10 Recommendations for What to Wear | Jessica Lloyd Photography | Family portraits

What to wear?


I get asked this question a lot! So today’s portrait tip is a few guidelines on what to wear. One thing I would like you to remember as you read this is that rules are meant to be broken, but first you gotta know the rules to know how to break them properly.

What you wear will have a big impact on the final portrait product. Feel free to bring along several different outfits to your session. If we are shooting on location (which most of my sessions are) you may either change in a vehicle, in a public bathroom, or let me know you want it and I’ll bring along my changing tent. If you aren’t comfortable with any of those options, you can always wear something basic and bring along accessories to change it up. You can also schedule a What to Wear Consultation where I will come to your home and help you choose what you should wear to the session.

First thing that I recommend is that you wear something that you are comfortable wearing. If you don’t like the way you look in say a T-Shirt, don’t wear it. If you favorite shoes hurt after 5 minutes of walking, bring a second pair to wear between shots. But, on the other hand…wearing something that is a bit out of your comfort zone can be a fun way to break the rules. If you are normally a very casual person and you want a fun, out of the ordinary portrait, then wear something dressy.

Second is that I recommend that you wear something that puts the portrait in context. For example, the bride should wear the wedding gown and the groom should wear the tux. If you are on the football team, bring your letterman jacket and the ball. If you are in the military, wear your uniform.

Third dark and plain tops are the most flattering. This allows the focus to be on your face and not on your clothing. So even if you want to wear something fun it’s always a good idea to bring along something plain and dark. Avoid crazy patterns, graphics, lines, large print, writing, dots, logos (hey, they aren’t paying you to advertise for them) or bright colors. By being understated it allows you to shine through. Exceptions to this rule: vary fair skinned/light haired and it will be too much contrast or vary dark skinned/dark haired and it won’t be enough. Kids can also get away with breaking this rule, just don’t do it in the family shot. Monochromatic is nice in big family shots, but not necessary. Stick to similar colors in the same value (darks with darks, lights with lights, or occasionally half light and half dark.) Another plus to dark is that it can be slimming.

Fourth is necklines. Men should wear a collar. It frames the face very nicely. Not a necessity, but it’s just really nice. V necks are slimming. Turtlenecks, thick scarves, sweaters all add pounds to your appearance.

Fifth is to avoid short sleeves and shorts. Weather permitting. The skin on your arms and legs will detract from your face. (I rarely follow this rule for myself. LOL I have claustrophobic wrists. I can’t stand long sleeved shirts/blouses, unless I’m really cold. I’m trying to get myself to wear a watch again…I hate having to pull out my phone to see how much time we have left to finish a session.)

Sixth is that is should fit properly. If your shirt is stretching across your tummy, it will show in the picture and the only time that can even be remotely cute is when you are hugely pregnant. Baggy clothing will add pounds and make you look sloppy. Wear something sleek and close fitting, but not snug.

Seventh is Classic vs. Contemporary. Classic clothing with simple lines will create a timeless masterpiece that you can hang on your wall for years. Contemporary is fun! Teen love contemporary!

Eighth is to wear simple jewelry. A large or bright piece of jewelry will draw attention away from you and to it. Similarly, hair and makeup should be done simple and tasteful for most portraits.

Ninth recommendation is for glasses. If you are shooting outside and you have transition lenses they will look like sunglasses in the portraits. (Unless you have an awesome photographer like me who can remove the tint in post processing!) Glasses also tend to create glare. So if you can, either wear your contacts, get frames without lenses, or be prepared to take a few more weird posing directions from your photographer to help prevent the glare. Some glare can be removed post processing, but not all.

Tenth is to wear dark simple shoes. Honestly nothing dates a picture faster than hair and shoes. I recommend blacks and browns for shoes and socks.