What to Wear for Heirloom Portraits: Children
Southern Charm Portraits provides clients with white vignetted formal portraits of children. Heirloom portraits are a Southern tradition and a special way to capture the beauty and innocence of childhood. They are meant to be cherished for generations to come, so it is important to choose clothing that is both timeless and flattering.
Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect outfit for your child’s heirloom portrait:
- Stick with classic styles. Avoid trendy or faddish clothing, as this will date your portrait. Instead, choose classic styles that will look timeless in years to come.
- Choose white. Patterns can be distracting in a portrait, so it is best to stick with solid colors. White is the best choice because the background and vignette on these are pure white.
- Select an outfit with a collar and sleeves. These bust portraits showcase children from the elbows and up. The focus is on their face and expression. The vignette shows the tops of shoulders, so it’s recommended to select outfit with sleeves. Short sleeves work beautifully and long sleeves would also look great too. Try to select a top that has a collar to bring the focus to the face.
- Avoid logos and graphics. Logos and graphics can be distracting in a portrait, so it is best to avoid them. If you do choose a piece of clothing with a logo or graphic, make sure it is small and understated.
- Choose comfortable clothing. Your child will be sitting still during their portrait session, so it is important to choose clothing that is comfortable. Avoid anything too tight or too loose, and make sure your child can move freely.
- Consider your child’s personality. When choosing clothing for your child’s heirloom portrait, consider their personality. If your child is outgoing and playful, you might choose a more casual outfit. If your child is more reserved and elegant, you might choose a more formal outfit.
Here are a few specific outfit suggestions for children’s heirloom portraits:
- Girls: A simple white bishop dress with a Peter Pan collar or a smocked dress.
- Boys: A button-down shirt and shorts or a sweater and pants.
- Infants: A white romper or a christening gown.
No matter what you choose, make sure the clothing you select is something that your child feels comfortable and confident in. This will help them to relax and enjoy their portrait session, and it will result in a beautiful and timeless heirloom that you will cherish for years to come.
Additional tips:
- Shop for your child’s outfit in advance. This will give you time to find the perfect pieces and avoid any last-minute stress. We recommend local classic children’s boutiques or shopping online. Check out Little Happy and Feltman Brothers
- Ask your photographer for their input. They will be able to help you choose clothing that flatters your child’s features and that looks good in the photographs.
With a little planning, you can choose the perfect outfit for your child’s heirloom portrait. This will ensure that your portrait is a timeless and cherished reminder of your child’s childhood. We hope you now feel confident in selecting what to wear for heirloom portraits!
