Photo Ready Closet, Winter 2023 Target Edition
The last time I booked a lifestyle session for my family, I searched and searched my closet. What to wear that looks comfortable, relaxed, but not like I am wearing pajamas? I pulled out sweater after sweater, top after top, pant after pant. Fast forward to a mountain of clothes on my bed and me feeling defeated, why did I not own a single thing that fit well together? And if it’s that difficult for ME, how am I going to get my kids to match the style?
I ended up buying a few new, and low cost, outfits for us to be photo-ready any time, any day. We’re talking $5 jeans. Yup. And $15 sweaters. Now, I hit my local thrift store every few weeks to find these perfect textures and styles so I’m ready no matter what we might do at a price we can afford.
You never know when you might want to wear something nice but comfortable and something that photographs well. You know what I mean: something that could be in a magazine. And it made me realize that most people probably aren’t photo-ready either. So, I hit my favorite store—Target, duh!— and saved some inspirational ideas for you that are affordable, easy and quick, would pair nicely with anything, AND, most importantly, look wonderful in photographs.
Don’t forget to stick around for the end, when I tell you how to pair these outfits together, which is the single most important part.
Best Womens Outfits of 2023
Like I said, all of these images are from Target’s current collection (winter 2023), and are magazine worthy sweaters, anywhere from $15-$30.
When it comes to women’s outfits, the key is to look comfortable, relaxed, and ready for a paparazzi party.
I’m breaking down what to look for, exactly, that will bring your family photos to life.
Patterns
Look for either a solid pattern or color, or only one or two variations. Steer clear of stripes, polka dots, and the like. You’re looking for something kind of bland, but interesting in a different way.
Textures & Color
Go for more neutral palette. Neutrals look good any time of year. Bold colors are more spring and summer, and reds are more wintery. But neutrals? Anytime, any day, baby!
Fabrics
If it feels soft, it looks soft in photographs. Look for sweaters that are soft to the touch. Or, even better, look for knits. Your patterns shouldn’t be in the color variations of the sweater, but in the fabric weave. Knits and chunky weaves bring an undertone of visual interest. People will find it appealing, but it’s not overt. They won’t recognize why it’s so visually interesting, it just is.
Neck Lines
Look at the necklines. These are small things to bring in just a hint of visual interest. A couple buttons, high collar lines, and open necklines can turn an ordinary sweater into a beautiful one.
Movement
When choosing an outfit, make sure it can move. You don’t want to be confined and stuffy. Choose articles of clothing that allow for you to bend, angle, and move. If you’re feeling trapped in your sweaters, it’s time for some new ones.
Layers
When choosing an outfit, layers are important. If your top is solid or bland, the pants or skirt should stand out. Play with layering different styles and textures. Layer your colors, too.
Visual Interest
Pants with belts can help enhance and accentuate waistlines. They also add texture to a top that doesn’t have texture. But remember, texture can be overdone. So pick one, textured top, or textured bottom. A pleated skirt should have a soft cozy top. Tie pants should have a soft minimal textured top. A textured top should be paired with relaxed jeans.
Large patterns can be fun, such as the checkered pattern image here, but if you do a pattern on top, make sure your bottoms are less visually interesting.
Fit
Relaxed fit is in, ladies! That 2021 crop top style that only looks good on 18 year olds is FINALLY out. Thank God. But, you want to layer your fit. A looser top goes nicely with tighter bottoms. And this works vice versa. Loose bottoms? Go for a tighter top tucked in. Loose sweaters and tight forearms always looks nice, but the overall fit should be cohesive. Wherever the majority of the fit lies is where your other layer should be opposite, so if you choose a loose top with tight forearms, go for the tighter fitting pants. And don’t forget, your pants should fit. If you have to lay down and suck in to get those pants on, find new pants. We’re looking for tight enough for a shape, loose enough to breathe in.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
If outdoors, it’s always a good idea to bring a good hat, a pair of sunglasses, and wear jewelry. There are tons of blogs on jewelry selection, and I bet my friend Jocelyne over at Koko Avenue Handmade could give you some great tips on what to wear with each style of neckline.
Best Mens Outfits of 2023
Husbands, amiright? Mine would wear cargo shorts and a greasy tee if I’d let him. But lets be honest, they aren’t the most appreciative when it comes to outfit selections for family photos. And they almost never care to match the vibe. So, your best bet is to find something for him that is comfortable and that he will feel good in that’s neutral and breathable.
Relaxed
There’s nothing worse than a grumpy husband in a photoshoot. That’s right. I’d rather work with a room of crying infants than a grumpy dad. And often, it’s because they’re uncomfortable. So look for fits and fabrics that feel more relaxed and fun. Go for something they can throw around the kids, stretch, and move in.
Visual Interest
While you’re looking for a relaxed fit, you can tie in small elements just like you did for yourself with buttons. And men even have great selections with zippered collars. Even a long sleeve tee looks good on a man if it’s free of pockets and feels soft. Stick to a solid color here, try not to choose varying colors on his top. If you’re wearing neutral colors, feel free to put him in something bolder or brighter. If you’re wearing patterns, stick to neutral sands, beige, off-white, or a solid soft orange, green or blue.
Fabric
Yes, men are supposed to be hard and rough around the edges, but fashion is finally coming around to letting men feel comfort too. If it’s itchy, it’s a no-go. Also, look for textures of fabric that are smaller—no chunky knits here. but parallel small textures are fine (thinking of the pattern corduroy makes). Speaking of corduroy, an outer layer of this fabric makes for a really nice jacket and tee layered combo.
Fit
Necklines are important here, too. Not many men can pull off the V-neck look, and that’s ok. But if yours can, have at it! Your'e looking for something that fits in the midsection, isn’t too tight or too loose, and is long enough that he can put his arms up. He should not be tucking in all the way around his pants, remember, we’re going for a relaxed look here.
Are These Pants Ok?
Chances are he probably has something in his closet that will work for pants. But, there are a few things to remember for dads/husbands.
Layering Colors
What pants he should wear is dependent on his top. If he’s wearing a dark color on top, like a navy blue, a khaki is OK, but bold and colorful pant on bottom, like orange is great. If he’s wearing a bold and vibrant color on top, a more neutral or dark pant is perfect.
Fit
I have 100% had to extensively edit the pants on a man just a few too many times not to mention here. A relaxed fit with plenty of room for movement is ideal. Give him space for his, *ahem*, legs… to breathe. Thank me later.
Jeans
Jeans can be a great choice for a relaxed feel to your images. However, these should not be the mowing the yard jeans, if you catch my drift. If they pair nicely with a pair of New Balances, maybe try something else. There are great grey, black, and light-colored jean choices for men, now too.
Best Kids Outfits 2023
Kids, I feel, are easier to pair and style. I’ll quickly point out what to look for for girls, boys, babies, and toddlers. The key difference in children is that they’re expected to be a little more playful and fun than the adults.
Girls
Dresses
A dress is minimal effort. No matching bottoms needed. Dresses with ruffles on the shoulders gives an effortless texture that no one else in the family is likely to have.
Layering
Layering bold jackets over neutral tops adds bright color to your images. This is especially helpful if the rest of the family has a softer palette.
Patterns
Children can often get away with patterns that adults can’t. Stripes, for instance, are fun and playful on girls.
Some wording is fine but try not to go for anything that has images on the sweater or branding that is likely to disappear in the next couple decades. No, you cannot wear your Pokémon shirt, sorry, kid.
Color
Just like adults, you’ll want to vary how your kids tops coordinate with their bottoms. However, bolder and brighter is more visually appealing here. Bright yellows, deep greens, deep reds, can each pull the eye and give a sense of playfulness.
Accessories
Don’t forget the shoes. For kids, try to pick closed-toe shoes. Plan ahead for them running and playing. Open toed sandals in the desert probably wont be a wise choice if they’re going to be jumping, spinning, and bouncing all over the place. Boots in winter and fall and MaryJane’s or some variation of Flats in spring and summer are your go-to shoe choice. If you want, fun boots such as patterned Doc Martin’s are always a treat coupled with a more subdued outfit.
Boys
Little Men
Dress your boys like you would dress your man. Comfort is key here, too. Long sleeve tees, layered jackets, and comfortable fitting pants are perfect for family photos.
Tops
If choosing a tee, make sure the fabric is soft and it fits well. Do the arm test here, too. A basic tee that fits and looks comfortable is a great choice for little boys, stay away from photos and logos. For a more formal look, grab a tee that buttons at the neck, or, even more, a sweater with a collar and zipper.
Bottoms
If your top is dark, go for something bold and colorful on the bottom. I’m partial for the tied pants that are thinner material, allowing for movement and breathability. If you’re rocking a colorful top, khakis are a wise choice. Actually, Khakis are almost ALWAYS a wise choice. Make sure you have a pair on hand regardless of whether or not you’re about to have a family session.
Layering
Layering is great for boys as well. A jacket over a tee works very well together. If choosing a sweater, make sure the undershirt fits well with the outfit in case they want to take the outer layer off (hint: they always do).
Accessories
Just like men, boys have limited accessory options, so make sure the shoes are just right, as that will stand out. Shoes should be somewhat neutral. A white sneaker or solid color short boot are great options. Make sure it’s something they can play in and won’t be a tripping hazard. And for a final touch, a watch like dads is the perfect little accessory that goes a long way.
Babies & Toddlers
This is where you can go all out for dirt cheap. Target sells entire outfits for $20. Here’s what to look for:
Fabrics
Babies and toddlers aren’t too partial to fabrics. Do steer clear of itchy fabrics, but otherwise, the sky is the limit. Go for fabrics with built in pattern, such as knits and wool. Or softer tee styles. The key here is what looks comfortable. No one likes baby in a stuffy suit and tie, it just looks painful for them. Instead, embrace the squish.
Patterns
If no one else is wearing a pattern, baby should be! Think florals and swirls, or bold colors mixed with tiny prints. The pre-assembled outfits on sale across every baby brand are perfect combos without having to pick and choose which top goes with which bottoms.
Fit
If choosing a loose dress, add tights underneath for a layered effect. Or, for the littlest littles, put baby in an outfit that looks like PJs, such as the grey one pictured here.
Accessories
Hats, hats, and more hats! Yes, babies snatch them off, but don’t skimp on the hats. This gives littles & toddlers something to focus on to grab a quick image without them wanting to run off. It’s a distraction AND a fashionable accessory. Win-win!
Tying It All Together
BEFORE YOU BUY:
Start with your outfit and build from there. Pick something you love that makes you feel amazing. Go with the pointers above for women.
Then, pick a complimentary outfit for hubby, then the kids, and lastly baby.
Pick One Person for a Pattern
When picking an outfit with pattern, too much pattern makes for confusing and visually noisy images. So, instead, only have one person in the images wearing a patterned outfit.
Pick One or Two People to Sport a Bold Color
The base of the outfits should be bland, with one or two pops of color on one or two people. These color pops should be accessories or one article of clothing while the rest remains more muted and neutral.
Add Different Textures & Styles
If one person has buttoned neckline, one can have ruffled neckline, one a V-neck, one a Tee, and so on and so forth. Use different textures and styles and try not to repeat them too often, especially in like gendered people. If dad is wearing buttons, son should not.
Mom and Dad: Compliment Each Other
Mom and Dad are the keystones of the family, and they should wear complimentary clothing. Think of it as one cohesive outfit. If dad is wearing bold color and no-texture, mom should wear a neutral and textured top. If mom is wearing bold or patterned, dad should be muted and solid. You want the images to flow, and not to look like you’re battling on who can be the loudest in visual aesthetics.
And there you have it, folks. A one-stop shopping trip for your perfect family outfits. I recommend buying clothing that you can mix and match any-time for any occasion and have them ready, because you never know when you might need them. And, as always, if you’re a client of mine, please feel free to contact me to discuss your outfit woes anytime. I’m always here to help.