What to Wear for Children's Heirloom Portraits

Heirloom portraits are photographs that are meant to be treasured and passed down in the family through generations. They capture a special moment in time and preserve it forever. When it comes to taking children's heirloom portraits, choosing the right clothing is important to set the tone for the photo.

Here are some tips on what to wear for children's heirloom portraits:

Keep it Simple

The focus of the portrait should be on the child, not on their clothing. The clothing should be subtle enough to add to the image while not detracting from the subject. Avoid busy patterns, logos, bright colors, or anything that is too distracting. No jewelry is preferred unless it's a sentimental piece. Choose solid, neutral, or pastel colors or subtle patterns that complement the child's features.

Choose Timeless Styles

Heirloom portraits are meant to be timeless, so choose clothing styles that won't go out of fashion. Stick to classic cuts, smocked, embroidered, or button-down shirts, and avoid trendy pieces that may look dated in a few years. Consider what children wore in formal photographs from the 19th and early 20th century to give you an idea of classic and timeless looks.

Coordinate Outfits

If you're taking portraits of multiple children, coordinate their outfits so that they look cohesive. This doesn't mean that they should all wear the same thing, but rather that their clothing should complement each other. For example, if one child is wearing a light blue dress, the other might wear a light blue shirt.

Consider the Setting

Think about where the portraits will be taken and choose clothing that complements the setting. For example, if the portraits will be taken in a field, choose earthy tones that complement the natural surroundings. If the portraits are in the studio on white, choose lighter-colored pastels to avoid a stark contrast in colors against the white.

Accessorize Wisely

Accessories can add a nice touch to a portrait, but be careful not to overdo it. Simple accessories like a small bow or a necklace can add a nice touch, but avoid anything that is too flashy or distracting. Jewelry will draw the eye so consider what you want the focus of the pictures to be. As a general rule the simpler the better.

Make Sure Clothing Fits Well

Clothing that is too tight or too loose can detract from the portrait. Make sure that the clothing fits well and is comfortable for the child to wear. Avoid clothing that is too big with the thought of "growing into it" as it may not fit properly in the portrait.

Ready for your heirloom photo session

Choosing the right clothing for children's heirloom portraits is important. Keep it simple, choose timeless styles, coordinate outfits, consider the setting, accessorize wisely, and make sure the clothing fits well. By following these tips, you'll be able to create beautiful portraits that will be cherished for generations to come.

Where to Buy Children's Heirloom Clothing

Click the link to find a list of local and online stores where you can buy clothing for heirloom portraits.