Summer has arrived and that means that you may be booking a family photo shoot this season! What to wear can be a struggle for any occasion but especially for an occasion like family photos that you will have forever. The task of choosing an outfit can be really hard so today I want to help elevate some of that pressure for you.

I have collaborated with a special Sam Burklid from Learning to Bloom! She has a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and loves all things fashion. Let’s get to know her a little more and then into some tips to help you plan the perfect outfit for your upcoming photo shoot!

Tells us a little about you.

My name is Sam and I am a blogger over at Learning to Bloom, a virtual assistant, and am currently transitioning out of my 9-5 job to pursue the first two things full time! I am married and have a fluffy orange fur baby, a cat named Baxter! I love to blog about plus-size fashion inspiration, my adventures in the garden, home decor, DIY and craft projects, and pretty much anything else that strikes my fancy! When I am not doing that I love to travel, read, spend time with my family, go for long walks, watch reruns of Schitt's Creek and the Harry Potter movies, and cook!

What do you love about fashion?

I love how easy it is to express yourself through the clothes you wear and how the perfect outfit can transform your mood and boost your confidence.

What are you most inspired by when creating looks?

My favorite thing to do is pick one item of clothing and base my whole outfit around it. My inspiration ebbs and flows but most recently I have been inspired by different patterns and colors, especially colors I don't normally wear, my everyday wardrobe is pretty neutral at the moment.

Where can we connect with you online?

You can find me over at www.Learningtobloom.com and over on Instagram @learning.to.bloom and my gardening Instagram @sow.little.thyme.

3 Tips to Style Yourself for a Summer Photoshoot

Summer styling is so versatile! You can throw on a simple maxi dress with a pair of sandals, some killer sunglasses, and a sun hat and you're ready for brunch, a day at the beach, or an outdoor concert! My favorite looks during the Summer are ones that are comfortable but look put together and effortless and I think that this philosophy as far as Summer dressing is easily applied to getting dressed for your Summer photoshoot! Below are three tips to help you put together the perfect look for your next Summertime photoshoot!

1. Start with the basics

I love a good basic. They are the perfect building blocks for any outfit because they go with literally anything! You could start with a plain white tee and add a beautifully patterned skirt or try a sage green colored cami dress and throw a lovely floral kimono over top with some simple sandals and you're ready for any occasion! If you're feeling overwhelmed when you're trying to decide what to wear for your photoshoot, my advice is to go back to your basics!

2. Keep it loose

The heat of the Summer is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because the weather is so great but a curse because I sweat in even when the temps are in the low 70's (Northwest girl through and through) and there is nothing worse than having your clothes stick to you. So my second tip is to embrace a more loose and flowy style and opt for more natural and breathable fabrics like cotton, rayon, or linen. Try those fun linen trousers or a feminine ruffled top or a baggy boyfriend shirt thrown over a tank dress!

3. Explore prints and patterns

In my opinion, adding a good print is the easiest way to elevate an outfit and will add some interest and texture to your photos. If there was ever a time to experiment with patterns it has to be in the Summer, I feel like I always find the best patterns this time of year. I would say to keep it to one pattern per outfit but have fun with it!

Summertime is a vibe! Summertime makes us feel fun and carefree and that's how you should approach getting dressed this time of year, whether you're getting ready for your photoshoot or for a day out with your family!

What are your thoughts? Did you like these tips? What other tips would you add? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for more tips for your upcoming photoshoot? See these other useful blog posts!