You’ve booked your Holiday portrait session for 2010 (go you!) and even thought about your holiday card designs.  Now comes the dreaded question: “what on earth are we going to wear”?  I can’t tell you how often I hear that question.  We send wardrobe advice in all of our welcome packages, but I’m a visual person, and I know sometimes it helps to see something put together for inspiration!  The best Holiday portraits, or any portraits for that matter, are the ones that allow individual personalities to shine through.  Family members outfits should be coordinated but not “uniform.”  Choose items for the entire family as if you were creating one outfit.  If all of your choices were somehow on one person, would they look good together?

If portraits are outdoors, it is important that children are dressed warmly.  Chattering teeth and purple lips do not make for good portraits.  Trust me, I’ve dragged my daughter into the freezing cold in an adorable outfit only to be very disappointed with the images.  Layering is a great way to keep children warm and fashionable.  Make sure coats are clean and co-ordinate with their outfits or dress them in layers including tanks, long-sleeves, cardigans, scarfs and hats.  Throw some tights or thermals under those pants if you need to!

Many photographers post wardrobe advice on their websites and blogs and I’ve always loved reading their advice.  This week, I’ve decided to share what I would pick for family portraits this fall.  I think it is perfect timing for all of the holiday portrait sessions coming up (including 9 families tomorrow!)  All of these selections come from one of my favorite stores (and the creator of the credit card bill my husband curses the most each month… hehe love you hunny):  The Gap.

Lets start with mom!  Belt a flowing sweater (I have this one in love it!) at the waist, pair it with skinny jeans and your favorite boots (so in this fall!) and top off with a colorful scarf!

Dad:  Pair gray cords or dress pants, with a colorful v-neck and rugby stripe scarf.  He probably has this stuff in his closet already!

Baby Girl:  STOP IT RIGHT NOW!  I have a baby clothes shopping addiction.  I’m loving the faux fur this season.  Layer all the classics she’s sure to wear all season with a few trendy items.

Baby Boy:  Love this stuff for the little man.  Cords are a must for cozy style.  Dress them up for the holidays or down for play time.

Girl:  For your little fashionista!  Again, I love lots of layers for girls.  Fur accents, knee high boots, and fingerless gloves are all looks she’ll love.

Boy:  He’ll be thrilled to wear his jeans and you can dress them up with a polo and pea coat!

That’s what I would put together from just one store!  I hope this shows you how many options are out there.  Chances are, you could pull a lot of these items from your closets and simply purchase a few accent pieces to really pull it all together!  Happy Shopping!