Choosing coordinating outfits can be extra stressful for some clients, but it doesn’t have to be!

When choosing your wardrobe, here are a few tips to consider:

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• Pick a color palette. Find an outfit that you REALLY like and want in your portrait session, and start matching everyone else’s clothes to coordinate with the outfit. Choose colors that will compliment the outfit you have chosen. You can usually add in greys, whites, tans, and blacks, to the palette to give a variation, if you need neutrals. However, do not be afraid of adding bold colors to the combination.
• If you are using bold colors, there a few things to consider. First, think of the décor in the room you plan to hand your portraits. Ask yourself, “Will the colors coordinate or conflict with the color scheme”? Second, if you are doing a fall shoot, choose something that will pop out among the fall leaves…such as jewel tones. If you are having your session in a green field, then choose colors that will stand out against the background, and steer clear of too many prints.

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• Don’t be afraid to layer! Layers add a lot of texture and variety to any wardrobe. For instance, a collar under dad’s sweater, a denim jacket with sister’s dress, a chunky necklace or scarf for mom, a button-up twill shirt over brother’s t-shirt.
• Once you have your wardrobe picked out, then lay it out on your bed. Does it all go together? Is there anything that needs to be changed?
• Make sure your clothes are freshly laundered and ironed.
• Try to steer clear of large logos or graphics on the front of a shirt. They can be distracting, busy and usually take away from the pictures. Simple patterns are usually best.

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Remember all of these are simply guidelines. You might find the perfect wardrobe for your family that goes against ALL of these ideas, and yet look amazing. So, be open to anything, but these ideas can steer you in the right direction.

I do have a Pinterest Board where I have created wardrobe ideas. Click on this link. Also, never hesitate to contact me for additional suggestions at paula@paulagoforth.com!