WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
YAY!! You are having a baby and planning your newborn session! No matter what photography session you book, this question is always reeling in the back of everyone's mind. It is overwhelming to the max at times and can often lead to families putting it off until the last minute and throwing something together. While that can work occasionally, many times I hear clients say they wish they had put more thought into it, taken some of my advice, or let me assist them with the stying portion of their session. Each session package that I offer includes styling assistance. Whether you choose to wear outfits in my client closet or not, I always send ideas that you can order elsewhere.
In my opinion, in home sessions tend to be a bit easier to style since I recommend a fairly neutral palette to parents. A neutral palette tends to blend with most home decor and allows your baby to take center stage and not get lost in a busy background with lots of competing colors and patterns. Textures and patterns can work in a newborn session, but there are always things to consider to be sure they create visual interest and compliment one another.
I've included several color palette ideas below to give you some better ideas while you enjoy my tips for styling your newborn session!
TIPS FOR MOMS
Always choose something that makes you feel beautiful and is comfortable. That is one reason I love recommend dresses for your session. They are comfortable and flattering in that postpartum stage and dress up the images just enough. I offer lots of options in my client closet, but I also have plenty of beautiful recommendations I can send your way if you would like to purchase something yourself. If you want a more casual look you can also wear a comfy neutral sweater with jeans or leggings.
TIPS FOR DADS
Styling the dads is pretty simple! You can choose a button down shirt, simple t-shirt, sweater, or henley and pair that with jeans or khakis. Just remember to keep it neutral and be sure it compliments your spouse's outfit and isn't busy or distracting in any way.
TIPS FOR KIDS
Little girls can wear a cute neutral colored dress, neutral outfit, or romper, while little guys can stick to neutral tops paired with khaki pants, shorts, or jeans. You can always add texture to their outfits by choosing fabrics with delicate lace, knit, cotton, muslin, or a very simple non distracting pattern. You want the images with the siblings and baby to coordinate just as much as the baby with the parents!
STYLING DO's
- Consider neutral, earth tones, and muted tones. These typically photograph well in natural light. Think tan, beige, creams, denim, pastels, or richer earth tones like sage, rust, burgundy, blush, mustard, etc. I have a growing client closet with dresses you can choose from as well.
- Start with mama's outfit first and then piece together the rest of the family from that.
- Use my client closet full of dresses for mamas! It can be hard to choose an outfit and shop before and after a baby. Many of my dresses will fit a variety of sizes and flatter mamas in that postpartum stage.
- Avoid blacks if at all possible. While they can be "slimming" the darkness does not always flatter skin tones . Also, if rooms have less natural light the black can blend into the shadows rather than standing out in the photos.
DO'S:
- If you have sentimental items, swaddles, or loveies if you would like those included in your images please let me know and have them set out when I arrive.
- When preparing your baby, start with a simple white onesie and swaddle. If you have accessories like bows, bowties, hats, special outfits, etc. those are welcome as well! I recommend to keep it to a minimum of 2 outfit changes for baby to keep the session flowing and to keep your little one happy. I bring wraps and swaddles to use as well and that usually keeps your little one nice and cozy and sleepy for the session.
DO'S:
- Use my client closet for baby! I will bring some swaddles, textured blankets, some hair tie backs for baby girl's, knit bonnets, knit diaper covers, and wraps to use for your session.
- Textures photograph beautifully. Add textures like linen, chiffon, lace, chunky knit sweaters, cotton, flowing dresses, etc. to add to enhance your scheme.
STYLING DON'TS
- Avoid Neons and loud busy colors/patterns. Bright colors tend to cast colors onto both you and baby's skin that is not flattering.
- Try to avoid busy patterns, logos, graphic t-shirts, and dark colors. If you have a neutral and minimalistic home, then you can usually get by with adding one pattern into your styling, but otherwise keep it simple. When in doubt, solid colors are always a safe bet and photography well.
- AVOID matching. Instead, try to coordinate colors and textures to add more visual interest.
DON'TS
- Be sure to take off watches and remove phones from pockets.
- Avoid tight and short clothing. You want to be comfortable during your session. It is easier to move more freely when dresses and skirts are knee length or longer and more room to move in.
CONSIDER THE SPACE
Always think about your home decor and overall space when you are choosing outfits for your newborn session. If your home has lots of natural light with white walls and neutral decor, you can choose a minimalistic palette or add some of those textures, pops of color, and a sight pattern into your selections.
If your home does not have a lot of natural light, it is ok because all we need is window! But in this case, I recommend sticking to neutral colors with one pop of color to allow baby to stand out.
Likewise, if your home has lots of color in your decor or painted walls etc, it is also a good time to stick those neutrals.
Overall, you want your outfits to compliment the background and not add more competing colors, patterns, or textures that distract from your baby and your family's connection.
BE YOU
Always let your family be you! I want your individual personalities to shine through your images. While I give lots of suggestions to all of my families the end goal is that you feel comfortable and like yourselves. Sometimes in the right environment you can afford to break a few rules, so never hesitate to ask me for help! I am here to hold your hand and make sure you are you have the best experience possible.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At the end of the day, everyone has their own ideas of what to wear. Ultimately, your session is first and foremost about the love and connection taking place in front of my lens, and showcasing your new tiny newborn surrounded by all the people that love them the most. I hope these tips empower you to choose comfortable, classic, and complimentary outfits that result in images you can't wait to hang on your walls!
WITH LOVE,
JETTE XO
