How to dress for photos that actually feel like {you}.
You might be tempted to run out and buy something new (honestly, same - I'm always looking for an excuse), but dig through your closet first. Wearing something you already love reads as effortless on camera because the confidence is already built in. For the kids especially, comfort is everything. If they can't move freely, they won't be themselves - and that's kind of the whole point. Do a little test run in whatever you're planning to wear too.
If you do go the new outfit route, give yourself enough lead time to pivot if something doesn't land the way you hoped, especially if you're ordering online.
At the end of the day, feeling good in what you're wearing is non-negotiable. But if nothing is jumping out at you right away, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Consider the Location
Your location should play a big role in what you wear - think about the colors already in the background and wear something that contrasts, not disappears. Shooting in the woods? Skip the greens and olives and go for reds ans rusts instead. Golden field or fall foliage? Avoid orange, yellow, rust and go for blues. You're the subject, not the scenery.
Specific Color Examples
Some pairings that photograph beautifully - red and navy are bold and high contrast without being loud. Burgundy and cream feel rich and timeless. Dusty blue and white are clean without feeling too matchy. Olive and rust are earthy and warm, great for fall. Mustard and navy pop together. Blush and mauve layered with tan or brown feel soft but dimensional. Pick one or two anchor colors and build around them with neutrals - cohesive, not matching.
Choosing the Overall Style
Start by thinking about the overall mood you want - and let that drive everything. A flowy maxi skirt and bare feet feels effortless and romantic. Jeans, heels, and a structured blazer feels cool and editorial. A linen set and sandals feels relaxed and easy.
None of these are wrong - they just tell a different story, and the key is that everyone in your group is telling the same one. If one person is dressed for a boho field session and another is dressed for brunch in the city, it's going to feel disconnected. Pick a vibe, commit to it, and dress toward it together.
Shoes
Don't forget about shoes - they're the most overlooked part of an outfit and they matter more than you think. Bare feet in the grass, worn-in leather sandals, chunky boots, or a classic white sneaker can all be exactly right depending on the vibe you're going for. A flowy dress with boots hits different than the same dress with sandals. Heels in a field rarely work logistically - and nothing pulls you out of the moment faster than trying to walk through uneven ground in stilettos. Think about where we're shooting, how much you'll be moving, and what feels like you. And if you're unsure, a simple neutral shoe almost never misses.
Layering
Layering is the difference between an outfit that looks styled and one that looks thrown together. Look back at any inspo you've saved and you'll probably notice a pattern - most of those outfits have more than just a top and a bottom. A shirt peeking out from under a sweater, a jacket thrown over a shoulder, socks showing inside Birkenstocks. A third layer adds dimension, texture, and visual interest, and when an outfit feels disconnected or bare, it's usually the thing that pulls it together.
Balance + Friction
Elevating your outfits doesn't mean giving up jeans or sneakers. It means pairing something casual with something more chic - jeans with heels, sneakers with trousers. That contrast is balance. Friction takes it one step further: combining unlikely styles creates an element of surprise that makes an outfit feel intentional rather than just dressed up. Elevated doesn't mean fancier. It means more unexpected.
Repetition
Repeating a color, pattern, or material across at least two pieces creates cohesion and makes everything feel more deliberate. Golden hoops? Add a belt with a gold buckle. It's a small move that makes a big difference.
Accessorize
A few accessories - jewelry, a belt, a scarf, a hat - are the easiest way to add interest to a basic outfit. Layer necklaces, stack rings, throw on a chunky hoop or a watch. It doesn't have to be complicated. Wear what you love.
01
Stay True To You
The last thing you want to do, is look back at these images and wonder why you wore that outfit. Stick to what you love. If you're not comfortable dressing up, stick to casual outfits. I suggest thinking of an outfit you'd normally wear to the location you're going.
02
Timeless Pieces
Apple watches, take em' off. They look clunky in photos in my opinion. An analog watch would be a better option; especially if you have a harsh tan line, just cover it with another watch! Large logos and characters on clothing + accessories can be distracting from the overall image.
03
Add Texture
My favorite way to elevate a look is adding texture. Think knits, cordouroy, denim, suede -mixing them together. Layer jackets over top.
04
Triple Check It
Iron those clothes. Inspect your items for stains/rips.
Check the fit of your outfit. Do a spin around in the mirror. Get your outfits on and stand near each other so you can see that it all flows or lay it all out on the floor (send me a pic, I'd love to see!)
Finding your palette and more style inspo on Pinterest
my favorite place to find outfit inspo!
If you're feeling stuck on color, start with Pinterest. Search for outfit inspo, save what you love, and look for patterns in what keeps catching your attention. Then pick one piece you already own or are obsessed with and build your whole palette around it. You'll be surprised how quickly it comes together.