What Should I Wear to Family Photos?
One of the biggest questions I get before every family session is, “What should we wear?” The good news is that you don’t have to wear identical dresses and polos to create beautiful, timeless family photos. In fact, coordinating colors and choosing comfortable outfits will help your images look much more natural.
Here are my favorite tips to help your family look their best.
Choose Coordinating Colors Instead of Matching
Rather than everyone wearing the exact same outfit, choose a color palette with 3–5 complementary colors. This creates depth and keeps the focus on your family’s connection.
Some beautiful color combinations include:
* Cream, tan, sage green, and dusty blue
* Beige, white, rust, and olive
* Soft blues, light gray, cream, and denim
* Mauve, ivory, tan, and eucalyptus green
Neutrals are always a safe choice because they photograph beautifully in any season.
Dress for the Location
Think about where your session will take place.
Beach Sessions
* Whites, creams, soft blues, sage, and sandy neutrals
* Bare feet or simple sandals
* Flowy dresses that move with the breeze
* Linen
Parks or Nature
* Earth tones like olive, rust, mustard, cream, and brown
* Layered textures like knit sweaters or linen
* Closed-toe shoes, boots
Downtown Sessions
* Slightly dressier outfits
* Neutral colors with one subtle accent color
* Black, grey, whites, and bold colors are always best in urban settings
Choosing outfits that complement your location helps create a polished final gallery.
Avoid Busy Patterns and Large Logos
Large logos, bright graphics, text, and busy prints can pull attention away from your family.
Instead, choose:
* Solid colors
* Small, subtle patterns
* Linen
* Knit textures
* Denim
* Dresses with gentle movement
Textures photograph beautifully without becoming distracting.
Start with Mom’s Outfit
A great trick is to choose Mom’s outfit first and build everyone else’s clothing around it.
Once her dress or outfit is chosen, coordinate everyone else using similar tones rather than trying to match exactly.
Think About Comfort
Especially if you have little ones.
Children who are comfortable are much happier during photos.
Avoid:
* Clothing that’s too tight
* Shoes that hurt
* Itchy fabrics
* Brand-new outfits that haven’t been tried on
Comfort helps everyone relax, and relaxed families create genuine smiles and natural moments.
Add Layers and Texture
Texture makes photos feel rich and timeless.
Consider adding:
* Cardigans
* Denim jackets
* Knit sweaters
* Linen fabrics
* Dresses with movement
* Suspenders for little boys
* Hair bows or simple accessories for little girls
These small details add visual interest without overwhelming the image.
Keep Accessories Simple
A few thoughtful accessories go a long way.
Simple jewelry, neutral hats, scarves, or delicate hair accessories can complete an outfit without becoming the focal point.
Don’t Forget the Shoes
Shoes often get overlooked, but they appear in many images.
Choose clean, neutral footwear whenever possible.
Best part of choosing the beach as your location? No shoes!
Avoid:
* Bright athletic sneakers
* Flip-flops (unless it’s a beach session)
* Shoes with neon colors or large logos
My Biggest Tip
Wear something that makes you feel confident.
When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your photos. The most beautiful family images come from genuine connection—not perfectly matching outfits.
If you’re unsure what to wear, I’m always happy to help. Many of my clients send me pictures of their outfit ideas before their session, and together we create a look that photographs beautifully.
Your family session should feel relaxed, fun, and authentic. Choosing outfits that coordinate, fit comfortably, and reflect your family’s personality will help create images you’ll treasure for years to come.
I can’t wait to capture your family’s style!
