Family Photo Fashion

This year, I decided to be proactive and get the family Christmas photo wagon on the road. Last year we put it off until the first week of  December. It all worked out. The pictures were taken, the Christmas cards were sent but I’m all for getting items off my plate early.

I’m all for coordinated attire too so before the photos can happen, someone (that’s me) has to pick it all out.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am not an overly stylish person. I’m not trendy. My wardrobe is on the classic/basic side of things. I don’t spend a lot of money on clothing and, besides church, holidays, date night and special events, my outfits are very simple. Sometimes I wonder if I would dress differently if my life didn’t include the possibility of soggy food bits and runny noses getting wiped on my clothing throughout the day. I’ve come to the conclusion that it wouldn’t. I would still dress in my simple sort of way.

This does not mean that I don’t love clothes and enjoy dreaming up clothing boards for myself and the family. With sites like Polyvore, it is down right addicting to click click click, creating board after board of fab outfits. For the boards I’m sharing below, it was easier to save the clothing items to my desktop and create my own boards in my photo editing program.

First up is mine. Layered sweaters on top, (here and, a similar one, here), a wintery skirt with a skinny belt, tights, boots and boot socks. I’m going to try to make the boot socks and the style of boot I get will depend on what is most comfortable and ‘me’ when I go to the store.

Next is for MJ. His is the most apt to change. I don’t like picking out clothes for him because he is rather particular on what he will and will not wear. Really, this board was for me to feel like I wasn’t ignoring him. :) Patterned shirt, jacket (sold out), canvas belt (similar) and jeans. The surprise will be what he actually wears. Haha!

Then there is Love Bug. The unicorn print dress with a tailored jacket and scarf, with tights to keep her legs warm. I want a red shoe for her but have yet to find one I really like and brown is more practical. :) In addition to making a red infinity scarf for her, I am making a red hair accessory too.

Finally Sweet J, the easiest of them all. Plaid shirt and pullover, khaki pants (similar) and shoe. The only thing we are purchasing is the blue pull-over, the rest of the pieces we already have. Depending of the temp, I might throw a hat on him like last year.

If you are working on the same stuff, here are a few tips from my unfashionable self to you:

1. Find a color scheme or clothing item you really like and build from there.

I found the navy blue unicorn print dress for Love Bug on super clearance and just knew that everything else would go from there. I chose coordinating colors and went about finding pieces to work for the rest of the group. Your starting point might be a  favorite sweater or scarf or maybe the cutest pair of shoes. It could also be a color scheme. I love the site Design Seeds. It is page upon page of color stories. Find one you like and get to work.

2. First check the closets.

You won’t know if you have all you need unless you check. New clothes are fun but it might be unnecessary. Maybe you already have most of the big pieces and all you need are a few accessories. Just check first.

3. Choose items you and your family can wear beyond the photo day.

It’s just fiscally responsible.

I am a sucker for glossy magazine ads and the gorgeous images on Pinterest. But then I remember that, 1.) I have a tight budget to work with and 2.) my line of work does not discriminate between more spendy and less spendy clothing, all clothing is subject to foreign goo. In addition to not being fashionable, I detest shopping. My hope is that each item I purchase lasts until I die so that I don’t have to go in search of that item again. I’m not even kidding a little bit. :) Haha! When I buy something, I want to be able to wear it in my every day life or I don’t want it to take up my space.

4. Do your homework.

I do most of my shopping online. Combined with my distaste for it, shopping with two children is a good way to cause brain melt. But online shopping affords one quick comparison shopping in style, color and price, all from the comfort of the couch. The good thing I’ve noticed is that there is a trickle-down from the higher end lines. The materials and the quality might not be the same but usually there are affordable options of the styles. Plus, there is always the handmade option.

5. Mix and match textures, layers and patterns.

Layers of different textures and finishes and patterns add interest and depth to the look. Do watch for an overuse of patterns. Too many different patterns could look chaotic.

6. Ask a stylish friend or family member to review your ideas.

In light of my stylish shortcomings, I like to get the opinions of a few people who’s style I like – my mom, my sister and my cousin Danielle. With their suggestions, I refined the outfits a bit more and feel ready to get moving forward. Thank you all for your help!!

7. Remember, the most important part is being together in a photo as a family.

Even if your group wears brown paper sacks, in the end, there will be photos of smiling people together with one heck of a story. It’s fun to coordinate clothing but it’s definitely not necessary. Don’t let the wardrobe keep you from getting photos taken. Being together is most important.

Do you get everyone together for a holiday picture? How do you plan what you all wear?

Take care.