So, you read through the FAQ's and still couldn't decide what to wear huh? Well, never fear! Thankfully I have some fashion tips for you. Take them as a grain of salt though because in the end you'll only look good in what you're comfortable in. Here we go . . .
If you are self-conscious about your:
arms- be sure to wear dark colored shirts with long sleeves that at least go to your elbow if not all the way down to the wrist or even a little beyond the wrist. This helps to elongate arms making them look firm and skinny . . . like you've been lifting dumbbells for years.
legs/hips- wear dark colored pants, jeans or skirts. If hips are an issue make sure pants are a little past the ankle and not at all tapered. They must be more of the "boot cut" or "flared" style. Pants like these help to minimize the hips and elongate the legs making individuals look skinner and more toned. Be sure pants do not have any of those pockets on the sides that are cut at a diagonal. Pockets like those always add pounds to hips. Skirts should be A-line cut (skinny at the top, widening as it goes down) or pencil style but definitely not sack style. Sack style jean skirts and such make every person look very large like a tree trunk-- never a good thing. Finally, wear shoes with heels of some sort: high heals, pumps, wedges whatever. Each helps to tighten the leg and hip muscles instantly creating a leaner look.
backside- make sure pants have pockets on the backside. Jeans and pants without pockets there automatically make the backside look a lot larger than it really is. Detail on the pockets like rhinestones or cool stitching is always a good bet!
bust- cover the cleavage. Many women think cleavage makes them look skinner or more flattering but in fact it usually makes them look larger all the way around. A small bust size usually looks good in v-neck and circular cut shirts. Fuller bust sizes usually look better in square neck, wrap shirts and some v-necks as long as, again, the cleavage is mostly if not completely covered. Button down shirts look great on every size and shape as long as they are fitted properly in the waste (not too loose, not too tight) and there aren't pulling marks across the bust line or belly. The popular button down shirt coupled with a belt or ribbon tie of some sort at, below, or above the waste paired with a great pair of jeans or pencil skirt always works well. That type of outfit seems to flatter most shapes.
belly- make sure shirts aren't too tightly fitted, especially t-shirts. Also, make sure the shirt comes below the waste a few inches so as to elongate the body and cover the top of pants, shorts or skirt. Dresses should be empire wasted (seam line just below the bust). This again elongates the body and basically erases the belly. Jackets should fall below the waist to help elongate this area as should sweaters but both should also be fitted properly to the body and not at all baggie or too clingy.
calves- make sure that dresses and skirts go to the bottom of the knee or all the way to the ankle and wear heels or wedged shoes. Heels always make womens legs tighter and skinner looking. Opt away from capris pants--they tend to enlarge the calves and shorten the torso as a whole making women look squatting and wide . . . not what any of us are going for.
That's about it for clothing options. Keep in mind that accessories are GREAT for pictures . . . jackets, coats, sweaters, purses, jewelry, fun shoes, earrings, hair things like flowers, head bands, barrettes, clips etc. All give more character and personality to your pictures. Make sure you wear your hair in a flexible style too-- that way we can play a little with it and change up your pictures a bit.
Other thoughts:
In regards to children, keep in mind that they always look amazing in bright colors and layers. Consider bringing a favorite toy or daddy's uniform along. If they have a favorite sport or musical instrument, bring it too. Also consider costumes,dress-up clothes, fun shoes, stuffed animals, funky umbrellas, and anything else that will bring out your child's personality, character and style.
If you are battling a pimple or 3, Crest Regular Toothpaste will do the trick. I don't know why but if you put a little of that on your zit at night it will almost be completely gone by morning. However, don't settle for any other type of crest toothpaste. It's crazy but only the original regular kind does the trick. I know it's gross but I also recommend NOT washing your face at night, it will dry your skin out and make you more prone to break-outs. Trust me, I had acne like no other as a kid. Try it for yourself and see if it works. In the end, if all else fails we always have Photoshop . . . thank goodness!
Want another crazy household fix that has nothing to do with photo shoots (see, now I'm on a roll)? If you get a stain on a clothing item use hair gel to get it out. I use the generic Wal-Mart brand because it's so cheap. It takes out strawberry, grass, mud and other stains in just a quick moment. Simply squirt a little on the stain, scrub the fabric with itself and Voila! The stain is gone. Another magical solution I will never understand.
Okay, here's my final tip for reals . . . or at least for now. Got a cooking oil stain on your shirt or pants? Never fear. Simply squirt some "Joy" brand dish soap with lemon on it (other brands with lemon might work as well), scrub it in a little and then pour super hot water (almost boiling if not boiling) water on it. Wash as normal and happily the oil will be gone. Yippeee!!! Now your clothes are in tip-top shape for your photo session. Let's go!