What to Wear for Family Photos
Timeless Outfit Ideas You'll Love for Years to Come
One of the first questions every family asks me is,
"What should we wear?"
The good news?
Choosing outfits doesn't have to be stressful.
In fact, the simpler your clothing is, the more timeless your portraits will feel.
Years from now, I want you to look at your family portraits and see your family first—not the fashion trends of the year.
My Biggest Tip
Choose clothing that complements one another instead of matching exactly.
The days of everyone wearing white shirts and blue jeans are long gone.
Instead, think of your family's wardrobe as a color palette.
Different shades.
Different textures.
The same overall feeling.
The result feels natural, elegant, and effortless.
My Favorite Color Palette
If you've looked through my portfolio, you've probably noticed a theme.
I absolutely love soft, neutral colors.
Some of my favorites include:
• Cream • Ivory • Oatmeal • Beige • Camel • Soft Taupe • Warm Gray • Sage Green • Dusty Blue • Olive • Rust • Soft Brown
These colors photograph beautifully in every season and keep the attention where it belongs—on your family's connection.
Colors I'd Avoid
Some colors naturally pull attention away from faces.
I generally recommend avoiding:
• Bright red • Neon colors • Bright orange • Hot pink • Lime green • Large logos • Busy graphics • Characters on children's clothing
A tiny pop of color is perfectly fine, but when one person wears a bright red shirt, that's often the very first thing people notice in the photograph.
Your faces should always be the star.
Texture Makes a Huge Difference
Texture photographs beautifully.
Think about pieces like:
• Knit sweaters • Linen dresses. • Cotton gauze. • Flowy skirts • Layered cardigans • Woven fabrics
Texture adds interest without overwhelming the image.
Dress for the Location
The location and wardrobe should work together.
Golden fields pair beautifully with warm neutrals and earthy tones.
Beach sessions look wonderful with soft creams, light blues, sand colors, and flowing fabrics.
Oak trees and rustic trails are beautiful with olive, camel, oatmeal, and muted earth tones.
What About Shoes?
People often spend hours choosing outfits...
...and then throw on athletic shoes at the last minute.
Simple shoes make a huge difference.
Some great choices include:
• Barefoot at the beach • Neutral sandals • Brown leather shoes • Simple boots • Classic flats
Bright running shoes usually distract from an otherwise timeless portrait.
Don't Forget Mom
Moms are almost always planning everyone else's outfits first.
My advice?
Choose your outfit first.
When Mom feels beautiful and confident, everything else falls into place much more easily.
Then build everyone else's clothing around yours.
Coordinating Is Better Than Matching
Instead of everyone wearing identical colors, choose clothing that naturally works together.
Imagine your family standing in a field.
Nothing should compete for attention.
Everything should feel soft, balanced, and connected.
Keep It Comfortable
Children can tell when clothing feels uncomfortable.
Scratchy fabrics, stiff collars, tight shoes, or itchy sweaters often lead to unhappy little faces.
Comfortable children smile more.
They laugh more.
They cuddle more.
Those are the moments we're really after.
FAQ
Should everyone wear the same color?
No. Coordinating colors creates much more natural and timeless portraits than everyone wearing identical outfits.
Can we wear patterns?
Absolutely. Small, subtle patterns work beautifully. I recommend limiting bold prints to one family member so they don't overpower the photograph.
Should we wear black?
A little black can be beautiful, especially during fall or winter. I simply recommend softening it with lighter neutral tones throughout the rest of the family.
What if I need help deciding?
You're never on your own.
After booking, I'm happy to help you coordinate outfits, review photos of your clothing choices, and offer suggestions so you feel completely confident before your session.
The Best Family Portraits Aren't About Perfect Clothes
At the end of the day...
Your children won't remember what they wore.
They'll remember laughing together.
Holding your hand.
Running through a field at sunset.
The outfits simply help create a timeless backdrop for those memories.
If you're ready to create portraits your family will treasure for generations, I'd love to help you plan every detail—from choosing the perfect location to selecting outfits that photograph beautifully.
I can't wait to meet your family.
Not sure where to take your family photos?
Read my guide to the best portrait locations in North County San Diego.