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Writer's pictureHeather Connery

What Your Child Should Wear to a Portrait Session

Updated: May 20

It's not every day that you have a portrait done of your child. When you do, it should be classic and timeless so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

Three little sisters in ivory dresses embracing and smiling for their studio portrait session.

When choosing what your child will wear to the session, it's important to remember that you want your child to be the focus, not the outfit. This is the same reason my backgrounds are always simple.

Though the outfit shouldn't be the focus, it does play a big part in having a beautiful, timeless gallery.



Outfits that photograph well for timeless images:

  • Are classic, heirloom, or even boho

  • Are solid in color or have a minimal design like gingham or seersucker

  • Can have textures , as they can add dimension and visual interest

  • Are free of logos and cartoons

  • Fit well and do not have to be continuously adjusted

  • Are comfortable whether your child is standing, sitting, squatting, lying down, or jumping


FOR GIRLS

Dresses, rompers, or bubbles. Make sure they are wearing bloomers or shorts under their dress. If you choose to have hair accessories, avoid large bows and opt for smaller bows or simple floral headpieces.


FOR BOYS

Nice jeans or khaki pants or shorts paired with a polo, button down, henley, long sleeve thermal, or sweater.


Shoes are not necessary, and actually not preferred for young children. Little feet are precious, and shoes can take away from the softness of an image. If older children choose to wear shoes, opt for classic styles and not sneakers.


Eight year old girl wearing a peach colored dress and sitting on a stool grinning with her hands laid in her lap for a portrait.

Colors your child should wear.


Earth tones and neutrals are always my favorites. Just make sure to avoid loud or neon colors.


Here are some colors to avoid and what to opt for instead:

Red: Opt for burgundy or mauve. (Unless it's for a Christmas session.)

Hot pink: Opt for rose, mauve, or soft pink.

Orange: Opt for peach or rust.

Purple: Opt for mauve or burgundy.



Outfits for siblings.


If your children are wearing classic, heirloom outfits, matching can be adorable. Otherwise, choose colors that complement each other. They do not have to match. Also choose a mix of solids, textures, and maybe one minimal print.


Basically, keep it simple and classic so the focus is on what you want to remember - all the special details of your child.





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