Family photo season is upon us. Fall is a great time to get your family photos done – colors are changing, the light can be amazing, and if you get them done now you’ve got lots of time to get your Christmas cards printed.
One of the main questions I get asked is “What should we wear?” Deciding what to wear for your photos can be challenging so let’s dive in a bit. There was a time when it was popular to have everyone in the group dress the same – think white t-shirt and jeans, or everyone in all black. When done well, those pictures turned out nicely, but that is a bit of a dated look, and not everyone looked their best. Instead, I suggest that you let one-person pick what they are going to wear. This is usually the mom in a family photo. Once they know what they are going to wear, everyone else should pick clothes that compliment that outfit. For example, if mom is wearing a blue dress with pale yellow flowers on it, others might have blue jeans with a neutral top, a white summer dress with a yellow belt… you get the idea. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear your favourite things or let your personality show but put some thought into it. Doing this makes the images look much more natural.
The other thing to consider is how to dress each person in a flattering way. I’ve created the following simple guidelines to help.
A. Dress for your body type
We all have different bodies, and they are all beautiful. However, what is in style is not always the best choice for accentuating that beauty. The following guidelines are just that - suggestions for helping you get the most out of your wardrobe. Identify your body type and use the suggestions … or don’t. The key underlying principle is to use pattern, brighter colours and shape to draw attention to the things you want to accentuate, and darker, plain, neutral colours to take the eyes somewhere else.
1. Inverted Triangle Body Type (sometimes referred to as an athletic build where your shoulders are wider than your hips
Avoid ruffles and bright coloured tops (unless you are wanting to draw attention to your shoulders
Same thing for spaghetti straps and sleeveless tops
Consider bottoms with more shape
Flared skirts or skirts with movement are great
2. Pear Body Type (larger on the bottom)
Brighter colours or ruffles on top is OK
Darker or plain colors on the bottom
Bare arms or spaghetti straps are also OK
Avoid side pockets or details at the hips
3. Column or Rectangle Body Type (same top to bottom)
Consider using a belt or some other waist defining element
Use patterns that give the illusion of shape
Pleats can work well for you
4. Apple Body Type (tend to carry weight in the chest and stomach)
Don’t wear oversized or shapeless, baggy items
Add a belt or single button jacket to add a waist line
Avoid high neck lines
5. Hourglass Body Type
Wear fitted clothing
B. Choose colors that compliment your skin tone
This one is a bit trickier, but determining the best colors to wear, especially the colors you wear closest to your face, is important. If you don’t know try this seasonal color test https://30somethingurbangirl.com/free-quiz-what-is-your-seasonal-color/
Getting your family photos done is an important part of preserving your family’s legacy. Take the time to do it, and do it well.
Cheers,
Tris
