Close up of two people holding hands wearing blue and beige clothing with delicate floral details.

Styling Guide

Lets curate beautiful memories
A couple embraces in a grassy field on a sunny day, with her wearing a blue floral dress and him in a gray shirt.
Welcome In

Let's Talk Coordination

Your session is just around the corner, and I’m so excited to welcome you into the ALP family.


Thoughtful styling is at the heart of what makes my portraits feel timeless. Whether you're pulling from your own closet or borrowing from mine, this guide will help you prepare for a beautifully cohesive look—with ease.


Let this part be fun, inspiring, and simple.

What To Wear



Thoughtful styling brings your images to life—and helps you feel your very best.

Here are my tried-and-true guidelines for choosing timeless, beautiful looks for your session.

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match



Did you find a sundress that makes you feel beautiful after a day of caring for everyone else?

Wear it. You deserve to feel radiant.


From there, pull one or two soft tones from your outfit and

build the rest of the family’s wardrobe around them.


  • For example, if you're wearing a light blue dress, your husband might wear navy pants with a white button-down. Children can wear simple, neutral layers in coordinating shades.
  • The goal is to blend beautifully, not match perfectly.


A group stands together on a white balcony overlooking a serene lake on a sunny summer day.
A couple wearing light-colored clothing embraces in an outdoor setting with blurred floral background.
Loving parents share tender moments with their newborn baby in a series of connected portrait photos.

2. Choose Pastels or Neutral Tones



Soft tones photograph beautifully in natural and studio light. Some of my favorite palettes include:

  • Blush, dusty rose, light blue, sage, cream, dove gray, khaki, and linen
  • For larger families, pick a “color family” like pastels or neutrals and mix soft variations within it

3. Texture Over Pattern



Textures like linen, knits, cotton, or gauze add quiet interest without overwhelming your portraits.

  • If you choose a pattern, keep it classic—like small florals or subtle plaids
  • Only one family member should wear a print; the rest should be in coordinating solids
  • Avoid bold and busy patterns, or large logos—they distract from connection

4. Dress for the season

Spring & Summer



Lightweight dresses, pastel hues, floral prints, and simple sandals photograph effortlessly. Add a sweet bow or a textured headband for little ones.

Fall & Winter


Layer up with cozy knits, cardigans, and cozy tones. A beautiful cardigan over a dress can be the perfect addition to the season.

A couple stands together against a gray wall sharing a loving moment with their newborn baby wrapped in white.
Family figures walk together on grassy hilltop during autumn with golden trees in background.

6. What to Avoid



The colors you wear play a huge role in the final look of your images. I recommend avoiding:

  • Bright or neon colors (like hot pink, red, or orange)
  • Large logos or graphics
  • Trendy patterns that may date your images


These bold elements can overpower the subtle beauty of your session and draw attention away from the people in the frame.

But Annie...



I'm 30 weeks pregnant and nothing fits anymore....

I'm 3 weeks postpartum and a tight zipper is not what I want to think about right now...

It's 2am and I am scrambling on LTK and Amazon to find something for my newborn while I'm feeding her....

I have three boys of different ages and want them to coordinate but they have totally different personalities...

I have a perfect dress for my daughter but no idea what anyone else should wear....


Well..... I have been there too!


Being a mama myself, I know how daunting it can feel to pick out coordinating outfits for everyone,

so I decided to do some of that searching for you!

Here are some ideas to get you started.


If you also find something perfect to coordinate, send it to me

and I would love to include it here for other clients as well.

 

Amazon List

 

For Kids

 

SHOPMY

 

Outfits for Everyone

 

Amazon List

 

For Newborns

 

The Portrait Closet

Let's Make this easy
Delicate white and pastel dresses hanging on a gold clothing rack against a white wall in an ombre color arrangement.

The closet is filled with carefully curated pieces for mothers and children. Each garment has been selected for comfort, movement, and soft, timeless beauty.

  • Dresses for mothers in flattering, neutral tones
  • Rompers, linen sets, and dresses for little ones
  • Gentle textures, layered neutrals, and classic silhouettes
  • All pieces are cleaned and steamed for your session


The items are currently available to Studio Sessions and

Custom Collections

Enter the Closet

The Heirloom

Closet

FOr Your little ones
Delicate white smocked baby dress with puff sleeves and pastel floral embroidery hanging on grey hanger.

The closet is filled with carefully curated pieces for children. Each garment has been selected for its timeless style.

  • Dresses for little girls
  • Rompers and sets for boys
  • Gentle textures and classic silhouettes
  • All pieces are cleaned and steamed for your session


The items are currently available to Studio Sessions and Heirloom Collections

Enter the Closet

What Photographs Beautifully in the Studio



The studio space is softly lit and minimally styled to keep the focus on your connection.


Here’s what looks especially beautiful:

  • Light, neutral colors: ivory, oat, cream, linen, soft blush, pale blues, sage
  • Natural textures: linen, cotton, gauze, knits
  • Movement: twirly skirts, relaxed fit dresses, flowy fabrics
  • Avoid: bold logos, dark colors, neons, tight-fitting synthetic fabrics
Two young children in white bows sit together on a light-colored couch while holding and gazing at a small baby.
A tender moment between mother and sleeping newborn baby against white background with blue floral accents.
A woman in a blue striped dress lifts and plays with a baby wearing white against a light background.
A couple sharing an intimate moment while holding their newborn baby between them.

Hair & Makeup

Styling Guidance



When it comes to your hair and makeup, the most important thing is that you feel like yourself—elevated, confident, and radiant. A little extra care in this area can beautifully complement the effort you’ve put into styling and wardrobe.



Hair


Consider the season and setting of your session:

  • If we’re shooting in warm or humid weather, choose a style that embraces softness and movement—beachy waves, loose braids, or romantic updos all photograph beautifully.
  • If you’ve always wanted to try a polished updo or a sleek blowout, this is the perfect occasion to visit your favorite stylist and ensure it stays in place.


Above all, be realistic about what feels best for you. Look back at past photos—what hairstyles made you feel the most confident? What looked timeless and effortless?



Makeup


Your makeup should enhance your natural features and complement your outfit. If you're wearing a soft dress in a light, airy studio or garden setting, a dark smoky eye may feel out of place.

  • Coordinate your makeup with the overall tone of your outfit—think soft, neutral, and natural.
  • If applying your own makeup, define your eyes slightly more than usual, especially with mascara or natural false lashes—this ensures your eyes remain the focal point in camera.
  • A soft flush on the cheeks and a moisturizing lip color in blush, nude, or rose always photographs well.


Always feel free to ask for my Make Up Artist and Hair Styling vendor recommendations

A family poses together on a stone path surrounded by vibrant fall foliage and garden landscaping.
A couple in casual fall attire shares a loving moment with their baby outdoors during golden hour.
Young children in casual attire playing and hugging together on a garden path with blooming pink flowers nearby.

You are not expected to show up looking “perfect.”


Your children don’t need to pose or perform. Come as you are—we’ll do the rest.

I’m so honored to photograph your family.


Warmly,


Annie