One of the most common questions I get before a family session is:

"What should we wear?"

The good news is that you don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe. The best family photos come from outfits that feel comfortable, coordinated, and true to your family's style.


Here are my favorite tips to help you choose outfits you'll love for years to come.


Choose Coordinating Colors Instead of Matching


Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and blue jeans.

Instead, choose a color palette that complements one another while allowing everyone to have their own look.


Some beautiful color combinations include:

Cream, beige, and tan

Sage green with ivory

Dusty blue and white

Rust and cream

Soft blush with neutrals

Earth tones like olive, camel, and brown


Choosing outfits that match the season helps your photos feel even more natural.

Spring

  • Light pastels
  • Floral prints
  • Soft greens
  • Creams

Summer

  • Linen fabrics
  • Whites
  • Light blues
  • Soft neutrals

Fall

  • Rust
  • Mustard
  • Olive
  • Burgundy
  • Warm browns

Winter

  • Cream sweaters
  • Deep greens
  • Navy
  • Camel
  • Cozy layers


Keep Patterns Simple

A little pattern can add personality, but too many bold prints can become distracting.

Instead, mix:

  • Solids
  • Small florals
  • Light textures
  • Knit sweaters
  • Linen fabrics

Avoid having everyone wear large logos or busy graphic designs.


Add Texture

Texture photographs beautifully.

Think about incorporating:

  • Knit cardigans
  • Flowy dresses
  • Denim jackets
  • Linen shirts
  • Layered sweaters
  • Cotton fabrics

Texture adds depth without overwhelming the photo.


Don't Forget the Little Details

Before your session, take a few minutes to think about:

  • Neutral shoes whenever possible
  • Wrinkle-free clothing
  • Simple jewelry
  • Clean nails
  • Hair styled in a way that feels like you

These small details help create a polished look without feeling overdone.


How to Coordinate Your Family's Outfits

One of my favorite styling tips is to start with Mom's outfit first.

Why? Moms usually have the most options, and once you find a dress or outfit you love, it's much easier to build everyone else's look around it.


Example 1: Mom Wears a Sage Green Dress

Build the rest of the family with complementary neutrals:

  • Mom: Sage green dress
  • Dad: Cream button-up with khaki pants
  • Son: Tan shorts with a white polo
  • Daughter: Ivory dress with subtle floral details

This creates a soft, cohesive look without everyone matching exactly.


Example 2: Mom Wears a Cream Dress

Cream is one of the easiest colors to build around.

  • Mom: Cream maxi dress
  • Dad: Light blue button-up with tan pants
  • Son: Beige shorts with a soft blue shirt
  • Daughter: Dusty blue dress

The colors feel balanced while still allowing each family member to have their own style.


Example 3: Mom Wears a Dusty Blue Dress

Pair dusty blue with warm neutrals for a timeless look.

  • Mom: Dusty blue dress
  • Dad: White button-up with light khakis
  • Son: Cream polo and tan shorts
  • Daughter: Cream dress with a blue hair bow


Think in Color Palettes, Not Matching Outfits

Instead of asking, "What should everyone wear?"

Try asking:

"What colors are in Mom's outfit?"

Then choose coordinating pieces from those same tones.

The goal isn't for everyone to wear the same thing—it's for the entire family to look like they belong together.


Pro Tip: If you're ever unsure, lay everyone's outfits side by side on the bed before your session. Seeing them together makes it much easier to spot colors that clash or pieces that don't quite fit the overall look.

Outfit Inspiration: Using the Family Photo Above

In this session, Mom chose a beautiful cream floral dress with soft shades of blue, peach, and warm yellow. Those colors became the inspiration for the rest of the family's outfits.


  • Mom: A light floral dress with soft blue, peach, and yellow accents.
  • Dad: A light blue button-up shirt paired with light-wash jeans. The blue complements the floral pattern without competing with it.
  • Son: A light blue shirt that ties in with Dad's outfit while keeping the look cohesive.
  • Daughter: A floral dress with soft blue tones and matching blue bows, creating a sweet connection to both Mom's dress and the boys' shirts.


Notice that no one is dressed exactly alike. Instead, each outfit shares similar colors and a relaxed, timeless style. The result feels coordinated, natural, and full of personality.


Tip: If you're wearing a patterned or floral dress, pull two or three colors from the pattern and use those as inspiration for the rest of the family. This creates a beautifully coordinated look without everyone matching exactly.


Need Help Choosing Outfits?

You don't have to figure it out alone.


Every family is different, and I'm always happy to help you coordinate outfits before your session. If you're deciding between two dresses or wondering if certain colors work together, send them my way! I love helping families create a look that feels natural, timeless, and true to them.


When you arrive for your session, I want you to feel confident—not stressed about what you're wearing. Together, we'll create beautiful images you'll be proud to display in your home for years to come.