Thrift Shop Fashion: Why Gently Used is a Great Choice for Family Photos
Have you ever thrifted outfits for your family’s photo sessions? Or looked through what you already have to see what might work before buying new? If so, you’re helping fight the fast fashion industry and keeping low-quality, “disposable” clothing out of landfills!
Family photographers (consciously or unconsciously) can influence clients into buying new by the families they feature in their online posts. When photos of moms, dads, and kids wearing the latest fashion trends are widely shared online, we’re less likely to think of thrifting, borrowing or reusing clothing for our own family’s pictures. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
As a professional family photographer and mom, when it comes to creating amazing looks for your family’s photos, I’m a big fan of just saying no to buying new (as much as possible) for three main reasons:
How Thrift Shop Fashion Supports the Planet and Your Budget
IT’S BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Let’s face it: kids change FAST. Babies and toddlers grow at lightning speed. Bigger kids have growth spurts in the tween to mid-teen years. Why buy new clothes they might only wear a few times? Consider using things they already own instead, or ask friends to borrow gently used pieces. That cream-colored, faux fur jacket you loved on your neighbor’s toddler but is now too small for them can find a second life with your child. And you can pass it to someone else when your kiddo outgrows it, helping another family save money, too. Win-win!
IT’S KIND TO THE PLANET (NO FAST FASHION!)
Fast fashion is clothing that is mass-produced quickly and cheaply. It’s made in response to the latest trends and is often worn for a single season. This means more clothing ends up in landfills and greater textile waste is created as factories pump out huge quantities of low-quality items. By not buying into fast fashion, you help reduce the demand for it and that makes the planet happier! A single family’s clothing choices CAN make a difference!
More in the Blog about Sustainable Fashion: Sustainable and Ethical Fashion for Family Photos
YOU GET THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
Thrift stores are a gigantic treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find! I often score name-brand, high quality pieces for way less than they sold for new. And they have a ton of life left which is great news for my two growing girls!
You know those times someone stops you in the store and asks where you bought that cute fitted jacket or those leather, knee-high, perfectly-fitting boots? And usually it’s something you found years ago and have just always loved? Thrift stores are THE place to find more things like that! Wearing vintage, one-of-a-kind pieces in your family photos helps make your pictures unique to YOUR family—not anyone else’s you might see online.
My love for thrifting began in middle school. It was like a treasure hunt for unique retro items. I could also get more for my money, compared to going to the mall. I love shopping secondhand for my kids since some things only get a few uses before they need a bigger size. When I learned about fast fashion, I became more mindful of my own shopping.
– Sara, an Elizabeth Hite Family Photography client who found her gorgeous dress on ThredUp
My Favorite Thrift Styling Tips for Family Photo Sessions
WHERE TO START?
With Mom-and-Dad families, I recommend beginning with her outfit first, then building Dad’s and kids’ outfits around it. If Mom chooses to wear a dress, it can be a “statement piece” that the other outfits complement, without being matchy-matchy. Also, when Mom feels good in what she’s wearing, she’s more comfortable and relaxed and that trickles down to everyone else!
For families with two moms, pick one mom’s outfit as the statement piece. Look for clothing in neutrals, earthy tones or soft pastels. They photograph beautifully! If the statement outfit will be a dress, choose one in a soft, flowy fabric for a timeless look. You don’t have to avoid patterns, but they should be subtle and blend well with what other family members are wearing.
For families with two dads, use the same concept. Choose one dad’s outfit as the starting point, then create outfits for everyone else with that in mind. Easy-peasy! Remember that light tops and dark pants, or dark pants and light tops work great for men, making their look effortlessly cool.
DRESSES: Where to Find the Best Thrift Shop Outfits for Women in Portland
If thrifting a dress locally, check out these great shops in the Portland, Oregon, area:
Second Edition Resale (In Beaverton, next to the Cedar Mill Library. All purchases support the library!
Buffalo Exchange (Portland)
Crossroads Trading (Portland)
Red Fox Vintage (Portland)
Online options for used clothing include:
ThredUp (They have a HUGE selection of gently-used dresses)
Poshmark (Great for high-quality brands at a discount)
Mercari (lots of nice items at good prices)
How to Create A Cohesive Look with Thrifted Pieces
Once you settle on the main outfit in your pictures, build the others around it by sticking to a neutral, bring-it-all-together color palette. We’re talking cream, beige, brown, dusty blue, olive, etc. Pinterest is a great tool for finding color palettes that accent the statement piece without being an exact copy.
For Mom-and-Dad families, I recommend putting his clothes together last because, let’s face it: dads tend to be easier. They usually already own several kinds of neutral pants (jeans, khakis, slacks), and coordinating tops. Depending on the season, a dad could wear a sweater, a collarless, pullover shirt like a Henley, or a button-up that blends well with Mom’s outfit. Skip the running shoes and opt for canvas slip-ons or leather footwear instead.
KIDS’ OUTFITS
For female-presenting kids, remember to first check their drawers and closets before buying new! If thrifting, or asking neighbors, take your “main outfit” with you to match tones.
Male-presenting kids usually have a nice pair of jeans or khakis in their closet already. Pair that with a neutral button-up or sweater and they’re set!
Children’s Resale in Portland: Where to Find Photo-Worthy Kids’ Clothes
Littles & Fiddles
Location: Tigard
What They Offer: Sustainable, high-end children’s clothing, accessories, and toys.
Consignment: Offers 50% or 60% store credit. Does not accept clothing from big box stores.
Beanstalk Children’s Resale
Locations: NE Fremont & SE Montavilla
What They Offer: Modern, gently used clothing (preemie to size 14)
Consignment: Walk-in Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–3pm. Earn 40% via check or store credit after items sell.
Little Roo’s
Location: Lake Oswego
What They Offer: Upscale children’s clothing, baby gear, and select furniture.
Consignment: Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–4pm. Earn 40% in store credit or cash after items sell.
Sweetpea’s Resale
Location: Sellwood-Moreland
What They Offer: Clothing for newborns to age 12, and maternity wear.
Consignment: Appointment or walk-in (limited items). Options include 40% store credit, 50% on consignment.
Online Store: Shop online with in-store pickup or shipping.
Hoot-n-Annie
Location: SW Portland (Hillsdale)
What They Offer: Clothing and accessories for infants, children, maternity, and women, plus handmade local items.
Consignment: Drop off Tuesday–Saturday (limit 2 grocery bags). Earn 40% via check or store credit after items sell.
Online Shopping: Available for most inventory.
Final Thoughts: Why Thrift Shop Style Works Beautifully for Family Photos
Soft, earthy, muted tones are a photographer’s friend because they work well in any setting.
Stay away from logos, bold patterns and neon colors. They take the focus away from the most important part of your pictures–the people in them!
Have your family try on outfits before the day of your session to make sure they fit and everyone feels good in them. When your people are comfortable, it will come through in your photos!
Finally, if you need help deciding, I’m happy to weigh in! Lay your outfits grouped together on a bed, snap a pic and send them to me. I’ll let you know what I think.
There you have it! I really hope you’ll consider incorporating gently-used clothing in your next family photo session. Whether you thrift items, borrow, or use what you already have, not buying new really is better for the planet, your budget, and sets your pictures apart from the rest!
