Elliebelle’s, LaGrange Georgia

How stressful is wardrobe choice for portraits on a scale of 1-10? It’s different for everyone, but many people I talk to would rate choosing clothes for pictures as a 6-8. The more people you have to choose for or the more wardrobe changes you have to make definitely impact that rating! Today, I want to give some tips for building a Senior Portrait wardrobe so that you don’t have to worry if what you’ve chosen is right. Graycen, my built in model, and I went to our local boutique Elliebelle’s and played all morning to come up with looks to showcase “what to wear!” Without delay, here’s what we found!

Ensemble 1. This two piece skirt set screams summer and field frolicking! It’s a beautiful pale blue that works with many skin tones and we added a sun hat and some pretty pearl earrings and necklace. Why does this work? 1. The smocking at on the top adds a definitive waist and keeps the flowy feel. One mistake we often make in portraits in today’s style is going too flowy. When you flatten that in a 2D photo, it can make someone look larger than they are or out of proportion. Having clothes fit in flattering places is always a plus. 2. The solid color is soft and draws attention to Graycen and not her clothes. Be careful of loud patterns! 3. The hat is a fun accessory! Even if you aren’t a hat person, you can bring one. They make great silhouettes. They can be worn for the look or held so you have something to do with your hands if you are feeling unsure of yourself. Win, Win!

Ensemble 2. These pink tweed shorts were giving major Legally Blonde vibes!! We paired it with a fitted bodysuit with ruffle straps and accessorized with platform sandals, gold bee earrings, and a silk headscarf. Why it works: 1. Fit, fit, fit. The fitted bodysuit keeps her shape showing and the shorts flow naturally into it. 2. Textures are all mixed with the tweed, the soft ribbed bodysuit, and the silk. That keeps it from being too flat and gives it interest. 3. Those accessories ROCK! If you can be comfortable in bold hair accessories, it’s so fun! The headscarf is a little retro and this would be so fun with a little wind action going on. Added Bonus: The scarf can also go around the neck and even around the waist to tweak the look – just add huge sunglasses!

2b. Change the top, change the look. This top had a simple pattern with the right pink to just change it up enough. I usually advise people to be careful with pattern, but something that is not too loud or busy can be a nice touch.

Ensemble 3. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Woah! Neither of us expected to love this as much as we did. The leaf green peplum top with clean white flare jeans and huge beaded earrings. It ended up being so “dressed” and special feeling! The Best Parts: 1. That TOP! This one hits all the right elements. It has color, shape, and interest. The V shape in the neckline and ruffle sleeves paired with the peplum makes her waist look tiny! 2. The jeans are classic. You can change the top and dress them down with a rock and roll tshirt and gold jewelry. 3. The earrings are spot on for this. The color is perfect and they hold their own with the top without fighting with it. Don’t be afraid to go bolder than normal in jewelry for portraits. It helps it show up.

So to recap, the main things to pay attention to is:

1. Fit
2. Interest (without overpowering)
3. Accessories

And mainly something that makes you feel great! We had so much fun and this is only half of what we came up with! I will have to do a Part 2, so stay tuned and let me know what your favorite is!

Thank you to Holly at Elliebelle’s for letting us come crash and play! You’re the best!