Deciding what to wear for family photos can often feel like the most challenging part of the entire process. It’s a common struggle: finding clothes that not only look fantastic in pictures but also that everyone in your family will actually agree to wear! Faced with endless options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to even begin. Let’s break down how to choose the perfect Family Photo Ideas Clothing to make your photoshoot a success.
Where To Start: Find That One Key Outfit
Instead of tackling everyone’s outfits at once, start small. Is there a particular piece of clothing that’s a must-have for your family photo session? Perhaps you found an amazing skirt at Anthropologie, or maybe there’s a shirt that looks incredible on your partner. Or, realistically, is there a specific dress from Target that your toddler will actually wear without a fuss?
Identifying that one key outfit can be your starting point. Use it as the foundation for the color palette and overall style inspiration for everyone else’s clothing. This simplifies the process and creates a cohesive look without being overly matchy-matchy.
A mother in a rust-colored dress holds her baby, with her husband in a cream shirt and khaki pants, posing in a field for family photos, showcasing a starting point for outfit inspiration.
A family with two young daughters in cream, blue, and pink outfits stands in a field, demonstrating how one outfit can inspire a cohesive family look.
A toddler in a floral dress with a denim jacket stands with her parents in neutral tones, illustrating how a child's outfit can be the starting point for family photo clothing.
A family in shades of blue and brown, with a focus on a patterned dress worn by the mother, shows how a patterned piece can guide the color scheme for family photo outfits.
A family in earth tones poses in a field with golden grass, highlighting the use of natural colors inspired by the environment for family photos.
A family in muted blues and creams stands near a river, showcasing a color palette that complements natural outdoor settings for family photography.
Best Colors for Outdoor Family Photos: Nature as Your Guide
When it comes to outdoor family photos, simplicity is key when choosing colors. A safe and beautiful approach is to lean towards neutrals like cream, brown, gray, white, and tan. Alternatively, consider colors that naturally occur in the season and environment where your photoshoot will take place. If you’re ever unsure about color choices, don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for specific suggestions tailored to your session – they are always happy to help!
Spring Family Photo Clothing Colors
Think of the fresh, vibrant colors of spring: tulips blooming, crabapple blossoms emerging, and lush green grass returning. Excellent color choices for spring family photos include pinks, greens, blues (including navy), creams, purples, yellows, and soft neutrals.
Opt for pastels and muted versions of these colors rather than overly bright or neon shades. Muted tones photograph beautifully and create a soft, harmonious look. Neon colors, on the other hand, can be overwhelming and unflattering in photos.
Summer Family Photo Clothing Colors
Summer photoshoot color palettes can draw inspiration from green aspen leaves, tall grass, and the vibrant Indian paintbrush wildflowers.
For early summer sessions (June and July), great color options include green, blue, red, purple, yellow, white, cream, and neutrals. These colors complement the vibrant greenery of early summer.
For late summer sessions (August and early September), focus on greens, blues, creams, and neutrals. As the summer progresses, the landscape may start to dry out, so muted versions of colors often work best.
If the grass and foliage are particularly vibrant and green, bolder clothing colors can work well. However, if the greenery is starting to fade or dry, stick with more muted color palettes for a more balanced look.
Fall Family Photo Clothing Colors
Fall is synonymous with the stunning colors of changing leaves! Ideal colors for fall family sessions are gold, orange, green, blue, black, brown, white, and neutrals.
Since fall foliage can be incredibly vibrant, consider choosing either muted versions of these colors or deeper, richer tones like dark green or navy. These choices will harmonize beautifully with the autumnal backdrop without clashing.
Winter Family Photo Clothing Colors
Winter landscapes, especially in regions like Wyoming and Colorado, can be stark and beautiful in their simplicity. Colors that work well for winter family sessions are green, red, blue, white, brown, and neutrals. These colors stand out against snowy or muted winter backgrounds while still feeling seasonally appropriate.
Colors to Avoid for Family Photos
Neon Colors: Avoid neon colors entirely. They rarely photograph well and can cast unflattering color tints onto skin tones. If you absolutely love a bold color, try to find a muted or darker version instead.
Black (with caveats): Black can be used effectively but with caution. Avoid having someone wear all black (black shirt and black pants), as it can make it difficult for the camera to capture details and definition. If one family member wears black (like a black dress), balance it out by incorporating color into the rest of the family’s outfits.
Turquoise: While turquoise jewelry is generally fine, turquoise clothing is often not recommended, even for spring and summer sessions. Turquoise is not a color that frequently occurs in natural landscapes, and therefore it can sometimes create an jarring contrast with the greens of summer or yellows of fall.
A color palette graphic showing muted and bold colors side-by-side, illustrating the difference and suggesting muted tones for photography.
The safest bet? Stick to neutrals and earth tones. Think creams, greens, browns, blues, and muted pinks. These colors are universally flattering and work beautifully in almost any setting and with any skin tone.
Best Colors for Indoor Family Photos: Consider Your Space
For in-home or studio sessions, you have a bit more flexibility with color choices. Studio family photo sessions often look best with neutral outfits. This prevents the clothing from overwhelming the clean, controlled studio environment and keeps the focus on the family. However, for individual studio portraits, feel free to inject more personality and color! Almost anything goes in this scenario.
In-home family sessions require considering the existing colors and décor of your home. Is your home style bright and vibrant? Do you prefer earth tones? Is your décor minimalist? Keep your home’s aesthetic in mind when selecting outfits for an in-home session to ensure a cohesive and natural look in your photos.
Add Depth and Interest: Variety, Patterns, and Texture
Don’t be afraid to incorporate variety through patterns and, especially, texture. Texture is your friend in photographs! Textured fabrics photograph exceptionally well, adding visual interest and depth to your images. Think ruffles, mohair, chunky knit cardigans, flowing skirts, and lace.
You can also introduce variety and texture by layering outfits. Consider adding moto jackets, scarves, vests, or cardigans. Layers not only add visual appeal but can also be practical for outdoor sessions where temperatures might fluctuate.
Always have everyone try on their complete outfits before your session, paying special attention to fit, especially for children. You want to avoid clothing that needs constant adjusting, like a vest or scarf that keeps falling over someone’s face. If you’re dressing a toddler, pick them up to see how the clothes look and fit when they are being held – a common pose in family photos.
A family in layered outfits with a mix of textures including denim, knits, and flowy fabrics stands in a field, demonstrating how to incorporate texture and layers for visual interest.
A mother in a textured sweater holds her baby, highlighting how textured clothing adds depth and visual appeal to close-up family portraits.
A family with children wearing outfits with ruffles and layers poses in a field, showcasing the use of texture and layers in children's clothing for family photos.
Dress for the Weather: Comfort is Key
Always, always prioritize dressing appropriately for the weather! One of the most important lessons for any family photographer is that it’s nearly impossible to hide discomfort caused by cold temperatures in photos. Visible signs like purple hands, forced smiles, and tears are hard to edit out and detract from the joy of the moment. For spring and late fall sessions, this might mean having backup outfits or planning for extra layers that can be easily added or removed. While you might hope for warm spring or fall days, weather can be unpredictable, so being prepared is essential.
Style Tips for Women’s Family Photo Clothing
Dresses are often a fantastic choice for women. They photograph beautifully (again, texture plays a role!), and are generally flattering on various body types. Baltic Born has become a popular online retailer for many clients, offering affordable dresses that look stunning in photos. If a dress isn’t your preference, consider pairing a stylish shirt or tank top with a long skirt.
Flatter your favorite features and create confidence. If you prefer not to emphasize your arms, consider dresses with sleeves like this example, or bring a light jacket, sweater, or cardigan. Love your legs? Shorts or a shorter dress could be perfect!
Ensure practical comfort and coverage. Do a “movement test” in your outfit beforehand to make sure you can move around comfortably without bra straps showing. Try everything on in advance, and if you notice bra straps slipping, use fashion tape, pin them in place, or choose a different bra. Family photoshoots often involve movement – walking, picking up kids – and it’s distracting to constantly worry about wardrobe malfunctions. Also, avoid “boob muffin top” by ensuring your tops fit well and provide adequate coverage.
Similarly, check for fabric transparency, especially with online purchases. Amazon and other retailers sometimes sell clothing made from thin fabrics. Try on your outfits and check them outside in natural sunlight to ensure they aren’t see-through, particularly when backlit. This is crucial for avoiding unexpected reveals in your photos.
Remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules. If jeans or a romper are more your style, go for it! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. Your comfort will translate to more relaxed and genuine photos.
A mother in a flowing floral dress poses with her family, showcasing a flattering and photographically appealing dress style for women.
A woman in a rust-colored dress stands in a field, highlighting a flattering dress choice with sleeves and texture for family photos.
A mother in a muted pink dress holds her baby, showing how muted colors and dresses work well for family photography.
A woman in a blue dress poses with her family, demonstrating a classic and timeless dress style for family photos.
Style Tips for Men’s Family Photo Clothing
Keep it simple and classic. For men, untucked button-down shirts paired with jeans or casual pants are always a great and stylish choice. This look is relaxed yet put-together and photographs well.
Avoid cargo shorts. While they might be convenient, cargo shorts with prominent pockets are generally less flattering in photos. If shorts are a must, try to find options without large, bulky pockets.
Say no to performance fabric polo shirts! While sporty golf polos might be comfortable, they often aren’t the best choice for family photos. Unless worn with an undershirt, they can sometimes reveal too much (nipples!). Performance fabrics can also be clingy and unforgiving, potentially highlighting the stomach area in an unflattering way.
Polo shirts are acceptable, but opt for cotton versions instead of performance fabrics. Even better choices are button-down shirts, t-shirts, or flannel shirts, depending on the desired style and season.
A father in a blue button-down shirt and jeans hugs his daughter, showcasing a simple and stylish outfit for men in family photos.
A couple stands in a field, with the man wearing a casual button-down shirt and jeans, illustrating a relaxed yet stylish look for men in outdoor family photos.
Style Tips for Kids’ Family Photo Clothing
Prioritize comfort above all else! This cannot be emphasized enough. Ensure your kids are comfortably warm and happy in the clothes they’ll be wearing. Scratchy tags, shoes that are tripping hazards, and general dislike of an outfit can lead to unhappy children, which will show in your photos. Always have kids try on their outfits before the session and make sure they are content with their clothing.
Don’t forget diaper coverage! A saggy diaper peeking out is not ideal in photos. Even if a diaper is covered when standing, it might become visible when sitting or being held. Toddler smiles are precious and fleeting, and you don’t want to miss capturing one because you are busy adjusting a dress to cover a diaper. Find a coordinating diaper cover on Amazon or Etsy to ensure full coverage and a polished look.
Watch out for tucked-in shirts. Again, try outfits on beforehand. If a child’s shirt keeps coming untucked every time they move, it’s often better to either leave it untucked (which can look more relaxed and natural) or find a longer shirt that stays tucked in.
Teething baby or toddler? Embrace a cute bib or bandana! Teething always seems to coincide with important events! Instead of fighting drool and fussiness, find a cute bib or bandana that complements their outfit. One client used beautiful muslin bibs for a six-month-old session, which not only solved the drool issue but also added a touch of texture and a subtle pop of color.
A boy in a green sweater and khaki pants laughs while leaning on a wall, showcasing comfortable and stylish clothing for boys in family photos.
A young boy in a blue sweater and jeans poses for a senior portrait, illustrating casual and comfortable clothing options for older kids.
A girl in an orange dress smiles and laughs while holding grass, showcasing a bright and cheerful dress that is comfortable for children.
A baby in a yellow dress and jean jacket is held by her dad, showing a cute and layered outfit for babies in family photos.
A toddler in a patterned dress and cardigan stands with her family, demonstrating layered and textured outfits for young children.
A baby in a cream outfit with a bib sits with her family, highlighting the use of bibs as a practical and cute accessory for teething babies in photos.
Don’t Overlook Footwear!
Footwear is an often-overlooked but important detail. If your session is in a natural outdoor location, especially in mountainous areas, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended for everyone. Cactus, sticks, uneven terrain, and even animal droppings can be present in outdoor settings. Closed-toe shoes provide protection and stability, especially if your photoshoot location involves walking on uneven ground.
Should You Wear Glasses for Your Photo Session?
This is a common question from clients, often arising right before the session when they realize their transition lenses might be problematic!
If you wear glasses daily, then yes, you should wear them for your family photos. Photographers are experienced in working with glasses and have techniques to minimize glare.
However, if you have transition lenses, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Ideally, either remove the transition lenses from an old pair of frames for the session or bring a separate pair of non-transition glasses. Dark transition lenses can be extremely challenging to work around, both for the photographer and for your comfort in posing and interacting naturally.
Take Your Family Outfits for a Test Run
A couple of weeks before your photoshoot (or at least before removing tags from new clothes), have everyone try on their complete outfits and move around the house. Do a mock photoshoot at home. Does a bra strap slip when you pick up your toddler? Does your child’s shirt constantly untuck? Is your baby bothered by a bow or headband? This test run will reveal any potential wardrobe issues, giving you time to make adjustments before the actual session.
If you’re scheduling an early spring, late fall, or winter outdoor session, a weather test run is essential. Have everyone wear their full outfits outside in your backyard for at least twenty minutes. No cheating – no promises of “we’ll put a jacket on the baby between shots.” Temperatures can drop quickly, especially as the sun sets, and what feels like a mild 50 degrees Fahrenheit while running errands will feel much colder when you’re standing still in the shade for photos. This weather test will ensure everyone is comfortable and warm enough for the session.
An extended family group poses in Wyoming, showcasing coordinated outfits and the importance of considering clothing for larger groups.
A family in neutral and blue tones poses in a field, demonstrating how to coordinate outfits for a family of four.
A family in shades of blue and cream poses outdoors, highlighting a classic and timeless color palette for family photography.
A family in earth tones stands in a field with fall foliage, illustrating outfit coordination for fall family photos.
A family in muted blue and cream outfits poses near a river, showcasing a soft and harmonious color palette for outdoor family photos.
A family in fall colors poses in a field with changing leaves, illustrating seasonally appropriate outfit choices for fall family photos.
Need More Help Choosing Family Photo Clothing?
Don’t hesitate to reach out! Photographers are always happy to assist their clients in choosing outfits for their sessions. Contact your photographer via email or text, and they can provide personalized links and suggestions or offer minor adjustments to your outfit choices.
Many photographers also offer detailed what-to-wear guides for specific types of sessions, such as newborn and maternity photos:
What to wear for newborn photos
What to wear for maternity photos
Favorite Clothing Retailers for Family Photos
Here are some recommended retailers that are great resources for finding family photo clothing:
Baltic Born. A top recommendation for women’s dresses, including maternity styles. They offer stylish, affordable dresses that are flattering in photos. (Note: Be sure to check their return policy before ordering, as it may have changed.)
Amberjack. A fantastic choice for men’s shoes. These shoes are stylish, comfortable, and provide good traction.
Target. A go-to for affordable and trendy clothing, especially for kids. Target’s kids’ section often has great muted-tone options. Adult women’s selections can be more hit-or-miss depending on the season.
Walmart. Surprisingly, Walmart has a surprisingly good selection of cute and budget-friendly outfits for babies and toddlers.
Ann Taylor Loft. A reliable source for women’s clothing with consistent style and quality.
Banana Republic. Offers a wide range of options for adult clothing. Old Navy and Gap Kids/Teen (part of the same company) can be convenient for finding clothing for the whole family in one place.
Boden. A great option for the entire family, offering everything from basics to more unique pieces, with excellent quality. Watch for coupon codes and sales.
H&M. A budget-friendly retailer, particularly good for men’s and boys’ clothing.
Buck Mason. Excellent for men’s clothing and also offers quality women’s basics.
Madewell. Known for jeans, but also has great rompers and pantsuits for a casual, stylish look.
Bohme. Offers beautiful dresses and tops for women, featuring lots of texture and flowing styles.
Hanna Andersson. A colorful and playful choice for kids’ clothing.
Everlane. A great source for solid-colored basics for both men and women.
Anthropologie. Clients often find stunning and unique skirts at Anthropologie, which can be paired with simpler tops for a beautiful family photo look.
Ready to Book Your Family Photo Session?
Get in touch through the contact page to book your session! Now scheduling 2025 summer and fall family sessions. Let’s create some beautiful, picture-perfect memories together!
