Happy Monday! And a COLD one it is! Apparently winter wanted in on the fun this weekend because it has definitely been very freezy these past few days :/
This cool weather season we are in (and the cold weather season to come) has put fashion on my mind :) I don’t love cold weather by any means, but I do appreciate all of the fun possibilities that dressing for cold weather affords you- especially when it relates to pictures!
I am always asked for suggestions on what to wear- even more so during the Fall & Winter months because folks may want to take pictures but simply don’t know how to dress appropriately for the elements and still be fashionable. That’s where this post comes in :)
Not only is it important to be fashionable, but in the cooler months, it is SO important to dress for the elements. So this means unfortunately your spring & summer outfits are no longer an option. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve arrived to photograph someone and their outfit looks great but they are FREEZING! Well I probably can because that doesn’t happen often, but I don’t want it to happen at all! Your average person isn’t a model so they haven’t yet mastered the art of not looking cold in photos lol. It is VERY difficult to smile and look pleasant when all you’re thinking about is how you can’t feel your toes. So my hope is that we can prevent this from happening in the future.
This post has been modified from a Fall & Winter fashion guide I created for my clients a few years back. I decided it was time to update it and that instead of having it be an exclusive document, now everyone can benefit!
This guide was created to remove the fear associated with taking photos in cold weather and give you a few helpful tips and suggestions!
You don’t have to forgo looking good to keep warm. There are many ways to dress so you can stay warm and still be quite fashionable for photos. Here are a few helpful tips:
TIP #1: Dress in Layers
Use a few thin warm layers rather than one thick layer. It will insulate better and allow for flexibility if you wish to take photos without a coat.
Wear a base layer
Your “base layer” can be tights or long underwear … whatever will provide a warm, light base to your outfit. Don’t forget about your legs! At minimum, have a base layer like long underwear and an outer layer, like a pair of jeans.
Visible layers
Visible layers help add depth & interest to your outfit. For example- you can layer a plain tee under a printed button-up shirt with a sweater or vest on top.
TIP #2: Wear a Stylish Coat, Blazer, or Vest
Your outerwear is the most important part of your cold weather wardrobe. Make sure it’s camera ready by selecting fashionable AND warm outerwear. Don’t be afraid of color and patterns either! This helps add visual interest and personality to your photos.
TIP #3: Cold Weather Accessories
Accessorizing isn’t just for regular outfits - you can (and should) accessorize
your outerwear as well! Complimenting scarves, fashionable hats, colorful gloves… these are your best friends during the colder months. Even better, they’re generally inexpensive so there’s no reason not to buy a bunch of them :)
TIP #4: Boots!
Boots are so versatile- you can keep warm while looking great too! While boots are not a must, they definitely help pull together your fall & winter looks.
TIP #5: Switch it up!
If possible, bring along a couple different coats or jackets, scarves, hats, etc
that way you can switch up your look without having to do a full outfit change (unless of course you want to).
TIP #6: Have fun!
Fall & winter photo sessions can be a blast! Use these tips and the outfit suggestions to follow to put together your perfect look!
Here are a few sample looks from a few of my Fall & Winter sessions over the past few years. The key to almost all of these looks is visible layering! Also take note of how couples and families can coordinate their looks without being too matchy matchy.
Need more ideas & outfit inspiration? Check out my Fall & Winter Fashion Pinterest Board.
When preparing for each session, I always ask my clients for photos of what they plan to wear for 3 reasons- to begin getting ideas in place for their session, select the appropriate location, and make wardrobe suggestions where necessary. That way we can ensure amazing results like this every time! Speaking of which… that ties in beautifully with what tomorrow’s post will be. Stay tuned for a brand new Truthy Tuesday tomorrow :)
Hopefully you found this post helpful! Let me know what you thought and please share if you know of anyone that can benefit from it!
‘Till next time
-Danni ♥
