Your wardrobe is a key component to having a successful photo session. What your family wears will impact the mood of your images, as well as the overall aesthetic of your images. I know that planning the wardrobe can feel daunting, but I work with each and every client to help make this process as easy as possible.

I do so by sending each client a wardrobe guide at booking. This guide details color palettes that work well, colors to avoid, fabrics to avoid, type of garments to look for and many other helpful details. I also have a client closet with a wide array of dresses available on loan for women and I work with each client to choose outfits that coordinate and will photograph well. Lastly, I send a custom wardrobe board to each client with links to popular vendors. Many times, clients have similar items in their own closet or can find items similar from their favorite vendors. I am available throughout the entire process to help coordinate and plan the wardrobe and I do so because I know that having a polished and cohesive look is the key to having beautiful photos.

Best Places to Shop for Outfits

I do have some preferred vendors for outfits for family photos. I am going to list a few of my favorites below. Shopping for your wardrobe does not have to be complicated. Once you select your palette, all you need to do is choose outfits in those colors. You can even do so at one store if you want.

Amazon

Ok, so I don’t really know anyone who is not an Amazon Prime member. Amazon is great because they ship fast, have a great return policy and if you read the reviews, you can get a good sense of the product you will receive. Some items are not the best quality, but if you are only wearing it for one session, then it is ok. Things to look out for is the type of fabric and if it is too sheer. Also, I find there are a lot of color discrepancies with Amazon, so when you receive your items, make sure they are aligned with the color palette selected. Here are some items my clients purchased on Amazon. Sometimes it is hard to find what you are looking for on Amazon, so I have a list of Amazon favorites on hand that I send to my clients to make shopping a breeze.

Target

You can’t go wrong with Target and you can shop for the entire family there. The Art Class line is great for kids and they have a lot of great dresses for women and simple Henleys for dads. It truly is one stop shopping.

Joyfolie

This is my absolute favorite vendor for women’s and girl’s dresses. If you are looking for something that is special, photographs well and is feminine, then Joyfolie is the site for you. Plus, their dresses all have that twirl factor that every little girl loves. The colors they supply are perfect for photos and they use subtle patterns and beautiful textures in their garments. They do have sales often, so it is a good idea to join their newsletter and start scouring their site in advance of your session. Some sizes do sell out quickly, so if there is something you love, get it right away.

Shein

Ok, so Shein is hit or miss, but worth trying. I only like this site for children’s clothing, but some women swear by the adult garments. I have not had luck with anything for myself, but for outfits for kids that are designed to be worn for just a photo session, this site is perfect. You need to read the sizing chart and reviews and be prepared to exchange if needed. This site is not a good resource if you are planning you wardrobe last minute.

Old Navy/Gap

This is another great one stop shopping location. Old Navy/Gap coordinate all of their clothes each season, so it makes your job that much easier. I prefer Old Navy for children, but I have plenty of clients who have purchased their own clothing for the session there as well.

Baltic Born

Baltic Born has beautiful and high quality dresses for women. The colors are gorgeous, they all have gorgeous texture to add visual interest to images and the cuts are ultra flattering. Many of their dresses are bump friendly, so they work well for maternity and also flattering post pregnancy and will work for newborn sessions. The only downside is that you can only return for store credit, so you want to make sure you look at the size chart and choose carefully.

H&M

I prefer H&M site for men and children’s clothing. They often have outfits that are trendy, in colors that photograph well and at an affordable price point. I find I have more luck with boys clothing then girls, but have sent outfits to clients for both genders.

Zara

I love Zara. They have beautiful clothing for children and adults. I love the patterns and textures of their clothing. I do think they sell out of sizes quickly, so if you love it, buy it.

Other Lesser Known Brands

If you are willing to try new vendors or ok with buying from multiple vendors, here are some fo my favorite other sources:

Free People women’s dresses

Vici women’s dresses

Jen’s Pirate’s Booty women’s dresses

The Simple Folk whole family

Etsy I prefer this mostly for toddlers for unique hand made pieces

Alice & Ames girls clothing

Shop Local

Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls are grear sources for clothing. You have to frequent them often and if you see something, you need to buy it because odds are that it won’t be there the next time you visit.

If you are interested in a session, contact me.