First Things First, 

COMFORT.  I'm a strong believer in wearing something that you are comfortable in, both in style and in fit.  When trying on your outfit, I recommend standing and sitting in it—moving around a bit, especially if you have littles.  This will help establish confidence in your outfit allowing you to move more freely and without hesitation.  If you want to dress your personality, I say yes.  If you want to glam it up a bit, I say yes.  Whichever way you choose, try and make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing.  

MOOD.  From there, determine what mood you want to set with your session.  Color and style play a huge part in setting the mood.  Pinterest has numerous visuals to use as a color and style guide.  I highly suggest skimming over Pinterest before rummaging through your closet or heading out to drop some ching on some new outfits.  It's better to go with a game plan to help guide decision-making.  

Check out some great visuals here: Color and Style Guide 

Once you've narrowed down the mood I say start in your closet, see what you have before you head out shopping for some new garbs.  Some of our favorite go-to garbs photograph exceedingly well!  Those comfy, tattered jeans and boyfriend t-shirt, I say yes.  That cute oversized sweater, I say yes.  Or that super comfy summer dress, I say heck yes!  

LOCATION.  Another great way to help guide your decision-making is to think about where your session will take place.  This is another important decision in itself.  Beach?Farm?  City Street?  What represents your family?  Do you spend a lot of time at the beach?  Let's go to the beach?!  Or maybe you just like nature and warm light?  Let's go to the park or your backyard?!  Regardless of where, put some thought into this before outfit coordination begins.  

CHOOSE YOUR CENTERPIECE.  What does this exactly mean?  The centerpiece in a family portrait is the article of clothing, whether a shirt or dress, that you will frame the rest of your decision-making on.  I typically recommend your centerpiece to be a floral or plaid print.  From there, you can pull colors or choose complimentary colors for other outfits. 

However, the centerpiece doesn't always necessary have to be a print.  It can be a white, airy dress and you may want the rest of your family to be in white and khaki.  

Check out some great visuals here: Light Neutrals with Khaki & Denim

NEUTRALS.  Light Neutrals are a great way to put the focus on you and your family.  The goal of proper attire is to add to the cohesiveness of the family, not take away. When executed successfully, one's eye should seamlessly be able to skim over the portrait with ease.  We want the photo to sing, "we are family" without actually having to sing it...if you know what I mean.  

BLACK AND DENIM.  If you are really struggling or if you like a simple, clean but bold look just go ahead and pull out those black garbs!  A black t-shirt with jeans or a black dress with denim jacket is an easy, go-to!  No color matching but simply try and get the tone to be similar.  Black and khaki works great too.  

Check out some great visuals here: Black Attire Visuals

ACCESSORIES.  I consider accessories a prop so I'm a big fat YES! when it comes to hats, sunglasses, scarves, and/or jewelry.  Typically, hands are pretty dominate in photos so consider whether or not a watch contributes any value to the photo.  If you would like to incorporate any other items, make sure the objects speak about your personality or your relationship: a bike, car, motorcycle, flowers, picnic stuff etc.  Even your pets!  

SEEK ADVICE.  I typically always ask my clients to send pictures of their outfits because I typically like to be part of the selection process.  If we can't narrow it down prior to the session, bring a few different options and we'll make a few quick edits before shooting.  If you have a friend or a family member who's a fashionista they are a great resource for some advice.  It's helpful, too, to have someone take a quick snap of everyone in their outfits or use the good 'ol self timer on your cell.  

I hope this post shed some light on this subject and brought some clarity and ease to this often times, difficult process.  If you have questions please let me know. Remember, I'm always here to help and I love assisting in styling a session.  When in doubt, just remember to wear something you are comfortable in, relax, smile, and your photos will turn out great!

Oh and hey, if you are seeking a place to shop in the NW WI area check out some of these great local shops!

https://www.blueberryspecialboutique.com

https://www.facebook.com/biyboutiqueandthrift

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Grind-Coffee-Bar-Boutique-100090198229814/

https://threadshedboutique.com

https://www.thefeathershed.com

https://aribellas.com

Happy Planning!