How to dress your lil’ Valentine

Did you get your Christmas card out last year?

We didn’t.

As a photographer, it seems that by the time I am done shooting and editing everyone else’s Christmas card photo- Christmas has already come and gone. So, we have started a tradition in our family of sending out Valentine cards instead. Phew! What a way to take the pressure off during those holiday seasons! And I actually really look forward to it!

 Now the question I always get asked is, “What should we wear?”

So,  let me tell you what works for me.

First and foremost choose a color scheme!  This can be the hardest thing to narrow down, and I recommend starting out by looking to see what you already have in your closet.

Still need help?

One website I love is www.Pantone.com-  for finding color schemes and inspiration for upcoming year. {Go here to find a 2012 color trend and my inspiration for this look}  It is important to have colors that are complimenting and blend well together. Avoid wearing too much white- that can be difficult to photograph and often gets blown out.

Next,  spread out your options on the ground so you can stand back and see how they look together. Snap a shot if you have to and see how it photographs.

Solids tend to photograph the best {less distracting} but I recommend throwing in some pattern or texture here and there {not overboard} to make it interesting. Also, avoid any logo shirts- {who wants a big “GAP” logo across the front to distract from the person’s face?}

If possible avoid matching completely. {i.e. all white shirts with the same shade of denim pants- no bueno}  The goal is to create a variety and a photo where your eyes naturally  go across the page with a nice flow.

 Have more than one outfit choice in mind. You may find that you like one better than the other. Here, I decided to add a sweater to the yellow plaid shirt- just in case the plaid ended up being distracting. I never know until I see the photo. And do you want to know something cool? Part of the collar  detaches so it creates a whole new look!! I heart you Zara kids.

Now, I have to confess that my Mister Valentine is the final piece to this puzzle. Although he is not in the photo, his outfit would pull a lot more grey and beige (neutral colors) with a speck of a bright complimentary color to offset the yellow. So, I would do a tan sports coat or jacket,  grey jeans, and bright bow tie (perhaps in the bright red family?)

Do you want to know the best part…I didn’t pay full price on a single one of these items. It’s true.

My outfit:

Blue Blouse: Target 75% off Clearance rack

Lace Skirt: Zara (Clearance rack)

Shoes: Steve Madden from Ross

Yellow Sweater: Zara (on Sale)

Grey tights: Free from online order my husband made read this post

Earings: Thrift Store- they were $1

Belt: Grandma’s closet

Bracelet: Banana Republic Outlet (on clearance because missing a jewel)

Little Man’s Outfit:

Plaid Shirt: Zara Kids- (clearance rack)

Shoes: Gap Outlet (additional 40% off of that)

Blue Sweater: Zara Kids Sale (50% off)

Grey jeans: Gap Outlet (clearance rack)

Polo socks: Tjmaxx

For additional “out takes” and what “not to do” in your family photo session- visit me at: www.weedstowishes.com  AND www. trulymodlydeeply.com

Happy Valentine’s Day!

xo