEAS for GUYS
Statement jacket, henley or soft button-up shirt, linen button up, textured sweater
flannel, denim & tee, khakis, chinos, jeans, statement jacket, casual dress pants and button up
Cosmetics & Footwear
Leather/suede boots, timeless sneakers (non-athletic), leather sandals, or barefoot are all recommended!
try to wear your hair naturally or with limited product.
LOCATION and SEASON
When you think about what clothes will look best for your shoot specifically, you want to take into account the location you are shooting at and the season you are shooting in.
Location can oftentimes dictate what the best colors and outfits are going to be, because the location is bringing its own vibe, colors, textures, and theme. Back to the painting analogy at the beginning, think about your location as a painting that is already painted, and now we have to paint YOU into the picture. What are we going to have you wearing? What will look best up against that backdrop? What makes most sense in that location?
Second, take the season into account.
During our San Diego “winter” months often locations that are not the beach don’t offer much color (or light), so you want to add something with color or bold texture that makes your photos POP and gives them dimension!
The rest of the year especially summer months, on the other hand, are a completely different story! You could probably wear all whites/creams or all neutrals and still get away with it (i wouldn’t always recommend this), because the light and the color of the season would be captivating enough on their own!
All that said, I totally realize that this is the most creative-heavy or artistic-heavy section of this guide, so I’m totally here to give the most help in this area!
FINAL NOTES
Keep in touch.
If you'd like a second opinion on your outfit choices, send me photos at least one week before your session — I'm happy to give you feedback on fit, color, and how it'll photograph in your location. (I can't guarantee a response to last-minute outfit questions the night before, so plan ahead!)"
Check out Pinterest boards!
Also, check out Pinterest for inspo! There are tons of on my Pinterest page and all over!
Don't. Stress. Seriously!
You've got this.
Follow this guide and you'll walk into your session looking and feeling like yourself — that's the whole goal. If something's unclear, my email is always open!
SEE YOU SOON!!
I'm here for you! don't forget! if you're stuck or need any more guidance, shoot me an email!
XOXO, Gaby