A Style Guide for Soft, Timeless, Boho Images
One of the most common questions I get before a session is:
โWhat should we wear?โ
Whether youโre coming in for a family, maternity, or newborn session, this guide will walk you through exactly what photographs best in the studio so you feel confident, comfortable, and completely prepared.
The good news? Styling your studio session doesnโt need to be stressful or complicated. The goal is always the same: timeless images that highlight connection, skin tones, and emotion, not trends or loud colors that pull attention away from what matters most.
Hereโs exactly how to style your family for a studio session at Messy Momma Memories.
Stick to Neutrals: The Key to Timeless Photos
For studio sessions, I always recommend a neutral color palette, including:
- Creams
- Whites
- Tans
- Warm browns
- Soft beiges
These tones photograph beautifully, complement all skin tones, and help prevent color casting (when bright colors reflect onto skin and create unwanted color shifts). Neutrals also pair perfectly with my studioโs boho, cozy, organic aesthetic, creating images that feel soft, elevated, and timeless.
Instead of matching exactly, think coordinating within the same color family.
Add Dimension with Texture (This Is the Secret Sauce)
The magic happens when we keep colors neutral but vary textures:
- Knits
- Corduroy
- Linen
- Crochet
- Lace
- Ribbed fabrics
For example:
- One child in corduroy pants with a cozy sweater
- Another in a tan-and-brown striped knit
- A neutral romper paired with a textured cardigan
Same color palette, different textures โ instant depth and visual interest.
Mom Style Tips (Youโre the Anchor of the Session ๐ค)
If youโre wearing something from my custom client closet, here are a few helpful prep tips:
- Wear a strapless or tube-top bra, or pasties
- A bodysuit works great under sheer dresses
- If you donโt want exposed belly photos in sheer gowns, opt for full-coverage underlayers
- A lace bralette with matching undies is perfect for maternity or lifestyle looks
Adding a cozy cardigan is one of my favorite tricks โ it adds texture, warmth, and gives you something to move with naturally during the session.
We can absolutely do more than one outfit, including:
- Matching cozy knit sets
- Soft, flowy boho dresses
- A mix of dressed-up and relaxed looks
Nails & Jewelry: Keep It Simple
Hands are often visible in photos, especially during maternity and newborn sessions.
- Chooseย neutral nail polishย or clean, natural nails
- Skip bright colors and bold designs
For jewelry:
- Gold jewelryย photographs beautifully and adds the perfect soft accent
- Keep it minimal โ dainty necklaces, small hoops, or layered gold chains are ideal
Styling Tips for Dads
Simple is best.
- Tan, beige, or brown pants
- Neutral tops (cream, tan, brown, or soft gray)
- No big logos, emblems, or brand names
For shoes:
- Brown or tan shoes work great
- Or goย barefoot, especially for newborn and family sessions
Bare feet give a relaxed, lifestyle-at-home feel that photographs beautifully in the studio.
What to Dress the Kids In
For kids, the goal is comfort + texture + coordination.
Boys
- Neutral knits, sweaters, or henleys
- Jeans or tan pants
- Mixing textures works great โ corduroy + knit, denim + sweater
- Skin-to-skin moments with siblings or newborns are always welcome
Girls
- Boho dresses are everythingย โ flowy, lace, layered, and soft
- If your daughter doesnโt love dresses, aย neutral romperย is a great alternative
(and keeps wild toddler undies covered โ win/win)
Pro tip:
If your child is wearing a dress and has a diaper or underwear underneath, bring nude or matching shorts to keep everything seamless.
Newborn Outfit Tips
I provide wraps and outfits from my client closet, so thereโs no pressure to bring anything at all.
If youโd like something that coordinates with your familyโs outfits, I love:
- Knit sweaters
- Soft ribbed onesies
- Embroidered details like โlittle sisterโ or โlittle brotherโ
Neutral tones with subtle texture always photograph best.
Final Styling Tip: Mix, Donโt Match
The biggest takeaway?
โจ Stick to a cohesive neutral palette
โจ Mix textures, layers, and soft patterns
โจ Avoid bold colors, logos, and heavy prints
This approach creates images that feel warm, timeless, and full of connection โ the kind youโll still love years from now.
And donโt worry โ Iโll guide you every step of the way. If youโre ever unsure, weโll style your session together and make sure everything flows beautifully.
