What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session

One of the biggest questions I get before a family session is, "What should we wear?"

The good news? It doesn't have to be stressful! The right outfits help create timeless, beautiful images and allow the focus to stay exactly where it belongs—on your family and the connections you share. Here are my favorite tips for choosing outfits you'll love for years to come.

Start with Mom

I always recommend choosing Mom's outfit first. When Mom feels confident and beautiful, it shows in the photos! Once you've picked your outfit, it's much easier to coordinate everyone else's clothing around it. Flowy dresses, midi dresses, sweaters, linen, soft knits, and textured fabrics photograph beautifully and add movement to your images.

Coordinate, Don't Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing white shirts and jeans!

Instead, choose a color palette of 3–5 complementary colors and mix them throughout your family's outfits. This creates depth, interest, and a much more natural look.

Some beautiful color combinations include:

Cream, tan, sage, and denim
Navy, ivory, camel, and olive
Dusty blue, oatmeal, white, and soft gray
Rust, cream, brown, and olive (perfect for fall)

Stick with Soft, Earthy Colors

Neutral and muted tones photograph beautifully in every season.

Think:

Cream
Ivory
Beige
Camel
Olive
Sage
Navy
Dusty blue
Chocolate brown
Soft grays

These colors keep the attention on your family's faces instead of your clothing.

Skip Anything That Distracts

Your photos should feel timeless, so it's best to avoid clothing that pulls attention away from your family.

I recommend skipping:

Neon colors
Bright reds and hot pinks
Large logos
Graphic t-shirts
Busy or loud patterns
Athletic wear
Gym shoes or running shoes
Clothing with words or large brand names

If one outfit immediately catches your eye before you even notice the people wearing it, it's probably a little too distracting.

Layers Add Interest

Layers make photos look polished and add texture without much effort.

Consider adding:

Denim jackets
Cardigans
Sweaters
Flannels
Vests
Shawls
Lightweight jackets

Layers also give you the option to change up your look without doing a full outfit change.

Don't Forget the Accessories

Accessories are the finishing touch that help complete your look.

Some of my favorites include:

Simple necklaces
Layered jewelry
Statement earrings
Bracelets
Watches
Belts
Scarves
Cowboy hats
Cute boots

Accessories add personality while still keeping the overall look classic.

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Your shoes will absolutely show up in your photos!

Choose footwear that complements your outfit, such as:

Boots
Booties
Sandals
Loafers
Dress shoes
Neutral flats

Try to avoid athletic shoes, running shoes, flip-flops, or brightly colored sneakers whenever possible.

Dress for the Season

Think about the location and the time of year.

Spring and summer are perfect for light fabrics, flowy dresses, and soft colors.

Fall looks beautiful with cozy sweaters, boots, rich earth tones, and layers.

No matter the season, everyone should look like they belong together without looking identical.

Comfort Is Key

Especially for little ones!

If your child is constantly pulling at itchy clothes or uncomfortable shoes, it'll show in the photos. Choose outfits they can comfortably move, cuddle, run, and play in.

The goal is genuine smiles, not battles over uncomfortable clothing.