What to Wear | Family Sessions

WHAT TO WEAR IN FAMILY PHOTOS

When it comes to planning your family photo session, one of the biggest decisions you'll make—besides choosing your photographer—is what everyone will wear. It may seem like a small detail, but clothing has a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your images. The best place to begin is by thinking about the big picture.

Start With the End in Mind

Before you even think about colors or patterns, ask yourself: Where will these photos live? Will they hang in your living room? Be turned into a holiday card? Used in a family album?

Thinking about where and how you'll use your photos can help you choose a color palette that compliments your home’s style and fits your family’s personality. For example, if you’re planning to hang a large canvas in your neutral-toned living room, soft earth tones or muted colors might be the perfect fit. If your style is bold and fun, then richer, more vibrant colors may be the way to go.

Once you have that vision, you can start pulling together the wardrobe details to bring it to life.

Choose 2–3 Coordinating Colors (Not Matching!)

The key word here is coordinating, not matching. Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and white tees (thank goodness!). Instead, select 2–3 complementary colors that work well together and mix in some neutrals to balance it all out. Think rust, sage green, and cream; or navy, mustard, and soft gray.

Having a cohesive color palette gives your images a polished look without everyone looking like they’re wearing a uniform. It also adds depth and variety, which is visually much more interesting.

Begin With Mom’s Outfit — The “Hero Piece”

Let’s be honest: moms are rarely *in* the photos, and we need to celebrate this! It's also best to start with mom so she has a fresh slate to start with and less limitations when looking at options. We call mom's outfit the "hero piece" because we start with this one outfit to then coordinate all other outfits with.

Choose something you feel amazing in—an outfit that flatters your shape, feels comfortable, and has a little something special: a soft flowy skirt, a cozy knit texture, a beautiful print, or subtle movement. This sets the tone for the rest of the family.

Once you have mom’s outfit, build everyone else’s around it using the color palette you’ve chosen.

Layer In Texture, Movement, and Accessories

Now it’s time to bring those outfits to life!

• Texture adds dimension and visual interest to your photos—think chunky knits, lace, corduroy, denim, and linens. Mixing different textures can make your photos feel rich and warm, especially in natural light.
• Movement in clothing brings your images to life. Flowy dresses, skirts that catch the breeze, scarves that flutter—these little details create magic in photos and give them a sense of story and emotion.
• And don’t forget accessories! Hats, vests, belts, or simple jewelry can help tie everyone’s look together without being distracting. A thoughtfully chosen accessory can elevate an outfit from basic to beautiful.

Choose Outfits That Fit Well and Feel Good

Comfort matters. If you're tugging at your clothes or worrying about how something fits, it will show in your photos. Choose outfits that flatter your body and make you feel confident—because confidence is truly the best thing you can wear.

Make sure clothing fits well—not too tight, not too loose. This is especially important for kids who will be moving, climbing, twirling, or snuggling up to you. You want them (and you!) to be able to move freely and comfortably throughout the session.

What to Avoid

To keep the focus on your beautiful faces and genuine connections, here are a few things to skip:

• Graphic tees and logos – These draw the eye and can date your photos quickly.
• Everyone wearing the same color – This often creates what we call the "blob effect" where everyone blends together. Coordinating colors help each person stand out while still looking cohesive.
• Clashing patterns – If one person is wearing a bold pattern, keep others in solids or subtle textures.

Bonus Tips for Extended Families

If you’re doing a session with grandparents, cousins, or other extended family members, it helps to plan around smaller groupings within the session. Think about how each smaller family group will look on their own as well as together with the whole group.

Stick to a shared color palette and aim for balance—maybe one group leans into the deeper tones of your palette, and another uses lighter versions. Just make sure there’s enough variety to avoid everyone blending together.

Final Thoughts

Family photos are about capturing connection, love, and your unique story. Outfits are just one piece of the puzzle, but when done thoughtfully, they can elevate your images and bring your story to life in a beautiful, timeless way.

So take a breath, have fun with it, and remember: when you feel good, you look good—and that joy will shine through in every photo.