What to Wear for Heirloom Photos

Wondering what outfit to purchase for your child’s upcoming portrait session? You’ve come to the right post. In this post, I’ll be giving my recommendations for what to wear for Heirloom Photos!

First of all, can I just say that I’m so excited that you are considering this style of portrait for your child?

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I personally fell in love with this style of portrait when photographing my own daughters. Heirloom Photos are so simple and sweet.

• These portraits really allow you to capture the beauty of your child’s young face without distraction.
• They lend themselves so well to documenting multiple milestones through composite pieces. Or they can become a family tradition, where each child is photographed at a specific age.
• These portraits are meant to be hung on the wall and are so easy to incorporate into many home decor styles.

While heirloom photos are typically more formal in nature, many photographers have taken this style in a more casual and candid direction in recent years. When considering what to wear for heirloom photos, do know that I’m sharing my recommendations from a perspective of a photographer who leans towards the more traditional and classic Southern style.

What to Wear to Heirloom Photos: Recommended Colors

When styling heirloom photos, I guide my clients towards choosing outfits with soft, light tones. I do this for multiple reasons:

• I want the subjects face to remain the main focal point of the image. Lighter, muted tones are generally less distracting. This keeps the child’s outfit as a secondary focus.
• Light, pale colors add to an overall sense of softness and freshness in the portrait. Heirloom photos are usually taken in the baby, toddler, and early childhood years. Pastels, whites, and creams contribute to this sense of freshness and youthful sweetness.
• Solids photograph better than patterns. Narrow stripes or small checks/gingham can cause distortions in digital cameras that are sometimes nearly impossible to edit out.

When choosing what to wear to Heirloom Photos, know that baby blues, pale pinks, whites and creams are popular choices. Since these portraits are ultimately meant to be framed and displayed, consider what rooms of your home these photos will live in. If you plan to print your images in color, choose wardrobe colors that will go well with the decor of your home.

What Style of Clothing to Wear To Heirloom Photos

In my opinion, classic clothes are best for Heirloom Photo sessions. It has not been uncommon for my clients to schedule a session after a family wedding their little one participated in as a flower girl or ring bearer. They already have a perfect outfit for the session. They might as well get their use out of it!

• Embroidered and lace scalloped bubbles are popular choices for babies. They allow easy movement and feature their legs with those sweet baby rolls.
• Dresses with embroidery, smocking, or lace details are popular for girls. Also, don’t forget a bow!
• Collared short sets are a good choice for boys.
• Maybe this is a Southern thing, but shoes are definitely optional! I would say 95% of the moms I work with opt for their kiddos to go barefoot during the session.

Wondering Where to Find Outfits?

Now that we’ve covered my recommendations for what to wear for Heirloom Photos, you may be thinking, “Where can I find these outfits?” Don’t worry, I’ve got a list ready to go for you!

I promise you can find a suitable outfit at a variety of price points. I personally am never above borrowing a needed item when given the chance. It’s never a bad idea to ask around, keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace, or visit local seasonal consignment sales. Believe it or not, I’ve even had a mom purchase an Heirloom outfit from Etsy!

• Feltman Brothers is a popular line of classic children’s clothing that lends itself very well to Heirloom Photos.

• Smock Candy: Just search for “Heirloom” on their site. They offer a variety of suitable brands. Phoenix & Ren has been a popular brand with the moms I work with. Smock Candy also has created their own line of Heirloom outfits that are at a fairly reasonable price point. Click here and get $10 off your first purchase over $75. (Look for the pop up with a discount code after you click.)
• Strasburg Children is another great brand for Heirloom Photos.
• Don’t forget to check out your local children’s boutique. Many of them carry the above mentioned brands!
• Consider going vintage! My clients will frequently bring along a second outfit that belonged to mom or dad as a baby or toddler. I know my mom packed away some of the sweet little dresses I wore and we all got such joy out of seeing them used again with my daughters.

Don’t Forget About Accessories!

Your Heirloom Photo session is a great time to pull out special family mementos! As you’re planning what to wear to heirloom photos, don’t forget to think about sentimental accessories. Is there a baby bracelet you or other family members also wore as a little one? I’ve had clients bring along silver rattles, cups, necklaces, and even mirrors. What special extra touches could you bring along?

Good Luck!

I hope you’ve left this post with a better sense of what to wear for Heirloom Photos! I promise you won’t regret capturing your child is this timeless way. If you aren’t in my area, feel free to let me know how it goes! You can find me on social media here.

If you are a Photographer who wants to learn how to take Heirloom Photos, check out my full Heirloom Photography Course.

Related Post: How to Take Heirloom Portraits