Summer Stylin' - Wardrobe Ideas for Summer Photos

posted by Corie English


People are always asking us what they should wear for their photos. We usually answer that it is obviously your decision - they are your photos after all - but there are some general rules that work well. Keep it coordinated (but not matchy), wear what flatters you and what you feel comfortable in, and stay true to who your family really is. We're no fashion experts, but the wonderful Melanie Knopke is! So we asked her to help us style a session with fashion tips that you can incorporate into your next family session.

 I am Melanie Knopke, a Kansas City blogger and wardrobe stylist with Style Spies. I had a great time partnering with Corie and Peep Toe photography to style a summer family photo session. As we all know, dressing for a family photo is not an easy task. You want the picture to be timeless, yet stylish and you want everyone to look cohesive in the photo. I think that many families end up doing the token "white shirt and khakis" look because they find it too difficult to coordinate everyone.

If you are looking to spruce up your family photo this summer, I have some great styling tips that are sure to give you a lovely photo that you will cherish for years to come.

Summer is a great time to incorporate color and pattern into your wardrobe. Keep the patterns sophisticated and easy on the eyes...you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb in the picture! Fred kept it simple with a large windowpane shirt and grey pants. For men, stripes, ginghams and plaids are a nice way to go!

Putting everyone in the same colors is not essential, just pick a color palette that compliments each other. It's always nice to keep some individuals in more neutral shades and then add pops of color here and there.

Do not feel obligated to completely match your children, although coordinating outfits definitely is a cute way to go. The girls in this picture are wearing coordinating outfits by Twirls & Twigs from Lauren Alexandra. I love that they go together but are not "matchy-matchy" so to speak. Romper in mint available HERE, Baby Bubble available HERE

Stick with clothing styles that aren't overly trendy, but that still look current. Same goes for any accessories.  Maria is wearing a maxi-dress that is definitely on trend right now, but will still look great in years to come. The pattern is perfect; it's not too bold, and it adds some texture to the photo. The dress is from Hemline on the Country Club Plaza. She added subtle gold necklaces and bracelets from Gorjana that pair nicely with her ensemble, but aren't distracting.

Here is an example of using a color scheme as inspiration for your photo. I fell in love with this infant girls  top and short set from Janie and Jack, and then I worked the rest of the family around the colors.

We put the boy in a solid polo shirt  and cute seersucker shorts from Gymboree. I love seersucker for summer, it's a nice alternative to a plaid or solid short for boys.

For Mom I did a white dress from H&M, which I think is always a fresh look for summer. She can add color with her accessories like some colored shoes or fun bracelets.

Dad looks crisp in a simple pink and white stripe non-iron shirt from Brooks Brothers. Pair the shirt back to white pants for a summery look.

For more information on my styling services, visit www.stylespies.com