One of the most common questions I get around this time of year is how to dress for bluebonnet and spring time photos. Now that it’s finally 75 degrees and sunny in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, I think it’s a good time to start answering that question! Here are my top three tips and tricks:
1. FOLLOW THE WHAT TO WEAR COMMANDMENTS:
My top three “What to Wear” commandments apply for spring and bluebonnet sessions just as much as any other time of year: coordinate and complement; accessorize; and add layers and texture:
Here are a couple visuals for how to dress a family in the spring:
And here are a few more standalone options for the different members of your family:
Now, my personal favorite for spring sessions has to be a timeless, classic look. I’m thinking neutrals and pastels—browns, creams, grays, like pinks or mint. If you want a more casual look, go with jeans. If you want to dress it up, go with dresses/skirts for the women and khakis, linen pants or gray toned pants for the men.
The all-white look is also very traditional with bluebonnets, but I have to say that while I wouldn’t totally rule out the solid white thing I do think it can run a bit flat. If you love that white look, one idea is to take it up a notch—think a girl’s white top with pretty yellow flowers (like this one below):
Another fantastic look for bluebonnets in particular is BRIGHT COLORS! I’m not as partial to neon because it can leave a color cast on faces, but solid brights provide gorgeous contrast. My absolute favorite color to coordinate with bluebonnets is yellow.
If I had a little girl, she’d totally be in this yellow dress for bluebonnets!
2. ONLINE SHOPPING SPREE
Outfitting an entire family for a photo session can get super pricey, so the items I’ve highlighted in my visuals and on my Pinterest page are at all different price points. The truth is, you don’t have to break the bank to find coordinating outfits, but it will require time and planning. I usually go full-in on outfits for our fall family photos and that once a year event can leave even me pulling my hair out. It’s definitely not easy, but the nice thing is that you can online shop from thousands of different stores and avoid some of the hassle of dragging the kids into a thousand dressing rooms. In our house I usually do the online shopping for the boys and then find my own outfit in store so I can try it on. I feel like guy clothes are a bit more forgiving than women’s outfits, so that’s how I roll…hehe. Here are the stores on my online shopping hit list:
- Anthropologie
- JC Penny
- Carters
- Gymboree
- J. Crew
- Old Navy
- Gap
- Banana Republic
- Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor Loft
- Lily Pulitzer
- Modcloth
- Madewell
- DSW
- Macys
- Nordstroms & Nordstrom Rack
- Target
- Etsy
- The Limited
- Janie & Jack
3. FIND A SHOPPING CONSULTANT
If getting dressed up isn’t your thing, or you feel overwhelmed by the process then find someone to help. I encourage my clients to text or email me photos of their outfit options and I’m happy to weigh in. Many stores even have wardrobe clothing consultants (Ann Taylor, Anthropologie) that can help you pull a look together in a snap. You are investing money into these photos and it makes no sense to skimp on looking your best for something that is going to last a lifetime.
I hope these ideas have been useful, and if you are looking for more inspiration just checkout my “What to Wear” Pinterest board which has TONS of different options. Good luck and happy shopping!
H. Parker Photography specializes in newborn, baby and child photography in Trophy Club, Texas and surrounding areas including but not limited to Dallas, Ft Worth and Roanoke.