Family photos are a treasure. Looking back at years of them, the calendar coordination, outfit purchasing, and the near-impossible task of getting everyone to smile at the camera—it’s all worth it. These captured moments are priceless. If you’re like me, the most stressful part is figuring out what everyone should wear. Let’s dive into making outfit selection for your family portraits a breeze.
We recently had family photos taken in our Denver home with the beautiful fall foliage. I’ve learned that catching peak fall colors is a tight two-week window, which isn’t always easy with busy family schedules. So, realistically, family photos often happen whenever schedules align.
One crucial lesson I learned this year: communicate with your photographer about their editing style. I prefer natural, true-color photos with minimal editing. Imagine my disappointment when our beach family photos (taken by a different photographer) came back heavily filtered with yellow tones! No matter how perfect your Family Portrait Outfits are, if the editing isn’t your style, you might not love the final result. While I cherish that we captured photos with my in-laws for the first time, the editing was a letdown.
Extended family portrait on a beach with coordinated light blue, navy, and khaki outfits for women, men, and children.
Family Photo Outfit Ideas and Color Schemes
Ready for outfit inspiration? For more past family photo outfit ideas and color schemes, you can explore HERE.
Neutral Color Family Portrait Outfits for Fall Beaches or Fields
Family photo outfit inspiration collage in neutral tones with soft pink and sea green accents, suitable for fall, beach or field settings.
I adore neutral color schemes, especially for fall family photos in locations like beaches or open fields. Drawing inspiration from tan grasses or even studio settings, these colors create a harmonious look with soft pink and sea green accents.
Sage Green, Blush Pink, Cream, and Grey Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring sage green, blush pink, cream and grey coordinated outfits for women and children.
This palette of sage green, blush pink, cream, and grey is soft, elegant, and photograph beautifully. It’s versatile enough for various locations, from gardens to urban settings.
Soft Brown, Khaki, Cream, Powder Blue, and Camel Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage in soft brown, khaki, cream, powder blue and camel tones for women, men and children.
For a warm and inviting feel, consider soft brown, khaki, cream, powder blue, and camel. This color scheme is perfect for outdoor fall settings or even a cozy indoor studio.
Powder Blue, Cream, Light Brown, and White Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring powder blue, cream, light brown and white coordinated outfits for women and children.
Light and airy, powder blue, cream, light brown, and white create a fresh and timeless look. Ideal for spring or summer photos, especially near water or in bright, open spaces.
Deep Rich Fall Tones: Caramel, Greens, and Reds Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage in deep fall tones of olive green, camel, forest green, and camel for women and children.
If you love fall foliage, embrace deep, rich tones like caramel, greens, and reds. These colors pop beautifully against turning leaves and create a cozy, autumnal vibe.
Red, Brown, Brick Red, Beige, Tan, Rust, and Camel Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage in warm tones of red, brown, brick red, beige, tan, rust and camel for women and children.
For a rustic and warm aesthetic, explore a palette of red, brown, brick red, beige, tan, rust, and camel. This scheme works wonderfully in outdoor settings with natural textures.
Cream, Black, Rust, and Camel Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring cream, black, rust and camel coordinated outfits for women, men and children.
Modern and chic, cream, black, rust, and camel offer a sophisticated color combination. This palette is versatile and works well in both urban and natural locations.
Beige, Tan, Rust, and Camel Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage in beige, tan, rust and camel tones for women and children.
Earthy and grounded, beige, tan, rust, and camel create a natural and harmonious look. Perfect for outdoor settings, especially in golden hour lighting.
Studio Setting Family Portrait Outfits: Maroon, Berry, Navy, and Cream
Family photo outfit inspiration collage in studio setting colors of burgundy, mauve, rose pink and navy for women and children.
For studio portraits, consider deeper and more vibrant colors that stand out against neutral backgrounds. Maroon, berry, navy, and cream are excellent choices and are generally easy to find year-round.
Soft Blues, Bright Berry Pink, Raspberry Purple, and White Family Portrait Outfits
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring soft blues, bright berry pink, raspberry purple and white coordinated outfits for women and children.
Bright and cheerful, soft blues, bright berry pink, raspberry purple, and white create a fun and vibrant family portrait. This palette is great for spring or summer, especially in playful settings.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Family Portraits
Hope you find these outfit pairings inspiring! Here are a few last tips for a smoother family photo experience:
- Snacks are your best friend. Pack kid-friendly, mess-free snacks (like Smarties) for potential meltdowns.
- Individual photos are valuable. Ask your photographer to take individual shots of each family member – great for headshots or school photos.
- Have fun and embrace the chaos. Even if a child has a meltdown, don’t stress! Those candid moments often become the most cherished photos.
Toddler girl in a light pink dress having a meltdown during a family photo shoot, with another image showing neutral tone outfit inspiration.
Family photos are about capturing your family’s essence at a moment in time. With a little planning for your family portrait outfits and these tips, you can create beautiful memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.
