WHY YOUR OUTFIT IS SO IMPORTANT
Thoughtful wardrobe choices elevate your photos from beautiful to breathtaking.
Here’s how to style your session with sophistication and ease:
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress yourself, then baby, then siblings and finally your partner.
Dress in Timeless Neutrals
Choose a soft, refined palette: ivory, beige, camel, soft grey, dove white, or muted pastels. These hues photograph beautifully and bring a timeless elegance that complements our fine art style.
𓇼Avoid bold logos, busy prints, or neon colors—simplicity is your best accessory.
Effortless Elegance for Her
Soft, breathable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes allow for ease while nursing and moving comfortably with baby. Flowing dresses, button-front tops, and long skirts feel natural and beautifully timeless for this season of postpartum life.
𓇼 Soft texture and subtle movement add an elevated feel while still allowing you to feel comfortable and completely yourself.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Aim for cohesive tones rather than identical outfits. Think linen, silk, or cotton fabrics in complementary colors and textures to add visual interest and depth.
𓇼 A family dressed in soft layers of warm neutrals will always feel cohesive and luxurious.
Children in Classic Comfort
Dress children in simple, well-fitted pieces in soft cotton, linen, or knits. Overalls, bloomers, or dresses in subdued tones create timeless portraits without distraction. And remember, comfort is key!
𓇼 Bare feet, tousled hair, and soft smiles—we capture them as they are, beautifully.
Elevated Basics for Him
Encourage clean, tailored silhouettes: chinos, button-down shirts, knit sweaters, or linen blazers. Earth tones, soft blues, or monochrome pairings create a polished look.
𓇼 Leather loafers or bare feet (for lifestyle sessions) keep the look grounded and intentional.
Accessorize with Intention
Delicate jewelry, hair ribbons, heirloom pieces, or a favorite shawl can add warmth and storytelling to your images.
𓇼 Bring personal items that matter—your grandmother’s knitted blanket, an heirloom bonnet, or other keepsake pieces.
Final Tip: Comfort is Key
You should feel confident, beautiful, and completely yourself. The best outfit is one that reflects your story—
with elevated, thoughtful choices that photograph with grace.
Your wardrobe is already a treasure trove.
My favorite place to begin is your own closet—where your most authentic style lives. However, if you feel inspired to add something new for your session, I recommend selecting from retailers known for timeless silhouettes and exceptional craftsmanship. Avoid fast fashion, as it often lacks the fit, texture, and quality that photographs beautifully. If you do invest in a new piece, let it be one that feels effortless, wears comfortably, and can be cherished well beyond your session.
Favorite brands:
Zara, H&M, JCrew, Mango, Quince, Gap, and don't forget thrift stores and Poshmark!
Favorite trending patterns:
Tiny florals, understated plaids, timeless stripes, and subtle ginghams.
I have carefully curated a selection of seasonal styles for you and your family, these exclusive collections are now available through my ShopMy account, allowing for seamless purchases with just the click of a button.
Seasonal, curated selections with the click of a button:
Click the link above to shop my curated page or let me help you find the perfect outfit for your session.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
01. Style
Choose classic, timeless pieces that transcend trends. Neutral tones and elegant silhouettes ensure your images remain effortlessly beautiful for years to come. If you'd like to incorporate something current, opt for a subtle accessory—something that can be added or removed with ease.
02. Color
Neutral colors—such as ivory, taupe, soft greys, and muted earth tones photograph beautifully and bring a timeless, refined quality to your images. These tones complement all skin tones and prevent harsh color casts that can distract from your natural beauty. Avoid overly saturated hues or bold, trendy colors, as they can reflect onto the skin and quickly date your portraits.
03. Pattern
Patterns can add beautiful texture and personality to your wardrobe—but simplicity is key. Avoid overly busy prints or tiny, repetitive patterns (like small checkered dress shirts), as they can create visual distortion and become distracting in photos. Instead, choose classic patterns such as soft florals, understated plaids, or gentle gingham. These timeless designs add interest without overwhelming the image, ensuring the focus stays on connection and expression.
04. Comfort
You can be wearing the most beautiful outfit in the world—but if you’re not comfortable, it will show. Discomfort affects your posture, your expression, and your ability to truly relax in front of the camera. Choose pieces that not only look stunning but feel effortless to wear. Avoid shoes or undergarments you haven’t worn before, and be mindful of delicate details like spaghetti straps that may slip, or necklines that shift and reveal what you didn’t intend. For form-fitting dresses, always double-check for visible underwear lines and fit from every angle. I even recommend taking a quick photo of yourself in your full look beforehand—you’ll be able to spot anything distracting and ensure you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself on session day.
05. Most Importanly, be you!
The most beautiful images come from honest connection and genuine presence. Wear what feels true to your personal style—what makes you feel confident, relaxed, and yourself. Encourage each family member to do the same. If dad never wears skinny jeans, this isn’t the time to start. And if your gender-neutral child feels uncomfortable in a dress, let’s choose something that allows them to feel seen and safe. Your wardrobe should reflect your family’s story, not rewrite it. When everyone feels good, the love shines through—and that’s what creates truly timeless portraits.
TIMELESS COLOR PALETTES
Neutral tones don’t have to be boring! Below are subtle, beautiful hues that work well in sessions. Please note that I do not recommend dark hues on baby, but they can be used for other family members, in moderation.
The art of styling for a session
THE PROCESS
Styling a family session is about more than choosing outfits—it’s about curating a visual narrative that reflects your family’s unique rhythm and connection. From the textures you wear to the tones you choose, every element plays a part in creating images that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
01. Choose One Foundation Look
Start with one outfit you absolutely love—this could be mom’s flowing dress, a soft linen set for your child, or a beautifully tailored shirt for dad. This foundational piece sets the tone for the overall color palette, formality, and texture of the session.
02. Build a Coordinated Color Palette
Once your foundation look is chosen, pull 2–3 complementary tones from it to guide the rest of the family’s wardrobe. Think warm neutrals, cool muted tones, or soft pastels—colors that layer well together without clashing.
03. Mix Textures & Layers
Blend fabrics like linen, cotton, knit, or silk for visual dimension. Layers such as cardigans are a lovely way to add depth and provide warmth or comfort.
04. Keep Patterns Subtle & Classic
Limit patterns to one or two family members, and keep them timeless—like soft florals, gingham, or light plaid. Ensure the patterns don’t compete with each other or overpower the scene.
05. Balance Formality
Make sure everyone is dressed in a similar style tier—if one person is barefoot in linen, avoid dressing another in heels and sequins. This ensures the group looks cohesive, natural, and connected.
Day of Session: Planning for Baby
Thoughtfully styling baby’s wardrobe for a timeless and refined session experience, while documenting all the
beautiful little details that make those first few weeks so unforgettable.
01. Dressed
Start with baby dressed in their main outfit, whether that’s a simple well-fitting onesie or a favorite heirloom piece. I recommend avoiding: frilly dresses, button down tops, jeans or pants, brightly patterned or gender specific baby clothes, baby shoes, or layers(jackets or sweaters.)
02. Bare Skin
For the next portion of the session, baby can be dressed in bare skin, a simple diaper, or bloomers only. These minimal looks beautifully highlight their soft newborn skin and all the little details you’ll want to remember forever — even the feeling of their tiny touch in those early days.
03. Swaddled
For the final portion of the session, baby will be gently swaddled using a selection of soft, thoughtfully chosen wraps I bring along. These create a cozy, serene feel while offering a variety of textures and tones for beautifully timeless, curated portraits. If you do not want your baby to be swaddled, please let me know ahead of time.
A few notes: Please plan to bring only one main outfit for baby. While it can be tempting to include frilly dresses, layers, or accessories, a refined and timeless newborn session is best achieved through minimalist, intentional styling.
Your baby’s earliest days deserve to be remembered in their purest form—before they grow into all the beautiful wardrobe moments ahead. This is a season for simplicity, softness, and focusing on who they are right now.
I’m here to make outfit planning easy and enjoyable! Send me photos of your choices, and I’ll happily guide you through the process. For any styling questions, don’t hesitate to email or text me—I’m here to ensure your planning is seamless and stress-free.
Have your outfits ready to go? Email or text them to me at:
kimblythphotography@gmail.com OR 978.81.8202