Happy first day of Spring 2021!! I don’t know about you guys, but this has felt like the longest winter ever! Even longer than the Ithaca winters I endured in college, which easily stretched from November to April! I think the combination of the cold weather, being cooped up at home for months, and not being able to engage in our usual hobbies has made this winter pretty brutal for most of us. Thankfully the weather is warming right up, which means spring photoshoots are right around the corner!

I so enjoyed making my “What Would Jocelyn Wear?” spring outfit guide a couple years ago (check it out here!) that I decided to make it a yearly tradition. I had to skip last year’s edition due to the beginning of quarantine, but no worries, I have plenty of wonderful picks for you all this year, just waiting to be shared! 🙂

A note before we start: when it comes to finding outfits that fit and flatter, body type is everything.

I firmly believe that knowledge is power, and the more you know about your body type, the more you will be able to choose pieces that flatter your unique shape and make you feel like a million bucks. While there are many body typing systems out there, one that I have enjoyed exploring this past year is the Kibbe system (learn more here). In short, the Kibbe system looks at the bone structure in your body and face, and the way your “flesh” sits on your bones (I know, it sounds weird, but it’s actually really cool!). I’m a Kibbe “romantic” body type, which means that my bones, flesh, and facial features are all short/small and rounded. This also means that I will tend to look my best in softly fitted garments with flowing lines and tapered sleeves/waistlines that mimic the rounded curves of my body. Conversely, anything that is too structured, oversized, or geometric can look very severe on me (while they would look stunning on someone with more angular features!).

Let me be clear: no one body type is inherently better or worse than another. The goal is to learn to dress in clothing shapes and silhouettes that “honor” your natural body structure.

Whether you choose the Kibbe system or another body typing system, I 100% encourage you to learn more about your own body type. For me, it has been an extremely empowering process. I’ve learned to love my short and round body for what it is, instead of wishing to be longer, lankier, or more angular. I’m all about self-love, and learning more about my body type has helped me do just that.

Now, without further ado, I present… “What Would Jocelyn Wear, Spring 2021 Edition!” 🙂

 

Outfit #1: Romantic Puff-Sleeve Dress

Dress: Lulu’s | See same dress in white or dusty blue here

Clearly, it isn’t a Jocelyn style guide without a cute yellow dress. 😉 I love love love yellow, and I especially love it for spring. It just brings a pop of joy and color to photos like no other color can! This particular dress has some fun puff sleeves and a flattering sweetheart neckline that make me feel like I just popped off the set of Bridgerton, hehe. 🙂

Shop more puff-sleeve dresses: ASTR/Nordstrom | Vici | Called to Surf | Petal & Pup

 

Outfit #2: Floral Button-Front Dress

Dress: Madewell

“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking!” Sorry, I just had to! 😉 Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a happy floral print for a spring photoshoot (just make sure the print is not too tiny or too busy). I love the unique hibiscus floral print on this dress, as well as the cute, fabric-covered buttons extending down the front. I also appreciate the softly fitted silhouette which gives me plenty of room for breathing and brunch, without looking sloppy.

Shop more button-front/shirt dresses: Lulu’s | Old Navy | Petal & Pup

Outfit #3: Chiffon Babydoll Dress

Dress: Hollister

As soon as I got this dress in the mail, I knew I wanted to wear it to a photoshoot! The babydoll silhouette and super floaty fabric give it great movement, and I’m a sucker for a good blue-on-white floral print. I also love having long-sleeved dresses handy for the early spring transition.

Shop more babydoll dresses: Lulu’s | Abercrombie | Baltic Born

 

Which dress was your favorite?? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Wishing you all a stylish spring season!

<3,

Jocelyn

 

 

Jocelyn Bravo is a Northern Virginia family photographer who specializes in creating joyful and luminous images for families and couples. She is based in Alexandria, VA and loves working with clients all across Virginia and the DMV.