Dress Code

Dress Code

At Motif Fine Portraits, every detail of your portrait is designed to create an exquisite, timeless piece of art. To ensure the success of your session, the clothing you choose plays a crucial role in complementing our carefully crafted backgrounds and lighting. Certain styles and colors are ideal, while others may distract from the focus of your portrait.

General Guidelines

We kindly request that all clients dress in formal attire, as these portraits are often among the most elegant pieces a family will ever own. Most of our portraits include full-length views, so selecting shoes that enhance your outfit is essential. Dark clothing is strongly recommended to ensure that the light reflects beautifully on your face and eyes, rather than your attire. Light-colored or bright tops can interfere with our specialized lighting and hand-painted backgrounds.

Here are our recommendations based on experience:

For Men

  • Dark suits or tuxedos with a white shirt and tie.

  • Dark dress pants and proper formal shoes.

For Women

  • Dark or jewel-toned dresses or gowns (black, navy, burgundy, emerald green, etc.).

  • Minimal patterns are preferred. White lace accents near the collar are acceptable.

  • Classic jewelry such as diamonds or pearls adds a touch of sophistication.

  • Choose elegant shoes to complement your ensemble.

For Young Girls

  • Solid-colored dresses in dark or jewel tones are ideal. For children under 4, ivory, cream, or off-white is also acceptable.

  • Long sleeves are recommended for adults, but short or sleeveless options are suitable for young girls.

  • Pair with dress shoes that match the outfit.

For Young Boys

  • Dark suits or sweaters are perfect for older boys.

  • For children under 4, a white shirt with a bow tie can work beautifully.

  • Dark dress pants and appropriate shoes complete the look.

Casual Attire is Not Suited for this

To maintain the timeless elegance and quality of your portrait, casual clothing is strongly discouraged. Our goal is to create portraits that stand the test of time, ensuring your art feels as meaningful in the future as it does today. If formal attire is not possible, please ensure your clothing adheres to the following guidelines to maintain the quality and elegance of your portrait:

  • Dark, solid colors are essential. Avoid light or bright tones, as they distract from the focus on the face and eyes.

  • Patterns such as stripes, florals, plaids, or checks should be avoided entirely.

  • Jeans, T-shirts, and overly casual attire are not suitable for portraits of this nature.

  • Select timeless styles that won’t feel outdated in years to come, ensuring your portrait remains a classic representation of your family.

Please note that casual attire significantly impacts the artistic quality of the portrait and may not yield the timeless results Motif Fine Portraits is known for.

Important Notes

  • Your clothing should enhance the focus on your face and eyes, ensuring your portrait’s timeless appeal.

  • Clients may be asked to reschedule if attire does not align with these guidelines.

At Motif Fine Portraits, we aim to create art that will be cherished for generations, and your thoughtful wardrobe choices play a vital role in achieving this.