One question I hear from nearly every family before their session is the same: "What should we wear?" It's a great question — what you wear plays a huge role in how your photos feel, whether they read as timeless or dated in five years, and how well everyone blends together in the frame. Here's my complete guide to help you plan outfits that feel like you, photograph beautifully, and hold up over time.
Start With a Color Palette, Not a Dress Code
Before you pick anything out, choose a simple color palette of 3-4 shades that work well together — think soft neutrals, warm earth tones, or muted jewel tones. Everyone doesn't need to match, but every color should feel like it belongs in the same photo. This is more flattering, more timeless, and far less stressful than trying to coordinate identical outfits.
Mix Textures Before You Add Patterns
Fabrics with a little texture — waffle knits, linen, chunky sweaters, soft denim — photograph beautifully and add depth without competing for attention. Save bold prints for one person at most, and skip anything with large logos, graphics, or busy patterns, since they tend to pull the eye away from faces.
Dress for New Jersey's Seasons and Your Location
Since most sessions here happen outdoors — whether at a Princeton archway, a beach along the Jersey Shore, or a fall foliage location — think about what will feel comfortable and look good against that backdrop. Light, breathable fabrics work well for spring and summer; sweaters, jackets, and boots add richness in fall and winter. If we're shooting somewhere with a lot of greenery or stone, soft neutrals and warm tones tend to stand out beautifully.
Comfort Comes First, Especially for Kids
For little ones, prioritize clothes they can actually move, sit, and play in — stiff fabrics or scratchy tags almost always show up as a fussy expression on camera. Break in new shoes beforehand, and pack a backup outfit just in case. A relaxed, comfortable kid photographs so much better than one in a perfectly matched but itchy outfit.
A Few Things to Avoid
- Neon or overly bright colors, which tend to reflect onto skin
- All-white or all-black for the whole group — beautiful in small doses, but hard to retain detail in editing
- Mismatched formality (one person in a suit, another in flip-flops) unless that's intentionally the vibe
- Brand-new, stiff shoes you haven't broken in yet
Still not sure what to wear? You don't have to figure it out alone — outfit and location guidance is included with every session, and I'm always happy to help you plan looks that feel authentically you. Ready to book? Head over to the Services page or reach out through the Contact page, and let's create something beautiful together.
