Trying to decide what to dress your kids in for a photo session feels like one more thing to stress about. I get it. You want them to look cute, feel comfortable, and not end up with clothes they’ll try to rip off five minutes in.
The good news? I’ve photographed a lot of babies and kids, so I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Even better, I’ve got a new assistant who is an expert in all things photography planning. I’ll talk about her later. But first, let’s talk about outfits.
Why Outfit Choice Matters
You don’t need a giant closet or fancy brands. You just need clothes that photograph well and don’t steal the spotlight from your little one. Simple colors, soft textures, and a good fit go a long way. The goal? Make your child the focus of the photo, not the loud dinosaur hoodie or glittery Elsa dress. There’s a time and a place for those outfits, so unless it’s a Frozen or Jurassic Park theme, I’d suggest no;)
And here’s something to think about – your baby REALLY will look super cute in anything!!! So don’t stress too much, these are just ideas and nothing is set in stone.
Spring & Summer Style Tips
Baby Girls
- Bubble rompers (solid or soft floral)
- Barefoot or soft leather sandals
- Bows or bonnets if they’ll wear them (don’t worry though, I have a fast camera;)
Little Girls
- Flutter sleeve dresses or two-piece sets
- Sandals or barefoot for in-studio sessions
- Florals, pastels, cream, or blush tones always look good
Baby Boys
- Linen overalls or knit rompers
- Rolled sleeves or suspender sets
- Simple and clean jean shorts and t-shirt
Little Boys
- Button-downs or polos (nothing too stiff or scratchy)
- Khaki, tan, or muted shorts
- Rolled-sleeved shirt and shorts to match
Families (if you’re hopping in too)
- Coordinate, don’t match
- Think soft tones: sage green, cream, dusty blue, blush, mustard are all popular colors this season
- Avoid bold patterns and stripes
Extra Tips for Picture Day
- Always bring a backup outfit. You just never know.
- Let the kids wear the clothes at home for a bit before the session for a test drive!
- Keep the backdrop in mind. If we’re using a bright or detailed set, go neutral.
- Layers are your friends. A vest, bow, or light sweater, jacket, or hat can add variety.
So there you go – a few simple outfit tips. I hope it helps. Now let me introduce you to my new assistant!!!
Meet Pixie the Portrait Stylist
Still need help or inspiration? Say Hello To Pixie!
Pixie is my new virtual styling assistant – yes, she’s chatbot (but don’t tell her that) and trained by me to:
- Pick the perfect photo outfits
- Gives you a matching color palette
- Brainstorm creative session ideas
- Can even show you color swatches to help you visualize!
Here’s what she does:
- Asks a few quick questions about your session
- Gives you a matching color palette
- Suggests outfit combos for babies, kids, and parents
- Can even show you color swatches to help you visualize!
It’s easy, fun, and kinda magical. You can try Pixie for FREE right here and see what she suggests!
In case you need the direct link: https://bit.ly/shpassistant
Don’t Overthink It
You don’t need to overthink it. Your baby is already cute. Your kid already has a great smile. The outfits are just the icing on the cake (and we’ll probably get icing on it anyway if it’s a birthday session).
Want to double-check your outfit ideas before the session? I’m happy to help. Or start with Pixie and go from there.
Let’s make your session as stress-free and beautiful as possible. You focus on the cuddles and I’ll handle the rest.
