The Complete Guide: What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session
The number 1 question we get asked… What should we wear?
And to be fair, it's a great question, because yes what you wear will make a difference.
Cohesion in clothing choices, especially for a family photo that might end up framed on the wall for years, can elevate the entire image. When outfits are chosen with intention, the final photograph often looks more polished, more timeless, or plain and simply, they're just more pleasing to the eye. Think about a Vogue editorial or a styled magazine shoot - every detail is carefully planned. And while your family session is the furthest thing from a fashion shoot, the principle still applies. A carefully curated wardrobe will add to an image.
But here's the other side of it, and to me, this is just as important: You're not Vogue. You're a family.
You have busy lives, small children, reluctant teens, muddy shoes, and nappy emergencies. You probably won't have time to spend hours styling everyone's outfits to perfection, but that is totally okay. In fact, some of the most meaningful, natural, and joy-filled portraits I've taken are of families who showed up just as they are. Slightly mismatched, but laughing. Not perfectly in place, but arms around each other.
That's real life. And it photographs beautifully.
So, here's my honest, experience-backed advice: Yes, make an effort. But don't overthink it.
The Foundation: Understanding Color and Harmony
Start with Mom's Outfit
Professional photographers universally agree: Mom's outfit should be your starting point. Women's clothing typically offers more pattern, texture, and visual interest, making it the perfect anchor for your family's color palette. Once Mom feels confident and beautiful in her chosen outfit, building everyone else's looks around hers becomes infinitely easier.
Think Harmony, Not Matching
Choose outfits that feel like you, but maybe the best version of you on a good day. Think about how the colours will look together. Neutrals, earthy tones, or soft palettes tend to work well. Avoid loud logos and busy patterns. But don't feel pressure to match perfectly. It's not about uniformity - it's about harmony. There's a difference.
The 3-5 Color Rule: Select 3-5 complementary colors that work together rather than putting everyone in identical outfits. This creates visual interest while maintaining cohesion.
Seasonal Color Palettes: Working with Nature
Spring Sessions
Best Colors: Soft pastels, muted pinks, sage greens, dusty blues, creams, and light neutrals Think: Tulips, cherry blossoms, and fresh green grass Inspiration: Light, airy fabrics like cotton and linen that catch the gentle spring breeze
Summer Sessions
Best Colors: Soft neutrals (cream, beige, warm white), dusty blue, sage green, blush pink, and muted corals Avoid: Bright neons, jewel tones, and dark colors that feel too heavy for the season Pro Tip: Choose breathable fabrics and remember that darker colors can help hide perspiration for dads
Fall Sessions
Best Colors: Rich earth tones, deep oranges, burgundy, mustard yellow, forest green, and warm browns Classic Combinations: Navy and cranberry, browns with deep blues, or rust orange with cream Texture Focus: This is the perfect season for chunky knits, corduroy, and layered textures
Winter Sessions
Best Colors: Deep jewel tones, rich burgundy, forest green, navy, cream (better than stark white in snow), and warm neutrals Winning Combinations: Navy and cranberry with cream accents, or rich browns with deep blues Layer Strategy: Embrace coats, scarves, and boots as part of your styling rather than hiding them
The Ultimate "What to Avoid" List
Colors That Don't Photograph Well
Neon or fluorescent colors - These cast unflattering color casts on skin and are distracting
Bright white - Often too stark; cream or off-white photograph better
Black as a dominant color - While acceptable as an accent, avoid all-black outfits as they can appear too harsh
Turquoise - Rarely occurs in nature and can clash with natural backgrounds
Patterns and Logos to Skip
Large, busy patterns - They compete with faces and create visual chaos
Prominent logos or graphics - These date photos quickly and are distracting
More than one busy pattern - If someone wears a pattern, keep others in solids or very subtle patterns
Practical Don'ts
Clothes that don't fit properly - Too tight or too loose both photograph poorly
Uncomfortable fabrics - Especially important for children who will be moving and playing
See-through or thin fabrics - Always do a sunlight test, particularly with white or light-colored clothing
Performance fabrics for men - Golf polos without undershirts can be unflattering
Cargo shorts - Choose cleaner lines for a more polished look
Building Your Family's Wardrobe: A Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Choose Your Anchor Piece
Start with one outfit you absolutely love - typically Mom's dress or a special piece for one of the children. This becomes your color and style inspiration for everyone else.
Step 2: Select Your Color Palette
Based on your anchor piece and session season, choose 3-5 colors that work harmoniously together. Use the 2:1 ratio - for every two solid colors, add one subtle pattern.
Step 3: Consider Your Location
Match your styling level to your location. Natural settings can handle more casual, flowing pieces, while urban locations might call for more structured choices.
Step 4: Add Texture and Interest
Incorporate different textures within your color palette: lace, chunky knits, corduroy, ruffles, or flowing fabrics. This adds visual depth without relying on busy patterns.
Step 5: Plan for Comfort and Movement
Remember that family sessions involve sitting, standing, hugging, and potentially chasing children. Choose pieces that allow for natural movement and interaction.
Specific Styling Tips by Family Member
For Mom
Best Choices: Long dresses (maxi or midi length) in high-quality fabrics, flowing tops with nice pants or skirts Flattering Options: Off-shoulder necklines, empire waists, A-line silhouettes Confidence Boosters: Choose styles that flatter your favorite features and provide coverage where you want it Fabric Recommendations: Avoid t-shirt material; opt for cotton, linen, chiffon, or other flowing fabrics
For Dad
Classic Options: Button-down shirts (untucked), henleys, nice sweaters paired with dark wash jeans or chinos Avoid: Cargo shorts, performance fabrics without undershirts, overly casual athletic wear Color Strategy: Darker colors can be flattering and practical (especially in summer) Fit Focus: Well-fitted clothing always photographs better than loose or overly tight pieces
For Children
Priority #1: Comfort above all else - uncomfortable children won't cooperate or look happy Smart Choices: Clothes they've worn before, appropriate for weather, easy to move in Practical Additions: Bring matching bloomers for little girls in dresses, consider backup comfort items Age Considerations: Let older children have some input in their choices to ensure they feel confident
For Babies and Toddlers
Keep It Simple: Solid colors or very simple patterns work best Practical Elements: Easy-change options, soft fabrics, weather-appropriate choices Sweet Additions: Consider textured items like chunky knits or simple accessories Backup Strategy: Bring an extra outfit in case of inevitable messes
Timing and Planning: The Stress-Free Approach
The One-Week Rule
Have all outfits selected and tried on one week before your session. This gives you time to make adjustments without last-minute stress.
The Try-On Test
Have everyone try on their complete outfit, including shoes and accessories. Check for:
Comfort and fit
How colors look together
Any wardrobe malfunctions (see-through fabrics, too-tight clothes)
Weather appropriateness
The Final Details
For Parents: Consider hair and makeup timing, nail care
For Everyone: Ensure clothes are clean, pressed, and ready
Backup Plan: Have a comfortable alternative outfit ready, especially for children
The Philosophy Behind the Clothes
Most importantly: Show up ready to connect, to laugh, to play, to be yourselves. The magic comes from that. The clothes are just the frame.
Remember that some of my most beloved family portraits feature families who prioritized connection over perfection. A child's favorite superhero t-shirt, Dad's comfortable sweater, Mom's flowing dress that makes her feel beautiful - when everyone feels authentically themselves, that confidence translates into genuine smiles and natural interactions.
Your Quick Reference Checklist
Do:
Choose clothes you feel good in - comfort and confidence always shine through
Think about tones, not matching sets - harmonious colors work better than identical outfits
Select neutral, earthy, or soft colors that photograph beautifully in both studio and outdoor settings
Add layers, textures, and simple accessories for depth and interest
Plan outfits at least one week in advance
Don't: 6. Avoid loud logos, neon colors, and overly busy patterns that draw attention away from faces 7. Stress about perfection - some of the best images are the ones that feel most real 8. Wait until the last minute to plan outfits 9. Choose comfort over style completely - find the sweet spot between both
The Bottom Line
Your family photos should tell the story of who you are in this moment. Whether that's the perfectly coordinated family in soft neutrals or the beautifully imperfect crew where someone insisted on wearing their favorite dinosaur shirt - both can create stunning, meaningful images.
The goal isn't to create a magazine spread (unless that's authentically you). The goal is to capture the love, connection, and joy that makes your family unique. The right outfit choices simply help that story shine through more clearly.
When you feel good in what you're wearing, when your children are comfortable and happy, when everyone can move freely and be themselves - that's when the magic happens. And that magic, framed by thoughtful clothing choices, creates the kinds of family photos you'll treasure for generations.
Still feeling overwhelmed by outfit choices? I'm here to help! Send me photos of your wardrobe options, and I'll help you create the perfect coordinated look for your family session. Because your story deserves to be told beautifully - and that beauty starts with you feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. Get in touch now