When clients are trying to prepare for beautiful portraits that will withstand the test of time, it is important to select the right attire.  Our mutual goal is to have everyone looking as fabulous many years from now as you do the day of your photos.

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Not too long ago, it was a popular choice for everyone in the portrait to wear blue jeans with white shirts.  Now, however, the trend is for the family or couple to coordinate, not match.  

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Below are some tips I've gathered to assist you with selecting timeless and flattering wardrobe choices.  Of course, the most important factor is comfort!  Whatever you choose to wear, if you are not comfortable your photographs will reflect that.

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Wardrobe Do's To Consider:

• Consider wearing neutral, coordinating colors but take care to NOT match exactly.  Not every color or cut works well for each person in the photograph.  Everyone's outfits should consist of mixing colors that go well together but are not exactly the same.  Neutral colors tend to go well together and also stand the test of time better than bright, bold options.

• Patterns like plaids, stripes and florals.  You can even mix and match them, just take care not to overwhelm your outfits.  Patterns should be approached with a subtle touch.  Patterns can also be layered with solid colors and go well with dark jeans.

• All ages, shapes and sizes of people are most flattered by fitted clothes! Fitted clothing ALWAYS look more flattering than loose-fitting clothes.  Just take care to select the best cut for each family member's body type. If you feel compelled, you can always wear "figure flattering" under garments to smooth rolls and bumps (just remember to take comfort that we all have them).

• In general, everyone in the portrait should wear closed-toed shoes.  While there are a few photo scenarios where sandals or going barefoot would be appropriate, most of the time closed-toes shoes are the way to go.  This can include fashionable boots, flats/loafers or dress shoes for a more "pulled together" look or even sneakers for informal shoots.

• Dresses and dark or khaki slacks help support a more "pulled together" look, as well.  Jeans are always an option for less formal photos but can also work for the more "pulled together" portraits. Just remember the lighter the jean, the less formal the look. Darker denim will withstand the test of time better.

• Sleeves are more flattering than sleeveless outfits for most people.

• During the cooler seasons, layering can be a simple way to vary the look of your portraits without needing to spend session time to change.

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Wardrobe Dont's To Consider:

• Anything with logos or graphics.  There are a few exceptions to this, of course, like seasonal photo sessions or an adorable outfit on the little ones who are still too young to crawl.

• Unfitted t-shirts.

• Any kind of hat, and yes, that includes ball caps.  Hats are tempting for the fashion-minded but they generally cast an unflattering shadow over your eyes or face.

• Sleeveless, strapless or halter tops.  Again, there are a few exceptions, but generally speaking clothing with sleeves is more flattering for all body types.

• Try to avoid wearing anything that shows bra straps or undergarments of any kind.

• Cargo pants, sweat pants, track suits, athletic leggings.

• All black or all white outfits.

• Flip flops, running shoes or those popular rubbery slide-type shoes.

• Hoodies.

• A short dress that could limit your ability to pose with comfort and discretion.  If you go this route, but sure to test that you can move, sit and bend comfortably and without unfortunate exposure. In general, longer dresses or pants are the way to go.