Choosing the perfect outfits for family photos can feel like a high-stakes fashion puzzle—but it doesn’t have to be!

The right clothing can turn a simple photo into a timeless keepsake, capturing not just how you look, but who you are as a family. Whether you’re aiming for cozy and casual or polished and put-together, a little planning goes a long way. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to wear (and what to avoid) so your family photos look beautifully coordinated and effortlessly stylish.

Investing time in thoughtful styling can make all the difference, resulting in beautiful images that your family will cherish for years to come. Color palettes, textures, and patterns are all things that need to be taken into consideration for a photo session. While this serves as a great tool with helpful suggestions and inspiration, it is important to remember that this is just a recommendation. Ultimately, the decision on what to wear is entirely yours, and I encourage my clients to wear what they are most comfortable in and shows their personality and style. Your comfort and confidence are key to capturing beautiful memories.

Tips

Matching – everyone in the family does not have to have matching shirts. What looks best is when a family wears clothing that coordinates with a particular color scheme. Too much matching makes it hard to see individuals in the photos.

Mix & Match – Mix things up. Think about texture and color. Maybe girls in skirts and boys in chinos while dad wears jeans. Families in all jeans work great but maybe not all in the same blue jean color. (white and blue look great).

Avoid Logos, Texts, and Graphics – words will draw attention away from your faces. It distracts and takes away from the emotion captured in the picture.

Patterns (Yay or Nay) – Choosing simpler colors and subtle patterns. AVOID bright neon colors and patterns that may overwhelm the viewer’s eye and clash with the background, creating a chaotic look.

Be Comfortable – you can’t look your best if you are uncomfortable. This will help you feel more relaxed and at ease during the photo shoot.

Shoes – athletic shoes and character shoes should all be avoided. Leather shoes, casual sneakers, sandals, canvas shoes are all great options.

Top Tip: Pinterest (click link below) has some great ideas!