Figuring out what to wear for children heirloom sessions is one of the things my families think about most before their session — and honestly, it’s worth thinking about carefully. The clothing you choose becomes part of the portrait forever. Get it right and the images look timeless. Get it wrong and in ten years you’re looking at a neon graphic tee in what was supposed to be an heirloom.
I walk every family through this, so here’s everything I’d tell you in person.
Why Clothing Matters More in Heirloom Sessions Than Regular Photos
Heirloom sessions are different from a quick beach family session. The studio setting, the lighting, the intentional posing — all of it is designed to create portraits that look like fine art. The clothing needs to hold up to that standard.
That doesn’t mean expensive. It means classic. Simple. Nothing that pulls attention away from your child’s face.
If you want to understand more about what makes these sessions different from standard portraits, I go deeper on that in my post on heirloom photography and preserving childhood memories.
Family Pieces vs. New Clothing
When thinking about what to wear for children heirloom sessions, you have two directions to go — and both are beautiful.
Treasured Family Garments
Some of my favorite sessions have featured christening gowns worn by three generations, a preserved dress from a mother’s own childhood, or a smocked outfit passed down from a grandmother. These pieces carry something a brand new outfit can’t — history. And that comes through in the portraits.
If you have something meaningful sitting in a cedar chest or a memory box, this is exactly the kind of session it was made for.
New Pieces Chosen for the Session
Many families prefer to purchase something new specifically for their heirloom session — and there’s something special about that too. A quality piece chosen intentionally becomes tomorrow’s keepsake. I’ve had moms tell me years later that their daughter now wants to use the same dress for her own child’s session.
If you’re buying new, invest in quality over quantity. One beautifully made piece beats three mediocre ones every time.
Colors That Photograph Beautifully
This is where I see the most common mistakes, so I’ll be direct. For what to wear for children heirloom sessions, stick to:
- Soft creams, ivories, and warm whites
- Gentle beiges, taupes, and camel tones
- Muted pastels — dusty rose instead of hot pink, sage instead of lime green
- Sophisticated grays and charcoals
These colors work with my studio lighting to create that soft, luminous look. They also won’t look dated in twenty years, which is the whole point of an heirloom portrait.
Fabrics That Work Best
Natural fabrics are your friend. Cotton, linen, and delicate lace photograph beautifully — they drape well, they move naturally, and they catch studio light in a way that synthetic fabrics don’t. Subtle texture like a smocked bodice or delicate embroidery adds visual interest without competing with your child’s expression.
What to Wear by Age
Babies and Toddlers (6 months – 3 years)
Keep it simple. Classic rompers in soft tones, beautiful dresses with timeless silhouettes, well-made overalls with a crisp white underneath. Comfort matters at this age — if they’re uncomfortable they’ll tell you, and it shows. Choose soft fabrics with room to move.
Preschoolers (Ages 3–6)
This age can handle slightly more formal pieces as long as comfort is still the priority. Classic dresses with clean lines, button-up shirts with comfortable pants, cardigans for layering. I love involving preschoolers in talking about their “special outfit” before the session — it builds excitement and you get more natural expressions when they arrive.
School-Age Children (Ages 6–12)
Older kids can wear more sophisticated pieces. Elegant dresses with classic construction, dress shirts for a refined look, beautiful skirts with classic blouses. Most kids this age actually enjoy dressing up for something that feels important — lean into that.
What to Avoid
A few things that consistently work against timeless results:
- Large logos or prominent text anywhere on the clothing
- Overly trendy pieces — anything that screams a specific year
- Busy competing patterns
- Anything scratchy or uncomfortable that your child will spend the session tugging at
Where to Shop
Traditional heirloom brands to shop online:
Feltman Brothers — hand embroidery, smocking, and christening gowns made the same way since 1916. My go-to recommendation for classic heirloom pieces.
Proper Peony — heirloom quality with sweet embroidered designs, great for both sessions and everyday
My local favorites:
- Pink N Blue Avenue at Destin Commons — say hi from me, she’s wonderful
- The Beaufort Bonnet Company at 600 Grand Blvd, Suite M-103, Miramar Beach
When shopping online, look for detailed size charts, natural fiber content, and classic silhouettes. Good return policies matter too — you want to be able to try before you commit.
A Few Final Tips for Session Day
Bring the outfit in a garment bag and dress your child when you arrive — not in the car. Little ones have a talent for spilling things between home and the studio.
If you’re unsure about anything — a specific piece, whether to bring the christening gown, how to coordinate siblings — just reach out before your session. Styling guidance is part of what I do, and I’d rather answer ten questions beforehand than have you stressed on the day.
Knowing what to wear for children heirloom sessions doesn’t have to be complicated. When in doubt, classic always wins.
Ready to Create Your Family’s Heirloom Artwork?
If you’re thinking about booking a children’s heirloom session, I’d love to talk through what the experience looks like for your family. Learn more on my Heirloom Portraits page or head straight to my contact page to get in touch.
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