tips to style like a pro

Choosing the Perfect Color Palette

The colors you wear set the whole mood of your session, and for spring, we love tones that feel soft, warm, and natural.

Colors such as:

• warm taupes, beige, and soft browns
• sage greens, dusty blues, and light pinks
• creamy whites and soft grays
• lilacs, mossy greens, soft oranges

These colors compliment Washington's natural backdrops-lush greenery, blooming florals, and those misty coastal views. Plus, they keep the focus on your family's connection rather than drawing attention to bold or distracting outfits. Are there colors to avoid? Absolutely! For spring sessions we recommend avoiding bright or strong contrasting colors.

Colors such as:

• neon shades (they reflect oddly with skin tones sometimes)
• heavy black (it can look way to harsh against the soft spring backdrops)
• busy patterns or large logos (they can pull focus from you, to the label)

Layers, Textures & Fabrics

Spring in Washington is know for mood swings-one minute it's sunny, the next there's a chilly breeze and rain rolling in (and sometimes, even snow!). That's why layering is KEY!

Layering ideas for the fam could look like:

• Moms: a flowy dress with a chunky knit cardigan, trench coat, or sweater thrown over
• Dads: a soft henley or button up under a textured sweater or lightweight jacket
• Kids: sweater vests, oversized cardigans, thermal tights, denim jackets, and soft, fleece lined coats

Why layers are magical: Not only do they keep you warm when needed, but they also add depth and movement to your photos. The cardigan flowing in the wind as you hold a little one close to you? BEYOND gorgeous. The way a soft knit catches the light? Chef's kiss.

Textures to Embrace This Spring Season:

• Chunky knits
• Linen (so breathable and timeless)
• Lace or ribbed fabrics
• Structured denim

Footwear & Accessories

Your outfits are set, but let's talk shoes and accessories-because those little details matter!

Shoes that work well in spring settings:

• neutral toned ankle boots, loafers, or casual sneakers for a polished, but comfy look
• rain boots/booties and tall boots ( these weather friendly choices can add so much charm to a session!)

Accessories to complete the look:

• flow scarves, wide brimmed hats, and delicate silk scarves for a stylish, effortless touch
• delicate gold necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for some subtle grace
• cozy beanies, soft headbands, and bows for a little extra cuteness for the kiddos
• simple watches, cuff links, and ties for dad

Be Prepared for the Unplanned

Spring weather can be unpredictable, but don't ;et that stress you out! Here are some tips for tackling a finicky Mother Nature!

• clear umbrellas (they're cute and keep you dry!)
• rain boots and booties (think how cute the photos of the littles running around in their rain boots are!)
• wool or knit shawls/blankets (not only do these keep you warm, but they can also double as a cute, romantic pop for snuggly photos!)
• light weight, water-proof jackets (if the rain is light, opt for a soft, matte-finish raincoat vs a shiny, plastic looking one)
• hand warmers (these are great to stick in pockets and shoes of kiddos and adults alike and make facing the sharp winds a breeze)
• small towels (after the session is over, these are super handy to have in the car to dry off any faces/hands/etc)
• thermos of warm drink (whether its a calming herbal tea for you and hubby, or right hot cocoa for the littles, there's nothing like warming up after a brisk day out!)

1) Stick to a two tone color scheme

One of the easiest ways to create a cohesive look is by choosing two main colors and having everyone coordinate within that palette.

For example:

• Soft blues & warm neutrals: Mom and daughter in dusty blue dresses, Dad and the boys in beige or tan sweaters with blue slacks
• Earthy greens & creams: Mom and daughter in sage tones with chunky brown layering pieces, Dad and the boys in creamy knit sweaters and dark wash khakis
• Warm taupes & blush tones: Mom and dad in soft browns and creams, the kiddos in light pinks

This keeps everyone matching, but not identical, allowing the group to look visually connected while still bringing in variety.

2) Match in Texture & Fabric, Not Just Color

Instead of going for the exact same pieces (which can look very uniform), try matching textures and fabrics instead. This gives a more natural, stylish effect while still achieving a matching look.

For example:

• Soft, neutral look: Mom in a cozy knit sweater dress, dad in a cable knit pullover, daughters in a knit dresses, and sons in ribbed sweaters or cardigans
• Warm, spring look: Dad in a linen button up, Mom in a flowy linen dress, and kids in linen jumpsuits or tops

This keeps outfits visually connected without looking like a matching set straight off the rack.

3) Mommy & Me, or Daddy & Me Twinning

For the families who love the idea of twinning, it works best when one parent coordinates with one child rather than the whole group dressing exactly alike.

For example:

• Mom & daughter: matching flowy dresses in soft pastels, florals, or linen sets
• Dad & son: neutral-toned button ups with matching sweaters or jackets
• Mom & son: flowy dress and cardigan for mom, with son in a button up the same color as Mom's dress
• Dad & daughter: Dad in a button up and slacks, with the daughter in a dress that's color matches either Dad's top or bottoms
• Bonus tip: Accessories like matching headbands for mom and daughter or similar boots for dad and son add an extra level of coordination without going overboard

This approach keeps things playful and intentional while still feeling natural

4) Keep it Simple with Prints

Matching patterns can work if they are small-scale and subtle-avoid anything too bold (like Hawaiian shirts or big plaid prints) which can be overpowering in photos.

For example:

• Florals & soft stripes: Mom and daughter in soft floral dresses, while Dad and son wear solid neutrals with small pinstripes or texture
• Gingham or tiny dots: A gingham dress for Mom and a matching gingham shirt for daughter, with the rest of the family in complimenting solids

Tiny patterns on a few of our family members add texture and depth without clashing or taking over the whole image.