What to wear for family photos
Let’s start with this: there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to choosing what to wear for your family photos. These are simply ideas that tend to work well, gathered from years of photographing families in all kinds of beautiful, everyday moments.
If you’re feeling unsure of where to begin—or wondering what colors or patterns look good on camera—I’ve got you. This guide will walk you through some thoughtful tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and camera-ready (without making it feel like a big production).
Because yes, deciding what to wear for family photos can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you have a big crew or it’s just the three of you, a few intentional choices can go a long way. And while coordinating colors can bring a cohesive look to your photos, there’s also room to let each family member’s personality shine.
Your family photos should feel like you.
Comfort. Connection. Confidence. It starts with what you wear.
Let’s be honest—figuring out what to wear for family photos can feel like a lot. And if you’ve been searching Pinterest or scrolling through photography blogs, you’ve probably seen a long list of what works, what doesn’t, and how to make your outfits “fit the aesthetic.”
Here’s a different take:
Your family photos should feel like you. Whether you’re excited to pick out something new or pulling from what’s already in your closet, the most important thing is that it feels true. Just you—comfortable, connected, and confident in what you’re wearing and how you show up.
Keep it casual or dress it up—just stay consistent.
Whether you go for a polished look or something more laid-back, keep the style level consistent across the board. Shoes matter, too. They ground the whole look—literally. Be mindful of how everyone’s shoes work together in color and style.
Why it matters: Outfits—and shoes—that “fit” together do more than create visual interest or a cohesive looks, they allow your heart to linger on how the moment felt.
Elevate your style—just a little.
Whether your style leans more dressy or casual, family photos are a great reason to elevate it just a bit. Not to impress anyone—but to honor the occasion.
That doesn’t mean you need to buy something new (unless you want to). If you already own something that makes you feel amazing, wear it. And if you’ve been eyeing a piece that you know would boost your confidence—consider this your excuse to go for it.
Why it matters: These photos will live on your walls, in albums, and in your hands for years to come. It’s okay to treat it like something worth dressing up for.
Choose outfits that feel good, fit well, and move with you.
I want you to love the way you look in your photos. That starts with choosing clothing that fits well, lets you move comfortably, and feel fully yourself.
Think about what makes you feel at ease when you’re sitting on the ground, walking through tall grass, or picking up a child mid-snuggle—and plan your outfit with those real-life movements in mind.
Why it matters: The goal isn’t to reinvent anyone for photo day. It’s to help everyone feel confident and comfortable—it sets the tone for how moments unfold during your family session.
Let your personalities shine
When you’re deciding what to wear for family photos, you don’t need to look styled to perfection—just thoughtfully put together in a way that feels true to who you are.
Flowy dresses and soft layers photograph beautifully, but if jeans are more your thing, lean into that. Dress up your favorite pair with a pretty blouse that makes you feel pulled together. For guys, chinos or jeans work equally well—relaxed but still polished.
And when it comes to kids? Don’t stress about perfection. If your daughter lives in boots or your son insists on his well-worn sweater, that’s part of their story. These little quirks are often what you’ll remember most—they show who your kids were at this exact stage of life.
Why it matters: Your photos should reflect who you really are—not a version of your family styled to match someone else’s idea of “picture perfect.” When each person feels like themselves, the connection comes through naturally—and that’s what you’ll want to remember most.
Plan for the weather
Colorado weather can be unpredictable, especially during spring and fall—so it’s always a good idea to factor that in as you plan what to wear for your family photos..
If your session is outdoors and the forecast looks chilly, add layers that will keep you warm. Think cozy sweaters, long-sleeve knits, tights under dresses, boots, scarves, or a wool coat you love.
On warmer days, lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or breathable blends will help you stay cool and comfortable—especially if little ones tend to run hot or don’t love being held when they’re too warm.
Why it matters: If you’re too cold or too hot, it’s hard to relax and enjoy the moment. Choosing weather-appropriate clothing helps everyone stay comfortable and present—so the focus stays on being together, not on wishing you’d worn something else.
How many outfits should you plan for family photos?
One thoughtfully chosen outfit is all you need for a beautiful gallery of family photos.
Changing outfits during your session often takes more time than expected—and can interrupt the natural rhythm we’re building together. To keep things simple and stress-free, I recommend sticking with one outfit for your family session. It gives us more time to focus on connection, movement, and all the little in-between moments you’ll want to remember.
What photographs well (and why it matters).
Now that you’ve got the foundation—clothes that feel good, fit well, and reflect your family’s personality—let’s talk about the visual details.
This part isn’t about strict rules or fitting a certain look. It’s about understanding how color, texture, and style show up on camera.
These aren’t meant to box you in—they’re here to help you make confident choices that allow your emotional connection to be the focus of your photos.
Muted Colors
Softer tones work especially well in family photos—they add warmth and depth without pulling attention away from what really matters: your connection. Bright colors, on the other hand, reflect more light, which can cause parts of your clothing to appear overexposed and lacking in detail.
Look for shades like:
- Ivory, cream, sand, beige, mustard
- Grey, stone, heather, charcoal
- Dusty blue, slate, chambray, denim, steel blue
- Sage, moss, teal
- Blush, dusty rose, burgundy
Why it matters: Bright colors can dominate a photo, pulling attention away from faces and soft interactions. Muted tones allow the details—the way your child fits in your arms, the way you’re looking at each other—to come through clearly. They support the feeling of the moment without distracting from it.
Subtle Patterns
Patterns can add beautiful variety and personality to your photos—as long as they’re used thoughtfully. Moderation is the key.
One or two well-chosen patterns can add visual interest to your images without making things feel too busy. If everyone in the photo is wearing a different pattern, your eye won’t know where to rest—and that can pull attention away from what really matters: your connection.
Try this:
- Choose one or two patterned pieces and keep the rest of the family in coordinating solids or soft textures.
- When mixing patterns, aim for contrast in size (e.g., a small floral next to a larger print) and similarity in tone so they don’t compete with each other.
Patterns that photograph well:
- Florals: Small to medium florals tend to work best—especially when the background is a solid color and the floral tones coordinate with your overall palette.
- Stripes: Soft, spaced-out stripes can look great. Avoid stripes that are narrow or high-contrast (like black and white), which can create a moiré effect in camera.
- Subtle shapes or prints: Tone-on-tone prints (like light gray on white or soft blue on chambray) add texture and interest without overwhelming the frame.
Why it matters: Too many competing patterns can make it hard to see what’s most important in a photo—your people. Subtle, well-placed patterns add interest without distraction, allowing your connection to take center stage and your eye to rest where it naturally belongs.
Textures
Texture is one of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to add richness and dimension to your family photos. Unlike bold patterns, mixing different fabrics creates interest in a subtle, timeless way.
Think about pieces like:
- Knit sweaters, linen dresses, leather jackets, denim jeans
- Waffle cloth, lace, corduroy, gauze, or crepe
- Swiss dots or embroidered fabric for something a little special
Layering different fabrics adds contrast without being distracting. Even simple combinations—like a cotton shirt under a knit cardigan, or a flowy dress paired with a denim jacket—can make your outfits look more thoughtful and pulled together.
Why it matters: Texture gives the camera something to pick up on—light, shadow, and detail—so your final photos feel full of life, not flat or one-dimensional. It helps your outfits stand out just enough, without ever taking attention away from the moment.
Accessories
Accessories are a great way to add variety, texture, and a touch of personality to your family photos—especially when used with intention.
For adults and older kids, think about what reflects your personal style. A classic watch, favorite necklace, stacked bracelets, elegant hair clip, or a leather belt can help round out an outfit in a meaningful, subtle way.
When choosing accessories, less is usually more:
- Opt for one or two standout pieces that add visual interest without overpowering your outfit.
- A statement necklace may show up on camera better than fine, delicate jewelry.
- For little ones—especially babies—it’s best to keep things simple. Their natural features and expressions are more than enough.
Why it matters: Thoughtful accessories can help your outfits feel more complete and true to you. They add just enough interest and personality without distracting from the connection at the heart of your photos.
Similar Shoes
Shoes might seem like an afterthought, but they play a big role in your final photos—especially in full-body shots when you’re walking, sitting, or snuggling together.
Think leather sandals, boots, lace-ups, loafers, simple flats, or sneakers in muted tones that coordinate with each other—not just with individual outfits—without drawing too much attention.
If your session is outdoors, choose something you can walk in comfortably, especially if we’re heading into a field, along a path, or over uneven ground. That said, heels can elongate your legs and often photograph beautifully—just make sure to choose a pair you can move in naturally.
Or go barefoot—its a great option for cozy, at-home sessions or relaxed outdoor moments.
Why it matters: Shoes anchor the whole look—visually and physically. The right pair helps you move comfortably and feel grounded in the moment, while blending naturally into the scene. When everyone’s footwear fits the tone and style of the session, your photos feel cohesive from head to toe—and your connection stays the focus.
Try this before photo day.
Lay out everyone’s outfits on the floor—shoes and accessories included—and snap a quick photo with your phone. Seeing everything side by side can help you notice if something feels out of place or if a swap would bring things into better balance.
You don’t need to aim for perfect—just thoughtful and true to your family.
Still feeling stuck? Start with one outfit.
The easiest way to pull together family photo outfits is to start with a single piece you love—then build from there.
This could be your own outfit (especially since women’s clothing tends to have more patterns, textures, and colors to work with), or one of your kids’ if something they already have feels just right. Once you have that starting point, you can begin layering in complementary tones and styles for the rest of the family.
Choose something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. A flowing dress, a soft blouse with jeans, or a well-fitting jumpsuit can all work beautifully. Whatever you choose, it should feel like you. Because when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows—and it sets the tone for the whole session.
Once you’ve found that starting piece—especially if it’s yours—everything else becomes much simpler.
After that, move on to the kids. Look for items that complement the first in both color and style, and don’t worry about matching exactly. If your kids are old enough, include them in the process. Giving them a say in what they wear helps them feel more involved—and often leads to more cooperation (and better moods!) on photo day.
Then, finally, have Dad tie his outfit in with the rest of the family.
Choosing what to wear for family photos doesn’t have to be stressful. You already have everything you need to make it work—your love, your connection, and your people.
The rest? We’ll figure it out together.
