This week’s wonderful Wardrobe Wednesday post from Kelly V. Photography is a great example of how photographers and clients can work together to create the perfect portrait wardrobe.  Here’s what she has to say:

When we first started Wardrobe Wednesday, I knew it would be a useful tool and an incredible visual database for those planning a portrait session, but I had no idea how much my clients would rave about it. I’m not exaggerating when I say ALL of my clients mention that they’ve checked out this series for tips in preparing for their closeup.

It’s music to my ears because believe it or not, your photographer wants you to look good, too! Clothing definitely impacts the feel of a session, not to mention we want you to be comfortable and confident.

So when I was talking to one of my clients during her pre-session consultation recently, she mentioned that she had taken a few snapshots of the clothing she was considering for her kids and asked if I would take a look at them.

Not only did I think that was a great idea, I loved it so much that I asked her if I could use them as examples. So here we go!

Here are the four photos that Eva sent me as options for her 4-year-old twins:

Option 1: Although I love both outfits individually, I think the patterns are too powerful and overwhelming when paired together. The navy shirt matches the waist and neck bands in the dress perfectly, but it just feels a little too plain.

Option 2: With the collar and buttons, this shirt is definitely a little more “dressy casual” and compliments the outfits better, but the color isn’t quite right, and we still have the problem with competing patterns.

Option 3: Love the dress in this picture, but the shade of the shirt doesn’t quite match the blue in the dress and they end up looking uncoordinated. Personally I adore boys in purple, so I might pair it with a matching purple polo if I could find one in the exact shade.

Option 4: Bingo! This is a perfect example of complimenting patterns. The shirt is dominant with the bold plaid, but the dress still holds its own without looking overpowered and plain. I also love that there’s a pop of turquoise on the neckline, giving a secondary color for mom to work with in her outfit. Add in some classic neutrals like khaki and denim and you’ve got your color palate!

Keeping this in mind, I started with khaki shorts for Eva’s son. I would’ve preferred them without cargo pockets, but I had trouble finding them, so I went with it.

I didn’t want Dad to be too matchy-matchy in identical khaki, so I suggested navy shorts for him. Paired with a light blue polo and neutral tan shoes, he looks put-together and well-coordinated. A white polo would also work perfectly.

Knowing I wanted to play with that pop of turquoise from the dress, I decided an accessory would be perfect for Mom. I chose a scarf in this case, but a chunky ring, bracelet or necklace would also work. I know the scarf competes a little with the top I chose, but I figured if arranged correctly, it would cover the flowers and the rest of the tank would act as a neutral. And the best part about scarves is that it can quickly create a different look without much effort by taking it off. Then you’re left with the pretty flower detail that also stands well on its own without being too plain.

Here’s the final look!

And, again, there are so many different ways to personalize this look as long as you stay in the color palate. Mom or Dad could substitute a white top. One of the girls could wear a turquoise headband. The boy could be in navy shorts and Dad could be in khaki … you get the idea.

But if you like the options I put together, here’s where to shop! (And Eva was kind enough to share her shopping destinations, too.)

SHOPPING LIST

DAD
Shorts: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=49822&vid=1&pid=838840&scid=838840002
Polo: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=66299&vid=1&pid=832923&scid=832923012

MOM
Scarf: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=35300&vid=1&pid=839355&scid=839355032
Tank: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=64474&vid=1&pid=861052&scid=861052002
Skirt: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5727&vid=1&pid=832047

BOY
Shirt: http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_item.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524445999580&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306259467&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395917465&bmUID=1307558199416
Shorts: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=67541&vid=1&pid=837123&scid=837123002

GIRL
Dress: http://www.teacollection.com/product/g1s2169/girls-dresses-flamenco-dot-playdress.html