Spring is finally here in Connecticut and you’ve secured your family photo shoot for 2021. You’ve cleared your schedule and you’re looking forward to your session. You’re done, right? Wrong. Now comes the daunting task of figuring out what to wear for your spring and summer family photos!
What To Wear For Your Spring and Summer Family Photos
Parents quake at the thought of coordinating outfits but I am here to help make the process as simple as possible.
TIP #1: THE BEST STORES TO CHECK OUT
Spending a lot of money on this year’s family outfits is not a necessity. Most people can pull from some of the basics in their wardrobe and supplement with some new pieces. My favorite stores to shop at have many affordable options that photograph really well, you just have to know what to look for! Here are my favorite spots to check:
Affordable:
- Old Navy : great for the whole family!
- Zara Kids : great for kids, particularly boys’ outfits
- Target : great for the whole family!
- H+M : great for the whole family!
Splurge:
- Anthropologie : great for moms
- Madewell : great for moms
- Piper and Scoot: great for moms
TIP #2: IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER, STICK WITH LIGHTER COLORS + NEUTRALS FOR MOST OF THE FAMILY.
Spring and summer are the seasons of a lush green landscape. It’s the brightest and most saturated that our landscape in Connecticut gets! To let the backdrop shine and not overwhelm your images with color, go for muted tones. Pastels and neutrals complement spring and summer greens best. Some backdrops allow more leeway (the beach, the city) but if you’re in a forest or a field….think light!
TIP #3: OVERALLS AND ROMPERS ARE GREAT FOR ANY AGE.
Overalls and rompers are always a great choice for kids. They are classic, photograph well, and best of all, rarely have any wardrobe malfunctions. One piece outfits means less to coordinate and less to fidget with during your session! Win, win.
TIP #4: HOW TO ROCK A PATTERN (OR TWO).
Does your family love pattern? Here’s how to incorporate pattern well:
- If you are attracted to a bold pattern or a bright color, pick one person to rock it. Keep the other outfits neutral or the patterns will compete in the frame.
- Are you interested in making two patterns work? If one pattern is a very small repeating pattern, it reads as a neutral! You can see with this family, for example. The small stripes in dad’s shirt, doesn’t compete with mom’s patterned dress. The white neutrals complement the whole look!
TIP #5: LONG HAIR LOOKS GREAT DOWN.
If you have long hair, let it flow! Messy, flowing hair brings texture and movement to photographs. I absolutely ADORE wind in hair. But, if you are the kind of person who is bothered by blowing hair, secure it back with a pony or braid! With the active/relaxed style of my family sessions, constantly adjusting hair won’t be possible.
TIP #6: DAD STYLE FOR SPRING FAMILY PHOTOS
Dads often stress about what to wear but I am here to let you in on a little secret! Simple is best. Comfortable is best. If you’re not a button down guy, don’t wear one! My favorite outfits for dads consist of jeans or cords with a simple t-shirt in a neutral or jewel-tone. Bonus points if it’s a henley (button neck) shirt. Not a t-shirt guy? You can rock a button down with short or long-sleeves but make sure it’s something you’re comfortable moving around in and won’t worry about your kids’ feet dirtying it. I am going to ask you to run, throw your kid, put him/her on your shoulders, and sit on the ground!
TIP #7: FLOWY STYLES LOOK GREAT ON MOMS.
Movement of fabric looks amazing on camera. Maxi style dresses, floaty blouses or tunics, a skirt and tank, and a wide leg romper all bring a flowing element. Find something that you feel comfortable and confident in and leave the rest to me!
TIP #8: ACCESSORIES COMPLETE A FAMILY PHOTO OUTFIT.
Once you’ve got your main items, don’t forget the accessories! A wide brim hat, suspenders, watches, bracelets and necklaces…they all bring textural elements and elevate the look of an outfit.
TIP #9: PIECES I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW FOR SPRING AND SUMMER.
Want direct links to things guaranteed to photograph well? Here are some of the ones I love:
These dresses from Target: this, this, this, and this for maternity. Worried about the cool evenings? Pair any of these with this long cardigan.
These overalls from Zara (boys + girls options): here, here, here, and here too.
These henley shirts from Old Navy in short-sleeved and long.
These Madewell blouses + tops: this, this, this, and this.
These rompers for babies + toddlers: here, here, and here!
TIP #10: ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER FOR IDEAS ON WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR SESSION!
I love, love chatting about outfits! Please don’t feel like you’re bothering me with any outfit questions. Email me, text me, send me some pictures! I’d love to help you pull everything together.
To get in touch with me about a session of your own while on vacation, click below. I’d love to chat!
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Linda Sobolewski is an on-location, natural-light, professional photographer specializing in high school seniors, baby, family & children photography.
Linda Sobolewski Photography is based out of Old Saybrook, CT and serves the Connecticut shoreline and surrounding areas.
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