Choosing outfits for family photos can feel overwhelming. As a content creator for hudsonfamily.net and a parent who also plans annual family photos, I understand the struggle. Finding the perfect looks that are both stylish and cohesive, while ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident, can be a real challenge. Endless online searches and Pinterest boards can often lead to more confusion than clarity.
But don’t worry! With a few simple guidelines, dressing your family for photos can become an enjoyable part of the process, ensuring you look and feel your best for those precious memories. Your family photos are an investment, and feeling amazing in your outfits is key to loving the final result.
These straightforward tips will guide you through selecting the ideal attire for your family photoshoot. Let’s dive in and make outfit planning easy!
Start with Mom’s Outfit Selection
My number one tip for stress-free family photo outfit planning is to begin with the mother’s attire. Building everyone else’s outfits around mom’s look creates a harmonious and coordinated aesthetic. It simplifies the process significantly compared to choosing an outfit for a child first, which can limit your own options. Focus on finding an outfit that makes you feel fantastic, and then let that inspire the rest of the family’s wardrobe.
Mom in a flowy dress with kids in coordinating outfits
Great places to find women’s outfits include:
Choose something that makes you feel beautiful and confident, fits you well right now (ignore the size tag!), and is timeless enough that you’ll love looking back at these photos years from now. Avoid overly trendy pieces that might quickly date your photos. Instead, opt for classic styles that reflect your personal taste, ensuring your photos genuinely represent your family’s style.
Here’s an example of a Baltic Born dress I chose for our family photos in fall 2019 (Athena dress in “Lagoon”).
Woman in a Baltic Born Athena Lagoon dress for family photos
It was an excellent choice – comfortable, flattering, and photographed beautifully. Several clients have even borrowed it for their own sessions! It’s also a great option for maternity photos.
Regarding children’s outfits, especially for moms, consider practicality. If you have toddlers, a very low-cut top or a skirt that little hands might pull up might not be the most comfortable or practical choice. Similarly, while jewelry can enhance an outfit, if you’re not used to wearing it, or if you have a baby who might grab at necklaces or earrings, it might be best to skip it for the photoshoot. Comfortable shoes are also essential – you might need to chase after little ones! These are just practical considerations from someone who has seen it all during family photoshoots! 😉
Coordinate, Don’t Match Family Photo Outfits
The key to visually appealing family photos is coordination, not matching. Instead of putting everyone in the exact same color, choose a color palette and let each family member select outfits within that scheme. Avoid dressing everyone in identical patterns, like all plaid or all florals, as this can be overwhelming in photos. Limit matching patterns to two people at most (e.g., sons in similar patterned shirts, daughters in floral dresses). If you want two people in the same solid color, ensure it’s truly the same shade to prevent clashing.
Here’s some family outfit inspiration from past clients who nailed the coordinated look.
Family photo outfit inspiration in neutral tones
Family photo outfit inspiration with denim and earth tones
Family photo outfit inspiration with shades of blue and white
Another example showcasing a beautiful Baltic Born dress on a pregnant mom.
Maternity family photo outfit inspiration with a flowy dress
Family photo outfit inspiration with a mix of textures and colors
Here are some color palette ideas to inspire your family photo outfits:
Color palette ideas for coordinating family outfits
For spring, consider soft neutrals, grays, and pastel shades. Summer is perfect for florals or light and airy all-white ensembles. Fall lends itself to jewel tones, mustard yellows, oranges, and deeper, warmer colors. I generally advise against very dark colors like black, as they can appear heavy in photos. Also, avoid neon or overly bright colors that might not photograph accurately. Neutrals and softer tones are generally the most flattering, complementing skin tones and blending beautifully with natural outdoor settings, which are common for family photos.
Aim for a consistent level of formality across all outfits. If mom is wearing a flowy, dressier dress, avoid pairing it with jeans and t-shirts for other family members. Khakis and button-down shirts would be a more harmonious choice.
Dress Comfortably and for the Season
Consider the season and the weather when choosing your family photo outfits. A spring photoshoot is likely not the time for heavy knit beanies, thick sweaters, and knee-high boots. Dress seasonally appropriate, but also factor in your local climate. Even spring can be surprisingly chilly, and unseasonably warm days can happen even in late fall.
This family looked perfectly dressed for a December photoshoot.
Family in winter outfits for family photos
This color palette was ideal for a late spring session.
Family in spring outfits for family photos in a green field
For our fall 2020 family photos, we opted for a palette of grays and aqua, with jeans for everyone.
Family in grey and aqua outfits for fall family photos
This family’s fall 2022 outfits harmonized beautifully with the autumn landscape in Ohio.
Family in fall tones outfits matching the background
Comfort is paramount, especially for children. The last thing you want is kids uncomfortable in their clothes, wanting to remove layers or complaining about being cold or itchy. If you know your child dislikes tights or certain shoes, avoid them. Happy and comfortable children make for much better photos!
Consider Your Home Décor Style
Think about your home décor when choosing outfits for family photos. Where will you display these photos? Will the colors and style of your outfits complement your home? If your home is decorated in cool grays and blues, but you choose bright red outfits, the photos might feel out of place. Your outfits don’t need to perfectly match your décor, but coordinating them will create a cohesive and visually pleasing display in your home.
Living room gallery wall with family photos
The photo ledge in my living room, pictured above, showcases family photos in neutral tones (except for the snowy one!), which nicely complement our home’s style.
What Not to Wear for Family Photos
Hats, generally, unless they are integral to your personal style (like a cowboy hat for a farm photoshoot). Avoid baseball caps, and for children who tend to remove hats, it’s usually best to skip them altogether. Men should also avoid wearing hats right before the session to prevent creased hair.
Clothing with words or logos. Avoid shirts with prominent logos or text, as they can be distracting and look dated in photos.
Ill-fitting clothing. If you anticipate constantly adjusting or tugging at your clothes, they are not the right choice. The same applies to children’s outfits. Try on everyone’s outfits well in advance of the photoshoot, not the day before, to avoid last-minute stress.
Dirty or inappropriate footwear like worn-out tennis shoes. Shoes can significantly impact the overall look of an outfit. If weather permits and you are unsure about footwear, going barefoot can be a great option!
Key Takeaways for Family Photo Outfits
- Choose a simple color palette (e.g., grays and pastels). Neutrals are always a safe and stylish choice for any location and skin tone.
- Start with mom’s outfit. Ensure she feels fantastic and build everyone else’s outfits around hers.
- Prioritize proper fit, flattering styles, and seasonal appropriateness for everyone’s clothing.
- When in doubt, ask for help! I am always happy to offer guidance on outfit choices. Many clients send me photos of their planned outfits beforehand. I’m happy to give feedback and help you finalize your wardrobe selections!
I hope these simple tips have made planning your family photo outfits easier and more enjoyable!
Happy outfit planning!
xo Melissa
Northern Virginia Family Photographer
Looking for a family photographer in Alexandria, Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia? I specialize in capturing beautiful moments for families with young children, maternity, and in-home newborn sessions. Please contact me for more information and to book your session!
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