Hey friends, let’s talk about how to help the boys in the family when it’s cold outside and the clothing you’ve chosen might not be an ideal fit for that temperature.  I posted about how to help girls, so let’s switch gears and talk about boy clothing (which I know a whole lot more about since I’m a boy mom!)  Here’s the post for girls, in case you missed it.

It does depends on what you’re starting with, but a lot of these suggestions will work with multiple starting points.  Let’s say you chose a button-up for your son to wear like this.

From Gap.

This is a great, classic plaid and would be so easy to coordinate with the rest of the family.  It’s a win-win in my book.  If it is 50 degrees and you think little Luke is going to be happy wearing a thin cotton button-up shirt and pants, I hate to break it to you, but you’re mistaken.  It is somewhat age dependent (a 9 year old can tough it out better than a 3 year old), but neither of them will be thrilled if that’s all they have to wear.  Let’s add some layers and make everyone happy!  Keep reading for ideas.

Add an undershirt.

From Old Navy.

This is probably the simplest idea, and you may already have this in his closet.  Add a long sleeve solid color shirt under whatever he is wearing.  The extra layer will warm him up and help cut the chill.  Old Navy has really inexpensive, soft options.

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Add a vest, jacket, or sweater.

Jacket from Lands End.

Green sweater from Gap.

Vest from Gap.

Navy sweater from Gap.

Lots of sweater styles could work here– V-neck, cardigan, etc.  I would not do a crew neck because we’d barely be able to see the pattern of the shirt.  Several colors of vests/jackets/sweaters could also work with the button-up I shared above– navy, hunter green, brown, and mustard yellow, to name a few.  I generally prefer sweaters with texture or extra details (buttons, pockets, etc), but I included a simple V-neck to show you one that would work if that appeals more to you.  I assume this goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway– the jean jacket only works if he is not wearing jeans as pants.  I’d recommend something different, pants-wise, if you go the jean jacket route– khakis, brown corduroy, green chinos, etc.

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Wear tall/thicker socks.

From Lands End.

I know this sounds so silly, but think with me for a minute.  When we are bundling up our kids to send them outside to play in the snow, what do we do?  We layer tall socks!  This particular pair I linked above are actually boot socks that are designed to keep in heat.  If you do opt to change up his socks, please verify that the color will work… throwing on a random pair of soccer or baseball socks because they’re tall may not look good.  Assume that I will be able to see his socks in photos since we’ll do some sort of seated pose. These gray socks could definitely work with some pant colors.  If you’re going to stick with normal socks, pick a taller style and not an ankle cut.

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Wear long underwear or look for lined pants.

Khaki and navy pants from Gap.

Gray pants from Hanna Andersson.

Jeans from Lands End.

We aren’t going to see the lining in the photos because you can fold the cuffs down.  They just do that for the display images so you can see what the lining looks like.  It being there helps your little guy stay warm.  If you want him to wear something already in his closet, just layer a pair of long underwear underneath.  If you want to go the long underwear route, since you’d be able to wear those if we happen to get any snow, my boys have always liked the ones that Lands End makes.

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Final idea: add a cute hat or scarf. 

Solid colors are best for these if you have chosen a patterned shirt like the one I started with in this post.  If you do a couple of these ideas I’ve mentioned, your little guy will appreciate it (and I will, too!)  I honestly think photos look amazing when people are layered up, so bring on the vests!

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All right, friends, that was fun (I always enjoy an excuse to window shop for clothes!), and I sure hope it was helpful, too.

XOXO,

Elizabeth

Hey friends, let’s talk about clothes for your shoot when the temperature changes. Tennessee decided that today would be the day it would feel like fall (high of 83 yesterday to a high of 68 today), so this seems like a really appropriate conversation to have.  We don’t all end up with mid 60’s-low 70’s and sun for shoots in October and November.  Tennessee has really weird weather that can be unpredictable, and it is important that you be able and willing to flex the clothing you choose for your session, too.  There are several ways to do it, so keep reading!

Let’s say you have your heart set on this adorable dress for your little one.

From Tea Collection.

So cute, right?  This would be an awesome pattern to introduce into a group, and y’all know how I feel about having 1-2 great patterns for family groupings.  Let’s say it is 50 degrees the day of your session.  If you leave your precious girl in this and just her little Mary Janes, she will be cold and grumpy, which, as you’d imagine, is not a good look for photos.  If she is grumpy, you will be grumpy, and your photographer will be… ahem.  I think you see where I’m going with this.  What to do?

Add a jacket or cardigan.  This dress would look adorable with a jean jacket. If you go the jacket route, make sure it doesn’t scream “outerwear” ie it isn’t a random fleece.

From Gap.

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Add leggings or tights.  If the weather is cold, try to go with leggings instead of tights since they are thicker and would provide more warmth.

From Tea Collection.

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A 3rd option: add BOTH a jacket and leggings.  If it is in the 50’s outside, she will appreciate it during our 30-60 minutes together.  I’ll appreciate it, too, because it means she is less likely to be uncomfortable. 

This is so stinkin’ cute.  I need someone to wear it to a session this fall, please.

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Add a slip or tanktop under the dress.

This would not be visible, would it would add another layer and would not take away from the outfit visually.

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One final option: add a cute (but warm) hat.  Some outfits could even work with a scarf.

From Gap.

What’s a better way to show you’re taking fall photos than with cute cold weather accessories? This hat with the big pom-pom would look adorable on a Christmas card!

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All right, friends, that was fun (I always enjoy an excuse to window shop for clothes!), and I sure hope it was helpful, too.  Next up… boy’s edition.

XOXO,

Elizabeth