When you’re planning the wardrobe for your portrait session, I recommend that you start by selecting a base of 2-3 colours for your main palette. We’re then going to carry those through the outfits so that everything “goes” together but doesn’t match exactly. We’re also going to add pops of 2-3 accent colours. Keep in mind that the colours you choose for each family member do not have to be exactly the same, but they should look nice together. To create a timeless & elegant style, mix neutrals with some soft accent colours. Neutral colours will result in organic images that focus on you & your loves.
I’ve pulled this example together using pieces from the studio wardrobe. We’ve talked in the past about dressing mama first, so that she’s wearing something that she loves and feels awesome in and if we do that, we have a really good starting point. I’m going to start with this BHLDN dress from the studio wardrobe that was featured last week as the starting point for what mama is going to wear. It’s gorgeous and a lovely light blue-y gray colour.
To add an outfit for a second family member, I would look at something like this for a little boy: the light blue shirt echoes the colour and tone in mom’s dress and we add a main neutral colour with the gray sweater. I’d add a pair of light khaki pants to go with this for him.
For a little girl, I’d look at another main neutral with the white top and sweater and then adding in a pop of colour and texture with the pink skirt.
For dad with this combination, I’d look at a light gray sweater or shirt and a pair of lighter neutral pants similar in tone to what we put on the little boy.
So really, if you just pick a starting palette, and a couple of soft accent colours you’re set. This isn’t an exact science, and it’s fun to mix and match pieces to see what looks best!
