Photo Session Wardrobe Guide for Dads!
While we put a lot of focus on dressing Mom and kids, Dad’s outfit makes a huge difference in creating a cohesive family wardrobe that fits the location of the session.
I have found that so many families love to utilize my client closet for both Mama and kids. Having that as an option is truly so helpful in taking that extra bit of stress of Mama’s shoulders, and makes it easy to narrow down options for Dad! During the session planning process, I help walk you through everything you need to know when putting together your look for our session. But here are just a few of my tried and true tips to help get Dads started!
Note that the suggestions below are designed for the type of dreamy, loving, and styled sessions that I specialize in.
Us photographers put a lot of attention and detail in what Mom and the kids are wearing. But all that effort will fall flat if Dad’s outfit doesn’t match the style, level of dressiness, and the overall color scheme. Dad’s outfit is the visual anchor of Mom’s dress. If Dad is wearing a baseball hat and shorts next to Mom who is in a gorgeous dress and has her hair and makeup done, it creates a visual disconnect that we definitely don’t want!
Shirts:
When Dad’s look in their closet to find a photo session outfit they often see a choice between shirts they wear to the office and their weekend sports shirts or wicking golfing shirts. I really don’t suggest either. A button up office shirt feels too business casual, doesn’t fit outdoor locations, and feels too buttoned up for indoor newborn sessions. Sport shirts, even the nice ones, usually have distracting logos on them and look too casual for photo sessions. Instead choose between these 3 options:
1. A tailored or slim fit t-shirt made of a thicker quality cotton
2. My favorite is the henley shirt with 3 buttons at the collar. It’s the perfect amount of polished with a tad bit of ruggedness for outdoor sessions. It allows Dad’s to move freely while playing with his kids while looking put together.
3. A casual button up that is made of quality cotton material worn with the sleeved rolled up.
How to way a button up in a casual way: If Dad chooses a button up there is a specific way to wear it. I often see Dad’s wear their button up shirt buttoned all the up to the collar with buttoned cuffs and tucked in with a belt because that’s how they typically wear it to the office or church. There is going too casual but then there’s also dressing too business casual. You want to be your best casual self but with tailored and polished choices that allow you to dance with your wife and throw your kids in the air.
Instead only button up to the one button below the collar and keep the cuffs unbuttoned and rolled up to the elbow. Then, this sounds funny, but if Dad wears his shirt tucked in then he should NOT wear a belt, but if he keeps it untucked then a belt is fine. (if the shirt tails are too long to leave untucked that’s an indicator that the button up isn’t a casual style.) See below photos for a visual reference.
Pants:
Pants are the main clothing item Dad’s can go wrong with when matching the same style and vibe as their wife’s outfit. First and foremost shorts are no-go for photos. Hairy legs don’t look so polished in photos 😬. For some reason they just really stand out . Plus pants will make Dad look longer and leaner. During the summer wear lightweight linen pants or moisture wicking chinos.
Second choose chinos, khakis, or nice jeans in a slim, tailored fit. Definitely avoid baggy jeans or cargo pants. A tailored fit makes a huge difference in the polished yet casual look we’re going for.
Shoes:
For outdoor photo sessions I suggest nice street shoe sneakers or any type of ankle boot. I only suggest dress shoes for holiday studio photos. For newborn photos bare feet are actually the best option. Socks are fine too but make sure they are nice socks and don’t have that yellow toe tip.
Just like shorts I do not suggest any opened toed shoes. Bare foot is actually a better option.
Layers for Cooler Months:
My favorite ways to round out an outfit is by adding layers. Layers add interest and texture to your photos that I love. Plus they make look Dad like a “distinguished gentleman”.
Color:
When it comes to color scheme I advise warm or cool neutrals depending on the color of Mom’s dress. There are a few tones I don’t recommend because they don’t photograph well. Those are bright blues, bright teals (a muted heathered teal is fine tho), bright white, and black (dark grey is fine).
