I often (prior to almost every session) get asked the daunting question of what to wear! I get it, I have 4 kids and with go through the same process every year. That being said, in our family we’ve done everything from sweatshirts to stilettos and although your wardrobe can elevate your photos, it cannot take away from the most important aspect of a shoot — YOU. Your energy, connection and personality is what is going to make those sweatshirts or stilettos shine.

I’ve put together some of my favorite current finds that mix and match to dress any combination of adults and kids. They’re great pieces that go far beyond summer, swap the shorts for pants, add a sweater, scarf, blazer or jacket to make these looks work year round. Dress it up, dress it down, bling it out, simplify, or make it spunky — these pieces are a great framework to add your personal style.

A few keys to good pieces include

1. Texture

This can be found in fabrics, ruffles, hems, edging, buttons, pockets, collars and sleeves. The shirt or dress may appear to be a solid color, but if you look closer the eyelet ruffle trim, wood buttons contrasting the linen fabric, or textured knitwear can add the right amount of detail and depth.

2. Layers

This idea is built off of texture, but layers of even the same color can add wonderful subtle interest. Suspenders, sweaters, overalls, cardigans, blazers, scarves, and tights are all examples of layers adding depth. Additionally if you have little ones who will be held or sitting on your lap — they are your layers!

3. Earthy tones

Earthy tones are all the rage these days but I love them because they will ALWAYS be in style. Earthy tones are muted reds, greens, blues, yellows, naturals (think creams, tans and browns). Earthy tones work best when not matched, but rather layering similar color variations together. You’ll notice on the boy grid how many versions of oatmeal or blues there are. They all work well together! Don’t be afraid to replicate the same colors of earth tones.

4. Visual interest

Even when there’s incredible texture, details, and earthy tones there’s often still a little room for some visual interest. This includes subtle patterns and small scale prints. When my kids were little I would also have my youngest baby wear the busiest clothes with patterns, the smaller body works great to give the pattern a subtle pop, and typically they get the most attention in the shoot from other family members. Visual interest is usually best done when only one or two family members (depending on your family size) wear a pattern or print.

5. Be comfortable!

A family session with me is all about connection and movement, make sure you can move in your clothes! Anything you have to pull, tug, pin, or shift probably isn’t the most ideal choice. Choose beautiful, simple comfort to help you feel your best.

6. Start with one

But where do I start? My best advice is to start with what you love and start with one person. Then build from there. I’ve noticed personally the last few times I’ve done this I’ve started with a piece for my daughter (she has the best wardrobe in our family hands down) and added complimentary pieces. don’t try to do it all at once – find something you love that really speaks to you (your son’s favorite sweater, a skirt you love, a dress for your daughter that caught your eye at the store) and then build off of that piece as a starting point.

In all likelihood you already have pieces that would work well. Don’t stress! Of course we all want to look our best, but don’t forget, YOU make the session, not the clothes.

Some of my go-to sources for photogenic clothes include Zara, H&M, Boden, Gap, Old Navy, Target, Alice and Ames, Dotti Shop, and a few other smaller local shops. In the coming weeks, I’ll post some guides for my top seasonal picks, stay tuned!