Style Guide
Below are just a few tips to give you an idea of what to wear for your shoot but the most important thing to me is that you feel happy and confident in how you look. The best advice is to love what you're wearing and love yourself.
Client Closet
I am constantly updating the pieces available in my Client Closet for you to use during your shoot! They are mostly focussed on mum and baby, but I am expanding my wardrobe for men too with a few shirts, t-shirts and jumpers. You can see some example pieces for women here although I am always adding to the selection, so have a browse when you come in. For babies, I have a large selection of knitted rompers, dungarees and bloomers for ages 0-18 months. I would, however, always recommend bringing along a few outfits that you love as well.
Take a look at my Pinterest boards of outfit ideas for men, women, newborns & toddlers here.
Definitely bring:
A bag with few different outfit options
Soft and cosy fabrics
Anything you feel comfortable in!
Best to avoid:
Clothes with large logos or writing on
Bright colours or loud patterns
Stiff or formal fabrics (such as white work shirts)
Colour
The best thing is to keep things parred back and natural. Avoid bright colours or bold patterns, and definitely avoid any clothing with logos or writing on as this can be really distracting. We just want the focus to be on you and your baby. The easiest look to nail is to all wear white although soft beiges and browns always look a bit softer and cosier. Pastels also work well! If you do want to add colour, I would recommend sticking to rich jewel or earthy colours (think mustard yellows or forest greens).
Vibes
Whatever you decide to wear, make sure your overall looks work with each other. If one of you is in an elegant and formal dress and the other is in jeans and a tee, it will seem jarring. Whether you decide to go casual or formal, just make sure you all look like you belong in the same photo together! I would also avoid being too matchy matchy as this can look a bit cheesy.
Practicality
If you’re coming in for a shoot with a crawling baby or toddler on the move, keep in mind that a lot of the shoot will be on the floor, crouching down, or sometimes lying around! Try to dress with this in mind, and avoid wearing anything that will need lots of readjustment or make you feel self conscious as it will distract you from the lovely natural moments of interacting with your little one. If you’re coming in for a newborn shoot, the studio will be very warm to keep them happy and calm - so wear layers!
Textures
Natural fabrics look best in photos so I would avoid anything too synthetic, shiny or stiff. Linen, wool, muslin & cotton are great and can be paired with denim jeans or chinos. These textures always work so well to create soft, authentic images. Something with a bit of movement is also good, so chiffon or light cotton would work well and especially soft, gentle knits.
Patterns
If you choose patterns, make sure to keep it subtle and neutral. Anything too bright and bold will really distract from from you all and take away from the authentic emotions. If you have more than one person wearing patterns, make sure they balance well with each other and don’t clash!
Advice for how to dress a newborn
Definitely do:
Keep it simple! We just want to focus on the gorgeous little details
Try to find something that fits - clothes that are too large are a nightmare to keep in place and need constant readjustment (the exception being oversized jumpers which I think look adorable!)
Consider plain white baby grows, muslin rompers & knitwear
Try to avoid:
Anything with frills or ruffles - they really get in the way!
Dresses - they just tend to ride up and show the nappy
Anything too bright or patterned
With newborns, my best advice is to just keep things simple. You don't want anything to distract or take away from the beauty of your newborn baby. Just a plain white onesie or little knitted dungarees look perfect. I normally try to end the shoot by getting a few shots naked or in bloomers - there's nothing cuter than a baby bum! I would avoid anything with ruffles or frills as I find both just overwhelm them whilst they are so small and are difficult to keep out of the face. Also avoid dresses and skirts, as they just tend to rise up to show the nappy, especially when they are being held. I do have a few pieces for ages 0-12 months you are welcome to borrow.
Have a look at Isla & Fraser for inspiration!
Advice for how to dress an older baby or toddler
Definitely do:
Keep to adult colour guides
Think practical - if they’re on the move, go for trouser, shorts or rompers to avoid nappies on display
Try to avoid:
Anything too big that needs readjustment
Anything with cartoons or bright characters on
In general, I would stick to my adult clothing guide - warm, natural colours and textures. This will keep the photos timeless and full of emotion! The only thing I would definitely suggest for children is to avoid skirts and dresses as you tend to spend a lot of time trying to adjust the outfit so the nappy isn't on show and this means I end up missing a lot of spontaneous moments. Stick to dungarees, onesies, trousers and shorts. Chunky knits looks super cute on toddlers!
Have a look at Simple Folk for inspiration!
