Dress for the story, not for the photo

the biggest goal when choosing outfits is simple:
Young family with a baby standing outdoors in a park during golden hour, smiling and enjoying nature.

Wear something that feels like you, but elevated.

I want you to feel comfortable enough to cuddle your babies, run with your kids, sit on the floor, dance, laugh, and simply be together. The best photos happen when you're not worried about your clothes.

 

A Style Guide for
Your Family & Newborn Session


One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "What should we wear?" And while I could simply send you a list of colors, I think it's more helpful to explain why certain outfits photograph so beautifully.


The truth is, your clothing isn't what makes your images memorable. Years from now, you won't be looking back because everyone wore the perfect outfit. You'll be looking back because of the way your toddler wrapped their arms around your neck, the way your newborn fit perfectly in your hands, or the way your family laughed together.

The right wardrobe simply helps tell that story.


My photography is centered around connection, movement, and genuine moments. I want you to feel comfortable enough to sit on the floor, cuddle your babies, chase your toddlers, and simply enjoy being together. When you're comfortable, your images naturally feel more authentic, and that's where the magic happens.

 

Family playing outdoors on grass, father lifting child in air while mother watches, sunny autumn day.
Pregnant woman in pink ruffled maternity dress cradling baby bump against a soft pink background.
A mother in striped pajamas gently holds her baby's face as the infant sits on a white floor in a cream outfit.

Start with Mom


If you're choosing outfits for the whole family, I always recommend starting with Mom's outfit first. Find something you genuinely love and feel confident wearing, then build everyone else's wardrobe around it.


A flowy dress photographs beautifully because it creates movement, but it's certainly not the only option. A great pair of jeans with a beautiful blouse, a jumpsuit, or an oversized button-down can feel just as timeless. The most important thing is choosing something that allows you to move comfortably and makes you feel like the best version of yourself.



If you're deciding between two outfits, choose the one you won't have to think about during your session.

Parents tenderly kissing their newborn baby while sitting together on a cozy white sofa at home.
Pregnant woman in white outfit lying on blanket outdoors, cradling baby bump with hands adorned with turquoise ring.
Woman holding baby stands at modern black-framed glass front door with black dog on gray slate porch.

Texture is everything


One of the easiest ways to elevate your photos is by incorporating texture.

Linen, cotton, knit sweaters, eyelet, lace, ribbed fabrics, denim, and corduroy all add subtle depth without taking attention away from your family.

Texture photographs beautifully because it creates visual interest while still feeling timeless.

Think Coordination, Not Matching


Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans.

Instead, think about choosing colors that complement one another. Mixing different shades and textures creates much more depth and allows each person's personality to shine while still feeling cohesive as a family.


I love a wardrobe that feels elevated but lived-in. Think crisp whites, soft creams, vintage denim, linen, cozy knits, worn leather, cotton, and pieces with beautiful texture. Layer in a few rich colors: olive green, rust, dusty blue, burgundy, chocolate brown, or buttery yellow; to add depth and personality. The overall goal is a look that feels effortless, timeless, and true to your family's style rather than overly styled or perfectly matched.

Two young boys laughing and playing together on green grass, enjoying a fun outdoor wrestling match.
Family of three sitting on stone steps outdoors, parents smiling with toddler in denim overalls by brick wall.
Two young children holding hands and running together on a path surrounded by trees in a park.
A father tenderly kisses his newborn baby while cradling the infant in a cozy nursery room.

Dressing Dad & the Kids


For dads, simple is always best. Well-fitting neutral t-shirts, henleys, linen button-downs, knit polos, sweaters, and clean denim or neutral pants all photograph beautifully without competing for attention.


For children, comfort is everything. I love simple cotton dresses, bloomers, overalls, linen sets, bubble rompers, and neutral basics. Bare feet are always welcome and often feel the most natural, especially during in-home sessions.


If your little one has a favorite comfort blanket or stuffed animal they carry everywhere, don't feel like you need to leave it behind. Sometimes those little details become some of the sweetest memories years later.

FOR IN-HOME SESSION


When it comes to in-home sessions, less truly is more.

For newborn, simple neutral sleepers, swaddles, soft onesies, or even just a diaper wrapped in a muslin blanket photograph beautifully. Babies don't need elaborate outfits to create beautiful images.


For parents, cozy sweaters, relaxed dresses, oversized button-downs, and comfortable neutral clothing fit perfectly with the laid-back feel of these sessions.

And while we're talking about your home, please don't feel like everything needs to be perfectly clean or magazine-worthy.


I'm not photographing your house. I'm photographing your family inside the place where you're building your life together.

New parents sitting on nursery floor holding newborn baby in front of wooden crib in soft blue room.
Newborn baby in pink knit onesie lying awake in a wooden crib on a white mattress.
A mother sits in an armchair cradling her newborn baby, wearing jeans and a gray sweater near a bright window.
Parents leaning over a wooden crib with their newborn baby, while a black dog watches in a soft nursery.
Outdoor wall fountain with stone basin and spigots, framed by white pergola and lush green ivy hedge in a garden.

Dress for the Story


If there's one piece of advice I'd love for you to remember, it's this:

Dress for the story, not the photos.

Choose clothing that allows you to move, cuddle, laugh, dance, and simply enjoy your family. If you're constantly adjusting a dress, worrying about wrinkles, or feeling uncomfortable, that energy often carries into your session.


The images you'll treasure most won't be the perfectly posed ones. They'll be the in-between moments; the hugs, the giggles, the tiny hands reaching for yours.


Your wardrobe should simply help tell that story.

I can't wait to create something beautiful together.


xoxo,

Rachael