When it comes to family portraits, one of the most common questions I get from clients is: “What should we wear?” It’s understandable—nobody wants to look back at their family photos years from now and think, “Why did I wear that?!”

The truth is, choosing the right outfits for your family portrait session can make a huge difference in the final result. But don't stress! With a little planning, you can all look your best and create timeless, beautiful photos that you'll cherish forever.

In this blog post, I’ll break down some tips and ideas to help you select outfits that will make your family look fantastic, while keeping everything comfortable and natural. Let’s dive in!

1. Start with a Color Palette

The first step in putting together family outfits is deciding on a color palette. You don’t need to go for matchy-matchy (in fact, it’s usually better if you don’t), but you do want to make sure that everyone’s outfits complement each other.

Pick 2-3 main colors to focus on and add a few accent shades. A common approach is choosing neutral tones (think creams, whites, grays, and soft browns) and then incorporating one or two accent colors (like navy, blush, or mustard yellow). This allows everyone to have their own personality in the photos while still maintaining a cohesive look.

For example, a soft cream and tan palette with touches of deep blue and rust looks great across all skin tones, and it won’t distract from the people in the photos.

2. Avoid Overly Bright Colors or Bold Patterns

While bright colors can look fun in some settings, family portraits are often best when the focus is on the people, not the clothes. Neon colors or bold, busy patterns can be distracting and may take away from the overall feeling of the photo.

Instead of opting for loud prints or patterns, try solid colors or subtle textures like a striped shirt or a plaid flannel that has a more understated look. If you do want to incorporate a pattern (like a floral dress or a plaid shirt), try to keep it on just one or two members of the family, and pair it with more neutral outfits for the rest of the group.

3. Dress for the Location and Season

Think about the location and season when choosing your outfits. For example, if you’re doing a fall family session in a park, layers can add a cozy and stylish touch. A jacket, sweater, scarf, or boots can create visual interest and add warmth to your photos.

If you’re doing an outdoor session in spring or summer, lighter fabrics and clothing like flowy dresses, button-down shirts, and shorts can keep things cool and casual. Consider the textures of the fabrics as well—knits, lace, or denim all photograph beautifully and create depth.

Also, think about the backdrop. If you’re shooting in a more natural environment, earthy tones or pastels work beautifully. For more urban locations, you may want to opt for sharper, more modern colors or styles.

4. Keep Comfort in Mind

The best photos are the ones where everyone feels comfortable and confident. If someone is uncomfortable in their outfit, it will show in the photos. When selecting clothing, choose fabrics that are soft and breathable, especially for children.

Kids, in particular, can get fidgety or irritable if their clothes are too tight, itchy, or restrictive. Stick to fabrics that move easily, like cotton or linen, and avoid anything too stiff or overly fancy unless it’s something they’re excited to wear.

Also, consider the weather—if it’s chilly, be sure everyone has a layer to stay warm. If you’re taking photos in the heat, choose lightweight fabrics to avoid overheating.

5. Coordinate, Don’t Match

It can be tempting to dress everyone in matching outfits, but I always recommend coordinating, not matching. Dressing in complementary colors and styles will help give the photos a more natural and relaxed vibe.

Instead of having everyone wear the same shirt or color, think about combining different textures and fabrics within your chosen color palette. For example, dad could wear a navy shirt with khaki pants, mom could wear a soft pink dress with denim accessories, and the kids could be dressed in playful patterns or textures that fit into the overall color scheme.

This approach allows each person’s individual personality to shine through while still maintaining harmony in the final shot.

6. Layer Up for Variety

Layers are your best friend when it comes to family portraits. Not only do they add visual interest and texture, but they also provide flexibility during the session. You can always take off a jacket, sweater, or scarf if the weather changes or if you want a different look in the middle of the shoot.

For example, a scarf can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit, while a jacket can give a more polished or structured feel. Layering also creates opportunities for movement, like a jacket being casually thrown over the shoulder or a scarf being playfully twirled.

7. Shoes Matter, Too

When it comes to shoes, you don’t have to wear formal heels or dress shoes (unless that’s your style), but it’s a good idea to make sure everyone is wearing shoes that are comfortable, neat, and match the tone of the outfit.

For example, if you’re doing an outdoor shoot, clean sneakers, boots, or flats are perfect. If you’re going for a more polished look, consider classic shoes like loafers, flats, or even dress shoes for the adults, while keeping the kids’ shoes comfy and appropriate for their age.

8. Don’t Forget the Details

Small accessories can elevate your family photos and make them feel more personal. A simple necklace, a stylish belt, or a hair accessory can all add character to your look. Just be mindful not to overdo it—less is often more when it comes to accessories.

For kids, a cute hair clip, bow tie, or cardigan can bring out their personality in a subtle way. For the whole family, think about adding a prop, like a blanket for a picnic session or a family heirloom item that holds sentimental value.

9. Stay True to Your Family’s Style

At the end of the day, the best outfits are the ones that feel like “you.” If your family loves the casual vibe of jeans and t-shirts, go for it! If you love dressing up in more formal attire, that’s great too. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and connected in your outfits.

Family photos are about capturing who you are as a family, so make sure your clothing choices reflect your personalities. You want to look back at your portraits and remember how you truly felt in that moment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right outfits for your family portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips—coordinating colors, staying comfortable, and embracing your family’s unique style—you can ensure that your photos will not only look amazing but also feel true to who you are.

So, whether you’re planning for a casual shoot or something more formal, take the time to plan ahead, choose outfits that complement each other, and most importantly, have fun with the process. I promise that when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it’ll shine through in the photos!

I can’t wait to capture these special moments with you and your family! If you’re ready to book your session or have any other questions, feel free to get in touch. Let’s make some memories together!