Coordinating outfits for your session can seem like an overwhelming task but I find that following some loose guidelines can help you to narrow in on your vision and make choosing your outfits less stressful!

My #1 Rule: Be Comfortable and Be Able to Move Around! Please prioritize the movement of your garments. No matter what style or color scheme you decide to go with, you want to wear something that will stay in place as you move around. While I do keep my eye out for a slipped strap, lifted shirt, or fly away hair the images that I produce are a result of action. Consider clothing that also provide movement in your photos, this adds a special element that can not be produced without the right outfits.

Some ideas to consider:

For the ladies: think long, flowy dresses or skirts that will allow you to move without being self-conscious.
For the guys: blazers and nice sweaters add more dimension than just a dress shirt.
For the kiddos: make sure outfits will stay in place as your kids are moving & playing, there is not much cuter than a bowtie on a little boy or formal dress on a little girl (in my humble opinion!), always a good idea to bring a spare outfit in case something happens between the time you get ready and the time of your session.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable to walk in, as I will have you move and walk a bit.
Make sure that you can raise your arms, walk, spin, and sit comfortably. Your outfits will be photographed as is, so it is important to choose something that reflects you and will photograph well.

Other considerations:

Avoid large logos or writing that may be distracting in your photographs.
Consider the location - Do you want your outfit to be part of your story or to be part of the atmosphere?

Don't shy away from colors or patterns, as long as they compliment what others are wearing.
Accessorize! Big hats, fun jewelry, and scarves are fun to photograph.
Dress up a bit more than normal if you're comfortable.
Above all else: bring your personalities into your outfits! You will want to look back on your photos and feel like you see yourself.

Some Special Circumstances:

Maternity Gowns should be comfortable and fitted in all the right places. You want to flaunt off that baby bump so that when you look back on those images you get a real sense of what your pregnancy felt like.
New mamas will likely be most comfortable in something loose fitting. A nursing top with a cozy cardigan or an oversized sweater are great staple pieces to start with. Solid colors help to keep the focus on baby and those sweet newborn details.
For newborns, I am a huge fan of simple onesies or even just a diaper! Their bodies changes SO quickly in that first year. A sweet headband for baby girls can be a nice addition. Special swaddle blankets or heirloom outfits can also be incorporated.
Wedding Gowns should fit well and allow you to move freely without worrying about any shifting. Of most concern is typically the chest and straps of the dress. Be sure that you would feel comfortable and confident from several angles in your dress and give yourself plenty of time for alterations if needed!

Where do I start?

Consider the style of your home and the colors you wear most often. How would those colors look hanging on your walls? Is there a specific spot you envision these photos being displayed after the session? Choose one focus color and then build outfits with complementary colors for your family members. I typically suggest to prioritize mom’s outfit so that she can wear something she feels comfortable and confident in. However, if you have a child with strong opinions, keeping the little ones happy about what they are wearing will help your session start on the right foot!
Once you have chosen your focus color (navy blue, for example) look for a complementary color scheme for your inspiration (for example, white, brown, and mustard yellow). If you’re having trouble figuring out what color scheme might match your vision, try looking at paint swatches or looking up color groupings on Pinterest for a starting point. You can always send me what you’re thinking about and I can answer any questions you may have.
Next, go through your family’s wardrobe and pull out the articles of clothing that fall into your color scheme, are flattering/fit well, and that you would consider for your photo session. Alternately, you can do this step first and see if any color schemes just out to you as a starting point.
Have everyone try on the outfit you have chosen for them a week or so prior to the session to ensure that it fits as you thought it would. There is sure to be added stress if you find out on photo day that the outfit you had carefully chosen no longer fits like it used to! If things do not fit as expected, this gives you time to look for an alternate outfit or go shopping!

Below are some great inspiration shots of outfits and color schemes that have worked well in past sessions.