Mood Board Monday: Beautiful Looks on a Budget
- Kelly Stickelmaier
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
Let’s be real—family photos are an investment, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be. You can absolutely create stunning, cohesive looks without spending a fortune. In fact, some of my favorite client outfits have come from budget-friendly finds, smart mixing and matching, and personal touches that made the session even more meaningful.
Affordable Style Staples: Brands like Old Navy, H&M, and Target are amazing go-to’s when styling your family. Not only are they affordable, but they often release collections with coordinating colors across kids’ and adult sizes, which makes putting together a cohesive look a breeze. Think soft earth tones, muted pastels, cozy knits, and breezy fabrics that photograph beautifully.
Mix & Match with What You Already Own: You don’t have to start from scratch. Take a look at what you already have—maybe dad has a great neutral button-up, or your son has those perfect brown boots. Add in a few new pieces to tie everything together and suddenly you’ve got a polished look without maxing out your credit card.
Amazon Finds—With a Word of Caution: Amazon can be a goldmine, especially for little girls’ dresses. There are so many adorable, affordable options out there! Just remember: colors can look different in person than they do online, so be sure to order early. That way, if something’s off, you’ll have time to exchange or adjust without the last-minute stress.
Sentimental Touches Matter: One of my favorite parts of styling? The meaningful details. Maybe you and your daughter made a bracelet together that she loves to wear—or you have a piece of jewelry passed down from your grandmother. Including items like this adds a layer of depth and emotion to your photos that no store-bought accessory ever could.
You Don’t Have to Go It Alone: Every session with me includes a style appointment where I help you pull everything together. You’ll have access to my client closet, personalized mood boards, and shoppable links—so whether you're on a tight budget or ready to splurge, we’ll create a look that feels like you.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how you feel in your clothes. Confident. Comfortable. Connected. That’s what makes the magic happen in front of the camera.
Need help pulling it all together? I’ve got you. Let’s create something beautiful—and budget-friendly—together.
Be sure to follow me @thefamilystyle_ for more looks and budget friendly options.

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