The Perfect Outfits for Your Family Photo Session
The Number One “How to Get Ready for Family Photos” Question
While family photos are a beautiful way to capture your family’s love and personality, getting ready for them can feel a bit… stressful. The number one question most moms have when thinking about getting ready for family photos is: “What should we wear for our session?” So here’s a helpful guide to choosing the perfect outfits for your family photo session.
I’ll be the first to admit that before I became a photographer, I used to dress my 5 boys in identical matching polo shirts for photos, because the thought of trying to choose coordinating outfits was just too much. Choosing outfits for the whole family can feel overwhelming!
But with my simple guidelines, you can select great family photo outfits for your whole family—without looking too matchy-matchy. And when you know you look good, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident during your session!
In this post we’ll explore how to choose a color palette, outfit ideas for each family member, and what to avoid wearing to ensure your family photos are as gorgeous as they are memorable.
You want your family photos to reflect the love, connection, and unique personality of your family. Choosing outfits that reflect your family’s style is a big part of creating a family photo vibe you’ll love.
For example, an easygoing, casual family might go with jeans and slightly dressier tops—something relaxed but pulled together. Boots and a cowboy hat or two will likely be part of a ranching or horseback-riding family’s outfit selections. If your family’s style leans toward classic and timeless, think soft neutrals and simple, elegant pieces. If you’re an adventurous, outgoing crew, bring on the prints and bright pops of color!
There’s no one-size-fits-all “look”—your outfits should feel like you, just a little extra polished.
Tips for Dressing the Family
1. Coordinate, But Don’t Match
One of the first steps in planning what to wear for your family photos is choosing a cohesive color palette, which helps everyone look coordinated and sets the tone for your entire session. Gone are the days of everyone wearing white shirts and jeans!
Instead, pick a color palette of one to two neutrals & two or three complementary colors, depending on your family size and how much variety you want. This keeps things visually interesting while still looking cohesive.
If you’re having trouble choosing your palette, start by picking an outfit for mom, and pull the rest of the colors for your color palette from the colors in her outfit (if it’s a print), or choose another color or two that coordinates if it’s a solid color.
Using different shades of a color is an easy way to get a little more variety, without needing to choose (and coordinate) more colors.
Also consider the season and location when choosing your color palette—soft pastels work beautifully for spring, while deeper jewel tones can really pop in a fall or winter setting. A tree-lined location is beautiful, but if you pair it with green shirts, they might blend in just a little too much.
Pants (or shorts) for the guys in the family should coordinate also, whether you’re going for a more casual look with jeans, or a slightly dressier look with khakis or dress pants. To get a cohesive look, it’s best not to mix the two.
And mom, if you’re wearing pants for the photos, this is a great time to choose pants or slacks in a fun color that coordinate with the rest of your family’s color palette!
2. Choosing Patterns
Too many patterns can be a distraction in family photos, so it’s best to limit patterns to one or two for the family, and to avoid having two busy or bold patterns among the outfits. (Of course, there’s always exceptions, such as choosing coordinating plaid shirts for a fall photo session.)
Here’s a few examples of patterns choices that work well:
The colors in the little boy’s plaid shirt & the girl’s jumper coordinate nicely, and the patterns are different enough that they work well together. Also, the pattern on the jumper is mostly white, which helps it look less busy.
Mom’s printed dress provides the pop of color for this family. The small print on the dress goes nicely with the large but muted plaid pattern on the boy’s shacket. (A busier or more colorful plaid wouldn’t work nearly as well.)
The pattern on mom’s dress is bold and has a pop of color, and solid-colored outfits for the rest of the family’s pair nicely with it.
3. Add Visual Interest with Layers and Textures
Adding layers (such as cardigans, jean jackets, or scarves) and/or choosing items with some texture (like scalloped edging on tops, chunky knits, or linen) adds a little extra visual interest to your family photos. This is definitely an optional step—if the thought of trying to come up with layers or textures makes you feel like melting down, feel free to skip it and stick to coordinating outfits!
But if you want to elevate your look just a bit or add a little extra style to your session, playing with layers and textures is an easy, effective way to do it. Even something as simple as a chunky textured sweater, a flowy dress layered with a jean jacket, or some statement earrings can give your photos a touch of visual variety without feeling overdone.
Mom’s flowered belt, the little boy’s chunky sweater, and the little girl’s demin jacket all add visual interest to this family’s outfits.
4. Know What Not To Wear
It’s best to steer clear of large logos and graphics on shirts, which can take the focus away from your family’s faces.
Another thing that’s usually best avoided is tops or dresses in neon or very bright colors, such as bright blues, oranges, pinks, and reds, as they can reflect their color onto your face and neck, creating some not-quite-natural skin tones. Neutrals and softer colors photograph best.
Outfit Ideas for Everyone in the Family
Outfit Ideas for Mom
Mom, start with your outfit first! Choose something that makes you feel great and at ease, such as a flowy midi or maxi dresses or soft blouses paired with flattering pants or slacks. Make sure to choose a top in a color that flatters your skin tone.
When choosing outfits, think about what makes you feel your best and most confident. If you’re self-conscious about certain areas—like your midsection or arms—opt for styles that are flattering to those areas, like flowy tops or dresses that skim over the stomach, or elbow-length or longer sleeves that offer a bit more arm coverage. The goal is to help you feel comfortable and beautiful so you can relax and enjoy the moment.
If you’ll be holding a little one during your photo session, it’s best to avoid tops or dresses that might shift a little too much if tugged on.
These two moms have very different outfits, but they both work AND fit in with the family’s overall style.
Outfit Ideas for Dad
For dads, a button-down shirt paired with khakis or navy dress pants is always a great choice. Or for something a little more casual, pair a polo shirt, Henley, or even a pocket t-shirt with jeans or khakis. You’ll usually want to steer away from bright colors and bold patterns for dad’s shirt unless you’re aiming for a bold color palette; instead, opt for muted earth tones or softer colors that complement the rest of the family’s outfits.
Outfit Ideas for Kids
Kids’ outfits should coordinate with the parents’ clothing choices. Dresses, rompers, or cute tops with leggings are great for girls. and neutral-colored button-downs, polos, or Henleys paired with jeans or khakis work well for boys.
Fun accessories like headbands or bows for girls, and vests or suspenders for boys, can add a little extra style to your photos.
Comfort is always key for kids—if they’re uncomfortable in their outfit, it’ll show in the photos!
And don’t forget about footwear! Practical yet stylish is best—think classic solid-colored sneakers or loafers for boys, flats or white sneakers for girls, or nice boots for either.
Need a little extra help choosing outfits for your family session? If you’re a visual person like me, Pinterest is a great resource for looking at different outfit combinations.
Final Prep for Your Family Photo Session
Backup Outfit: It’s a good idea to have a backup option for little ones in case of spills or accidents.
Consider the Weather: If it’s chilly, bring extra layers and coats to wear while walking to the photo location. If it’s warm, dress in breathable fabrics.
If it’s a windy day, consider having anyone with longer hair wear their hair pulled back to avoid potentially having hair blowing across someone’s face in photos.
Check for Wrinkles & Pet Hair: Give outfits a once-over before leaving for the session. If you have pets, especially ones with light-colored fur, it’s a good idea to do a quick lint roll of any darker-colored tops and pants before you leave your house. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to touch up a dark-colored shirt in photos to remove light-colored pet hair!
(And now that my family has our own half tabby, half white cat, I’m all too aware of how white pet fur gets on everything dark colored.)
Ditch the Distractions: Remove any watches you don’t want in the photos (smart watches are especially noticeable in photos), along with hairbands or silicon bands on wrists.
Also remember to leave wallets and phones in your vehicle or a safe spot to avoid noticeable pockets bulges caused by these items.
Special Considerations with Glasses: If anyone in the family wears transition glasses, consider substituting a pair with regular lenses for the photo session, or contacts if they wear them. If neither is an option, you’ll want to decide whether you’re ok with the “sunglasses” look, or whether you want to go without the glasses for some or all of the photos.
For little ones with glasses, make sure to clean their glasses before you leave for your session (or once you arrive), as smudges on glasses can be noticeable in photos.
Choosing the perfect family photo outfits doesn’t have to be a daunting task!
By selecting a cohesive color palette, considering each family member’s comfort and style, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a look that’s just right for your family. Most importantly, choose outfits that feel like you.
After all, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process (as much as possible, anyway, for those of us who tend toward overthinking). Great outfits can certainly help elevate your photos, but the most meaningful photos come from laughing, loving, and really being present with your family.
Learn more about my family photo sessions in Great Falls, MT.