Choosing an outfit for your child’s heirloom portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful! In this blog post below, I’m sharing a few things for you to consider when selecting an outfit for your child’s heirloom portrait.

1. DO YOU OWN A GENERATIONAL HEIRLOOM PIECE?
Some families have that one special gown or outfit that has been passed down from great-great grandmother (or father) to the other. If you have a special piece like this, consider having your child wear it for their heirloom portrait. If you don’t have a generation piece, don’t worry there are lots of options for purchasing a modern heirloom outfit!

2.  WHITE OR CREAM-COLORED OUTFITS ARE IDEAL FOR HEIRLOOM PHOTOS
With the background of these traditional heirloom portrait sessions being white, you want to choose a color that will blend well. Shades of white, cream, light blue, and pink work best with this style of portraiture.  European styles, french hand sewn heirloom clothing, hand-smocked bishop dresses or rompers, and christening gowns.

3. CHOOSE A TOP WITH A COLLAR
These portraits show children from the chest up. Try to select a top that has a collar to bring the focus to the face. For older boys, this may be a plain white collared button-down shirt (please no polos). For younger boys, this may be a Peter Pan collar. Girls may opt for Peter Pan collars, bishop dresses, or smocked dresses. Even though the smocked and bishop dresses don’t have a collar, the smocking creates the visual effect of a collar by bringing the focus toward the face.

4. INCLUDE SLEEVES FOR HEIRLOOM PHOTOS
Traditional heirloom portrait sessions are done with shoulders covered, so I recommend selecting an outfit with sleeves. Short sleeves work great as well and long sleeves.

5. WEAR A BOW
There is nothing sweeter than a bow in a girl’s hair! I do ask that the bow be smaller in size and not something that will take away from your little girl’s sweet features. We want the bow to compliment her outfit but not take away attention from her face. Choose a bow that compliments her outfit; white, cream, light pink, light blue etc. Little English has a great selection of bows.

6. FINISHING TOUCHES
If you’re considering adding a Lifestyle Portrait on to your heirloom portrait session, consider the finishing details like socks and shoes. Lifestyle Portraits often include full-body portraits.  Would knee-high socks or tights work? Would you like barefoot (great for younger toddlers) or Mary Janes?

WHERE TO SHOP LOCAL FOR HEIRLOOM OUTFITS

WILLIAMSBURG/YORKTOWN
The Carousel
Lily and Lane
Pea Soup For Kids

SUFFOLK/CHESAPEAKE
The Velveteen Rabbit

NORFOLK/VIRGINIA BEACH
White Rabbit
Merriment On Main
Sprout Boutique

SEMI-LOCAL
Whoop-De-Whoop Heirloom Creations (Custom Heirloom Outfits in Roanoke, Va)

WHERE TO SHOP ONLINE FOR HEIRLOOM OUTFITS

Elizabeth Layne Heirloom
Feltman Brothers
Strasburg Children
Southern Siblings
Baby Beau & Belle
Rosalina Baby Boutique
Lylian New Orleans
Charlotte by Dimby
Little English (great for older children too)
Smock Candy

I’ve also created an Amazon List of some clothing that could be used for Heirloom portraits.

When you’re planning your heirloom portrait session, I’m happy to jump on a quick phone consult and help you decide what style best suits your child. It can be hard to choose with so many cute options, but I’m always here to help