What to Wear | Lace for Family Photographs

I’m going to let you in on one of my secret weapons when choosing outfits for family photographs….

The lace shirt.

Lace for family photographs adds both pattern and texture without introducing another colour. I often find I pull it in when we’ve chosen outfits for the rest of the family and I’m happy with the colours and patterns we already have, but just need a little extra something.

I always suggest moms go with shirts that are a little more fitted for their family photographs as even though loose flowy shirts look great in person, they can look a little boxy in photographs. But the nice thing about lace is that the sheerness lets some light come through so you get the hint of a silhouette underneath.

It also adds a feminine touch when you want to be a little more girly without wearing a dress or skirt. Most women’s lace dresses lean more to the formal side, so unless we’re styling your session to be glam and sophisticated, pair a lace shirt with jeans or black jeggings for a great look.

At this time of year most stores have a really great lace option. Aritzia is my usual go-to for lace blouses but here are some more of my favourites currently in stores.

Zara lace top with frills / JCrew Collection lace shirt / Club Monaco Darti Lace Top / Zara lace top / Wilfred Volant Tank

Lace shirts can work equally well for kids as they do for adults though I would limit the lace to one member of the family as dressing both you and your daughter in lace crosses the line to a little too matchy-matchy.

Joe Fresh lace blouse (this is the one my daughter has and I love it!) / H&M sleeveless lace top / Zara lace dress / Zara large lace blouse / H&M lace dress

If your daughter younger, eyelet can accomplish the same look, adding pattern and texture without additional colour.

So now you know my secret. When you’re starting to pull together clothing options, consider incorporating lace for family photographs.