FALL FAMILY PORTRAIT STYLE GUIDE
CONGRATULATIONS ON SIGNING UP FOR A FALL FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION WITH BPP. THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS I RECEIVE AFTER BOOKING ARE ABOUT OUTFITS AND STYLING. FAMILIES CONSTANTLY TELL ME HOW STRESSFUL IT CAN BE,
SO I'M HERE TO HELP!!....
TIPS TO STYLING LIKE A PRO...
- TAKE SOME TIME TO PLAN OUT YOUR OVERALL LOOK. Pick a color palette. Pick 2-3 colors (in addition to your neutral whites/creams) Picking an extra color to serve as an accent is a great way to add an extra pop of color.
- DON'T BE AFRAID TO MIX AND MATCH PATTERNS. Mix up those plaids, stripes, florals, etc. Having a set color palette will pull the different patterns together.
- LAYER UP!! It's the Fall. No better time to add fun layers to your look for extra dimension and mixture of fabrics and textures. For example- for the boys, start with a plaid button down. top it with a chunky sweater or a puffy vest. For the girls- try a flowered dress and top it with a cozy, long cardigan or a jean or moto jacket. Layering multiple colors and fabric works really well. My two favorite looks are seen below, (although in the yellow/mustard and navy below, i would throw in small pops of rust/ burnt orange to mix up the palette a bit more- just sayin')
- ACCESSORIZE! To get that polished look, take your basic sweaters and dresses and top them with a bold statement necklace, a cute hat, headband, scarf or belt. These little details will add dimension to your look and take your style from basic and boring to interesting and unique.
- DON'T FORGET THE SHOES! No, I'm not accusing you of showing up barefoot- but don't underestimate the importance of good shoes. Even with the most perfect palette and texture-heavy layered bold looks, if you pair them with the wrong shoe, it will take away from your perfect Fall Vibes look. So ditch the old dirty sneakers and crocs and grab for those tall boots, ankle booties, and loafers, instead.
what to avoid.
- AVOID MATCHY-MATCHY- The days of families all in white shirts and khaki pants are long gone! buying matching shirts for the kids is even a little too predictable. Give each individual in your family a chance to highlight their personal style so it feels authentic and personalized.
- AVOID CLOTHES WITH LOGOS/WORDS- there are exceptions to every rule, and a cool vintage graphic tee may play well in certain cases, but the general rule is to avoid large logos and brand names that could distract from the rest of the portrait. A plain white tee may be cool, but one with the word GAP across the front is just distracting. So if you're not getting paid to sponsor a brand, leave those pieces at home. :)
- AVOID TOO MUCH BLACK- This is coming from a girl who loves black, A little is ok, but it just doesn't photograph as nicely as all other colors. and it certainly doesn't "pop" in photos.
- AVOID "WORK CLOTHES"- Yes, you want to look nice, but ditch the office-wear.. Leave the black work trousers at home and reach for those casual khakis for the guys, dresses/skirts for the gals, or nice-fitting jeans for either. Also if you like jackets, bail on suit jackets and opt for a casual Fall blazer instead.
- AVOID PLAY CLOTHES- I know, no work clothes and now no play clothes? ugh. But by this i mean- forgo the "well-loved" items that may have seen better days. If the clothes have faded , stretched out, or are wrinkled, it will be distracting. If you cant afford a new wardrobe for your session, at least grab for those pieces that are in good shape and fit you well.
WHERE TO SHOP
Most of the above looks are from: Gap, Old Navy, Target, Zulily, Amazon, H&M, J.Crew, and Carter's.
While all of the looks pictured above are great options, truly love a mama in a long flowy maxi dress and boots, and kids in layered looks with great accessories. Dad can usually be in a basic button down and/or sweater. (Let's face it- if Dad is comfortable, everyone is happier!) For great inspo of long dresses and cute hats and belts- check out Joyfolie.com. and Baileysblossoms.com. You can find great dupes on Zulily and Amazon.com.