Now that you have some ideas for what everyone might wear, the next question is: Where do you actually find it all?
The good news is that you probably don’t need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for your session. There are lots of ways to pull together outfits, and I actually encourage you to start with the options that already exist in your closet or community.
1. Start with your own closet.
This is always my first choice. Take a good look through your closets before you start shopping. You may already have a favorite dress, a great pair of pants, or the perfect sweater that gives you a starting point.
Once you have a few pieces you love, you can build the rest of the outfits around them. Sometimes all you need is one or two additional pieces to pull everything together.
And don’t forget to look beyond the clothes you wear regularly. Maybe there’s a dress you bought for a wedding, a sweater you haven’t worn in years, or something your kids have only worn a few times. Your session might be the perfect reason to bring those pieces back out.
2. Borrow or thrift.
If you need something you don’t already own, see what you can find secondhand before buying new. Ask a friend if you can borrow a dress or sweater, organize a clothing swap, or check out your local thrift and consignment stores.
Kids especially grow so quickly that secondhand clothing can be a great option for pieces they may only wear for a short time. And sometimes those are the places where you’ll find the most unique pieces!
3. Consider renting.
Renting can be a great option if you want something special for your session but don’t necessarily need another dress hanging in your closet afterward.
There are rental services for both adults and children, and it’s a fun way to try a style you might not otherwise buy. It can also be especially helpful if you’re looking for something a little more formal or distinctive.
4. Buy something new.
Of course, sometimes buying something new is exactly what makes sense. If you find a piece you love and know you’ll wear again and again, I think it’s absolutely worth the investment.
Look for well-made pieces that fit your everyday style rather than something you’ll only wear for photos. A beautiful dress, classic sweater, or great pair of pants can become a favorite long after your session is over.
When you do shop new, I like the idea of thinking beyond just this one photo session. Will you wear it again? Does it work with things you already own? Is it something you’ll reach for next year, too?
There isn’t one right way to source your family’s outfits. Start with what you have, use what you can borrow or find secondhand, consider renting something special, and buy new when it makes sense.
The goal isn’t to create a completely new wardrobe for your family. It’s to pull together pieces you love so everyone feels comfortable, confident, and like themselves in your photos.
And if you need help putting it all together, I’m always happy to help you brainstorm!
If you missed Part 1, I’ve also put together a guide with tips for choosing what to wear for your family photos, including color, patterns, textures, and coordinating everyone’s outfits. Here’s a link to my Wardrobe Guide | Part 1: What to Wear for Family Photos.