SBP OUTFIT GUIDE
 
Step 1: Choose Your Color Palette
 
 
Soft, neutral color palettes photograph best!
Keep in mind the backdrop of your photos has color too that will affect the overall palette.
Avoid saturated and dark colors-- they are overpowering in photos and distract from your beautiful faces!
My go-to colors: whites and neutrals.
They will make your skin GLOW.
Mix subtle colors like:
ivory, cream, dusty blue, butter yellow, pale sage, or blush.
Here are a few examples:
 
Step 2: Pick Mom's Dress First
OUTFIT
When mom feels gorgeous, it sets the tone for the entire session!
- Long, flowy dresses photograph beautifully.
- Soft patterns + textured fabrics photograph especially well (just try to avoid patterns that are too busy).
ACCESSORIES
Wedding bands, delicate earrings, and simple necklaces work great.
MAKE SURE YOU'RE COMFORTABLE
Most women have at least one area they feel self-conscious about, so choosing clothing that feels flattering and comfortable makes a huge difference.
- Off-the-shoulder or sleeved dresses tend to be flattering for arms if that's an area you don't want highlighted.
- Empire waist line gives an hourglass shape for postpartum moms without highlighting the tummy area.
- Smocked bodices are great for comfort and hourglass waist.
- For family sessions: When choosing your dress length, think about movement. If you have little ones, you’ll likely be sitting, kneeling, or squatting with them. Dresses that are too short, low-cut, or have high slits can make those moments less comfortable.
- For newborn sessions: It’s completely normal to still look somewhat pregnant after having a baby-- your body is healing, and that takes time!! Many moms prefer loose, flowy dresses because they’re flattering and comfortable.
*LINKS TO DRESS IDEAS: Click here *
Shops I Recommend Checking Out:
- Morning Lavender
- Henley
- Nothing Fits But
- Amazon
- Lulus
- Baltic Born
- Ivy City Co
- Rylee+Cru
- Roolee
- Bohme
- ASOS
- GIGI PIP (hats)
- Shop Stevie Hender
- Shop Zoco
Step 3: Dress the girls
Once mom’s outfit is chosen, coordinate the girls’ outfits around the same color palette.
- Dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, or rompers all photograph beautifully.
- Look for textured fabrics (tulle, linen, pleating, lace, etc.)
- Bows and headbands are adorable. Keep them simple and sweet!
- If you have multiple girls, they don’t need to wear matching outfits-- put one child in a dress and another in a skirt or romper to create variety.
 
Favorite Shops for Kids:
- Carters
- Roolee
- Fin&Vince
- Zara
- H&M
- Quincy Mae
- Jamie Kay
- Rylee&Cru
- Ivy City Co
- Morning Lavender for Mommy&Me
 
Step 4: Dress Dad & boys
- Neutral, simple clothes work best (think khakis, slacks, sweaters, henleys, or button-down shirts).
- Solid shades like light gray, cream, blue, khaki, and muted earth tones.
- AVOID graphics, logos, and athletic shoes!
- If you have multiple boys, try mixing pieces, like one child in a button-down and another in a simple long sleeve— this keeps things visually interesting.
Favorite Shops for Dad:
- Target
- Zara
- Cotton On
- Old Navy
- H&M
- Amazon
Dressing Newborns
Solid colors photograph best!
- Opt for cream, ivory, dusty blue, sage, blush, warm gray, etc.
- When in doubt - go for an off-white color.
Subtle, soft texture is a must since it adds visual interest in a gentle way.
- Go for fabrics like: knit, ribbed cotton, linen, muslin, waffle fabric.
Soft-toned bows and headbands are great!
Ideas:
- A simple neutral onesie
- Knit romper
- Soft, textured, stretchy swaddle blanket
- Diaper + swaddle for timeless skin-to-skin moments
 
Do's and Don'ts
 
DO'S:
- Stick to no more than two patterns across the entire family
- Keep babies and toddlers as comfortable as possible
- Skip shoes for babies who aren’t walking yet
- Consider professional hair and makeup if you’d like a little extra pampering before your session
DON'TS:
- Avoid all-black or very dark outfits, which can feel heavy in photos and show lint, pet hair, or wrinkles more easily
- Skip very bright or neon colors, which can be distracting and mess with skin tones
- Try to stay away from overly busy patterns, which can pull attention away from faces and connection