One of the most common questions I get from clients is: What should we wear for our session?
Great question! What you wear really does affect the overall look and feel of your photos. The right outfits can tie everything together visually, complement the setting, and help create timeless images you will love for years.
Start with One Piece You Love
The easiest way to plan outfits for family photos is to start with one item you really love. In my own family of five, I usually begin with a dress that my daughter wants to wear. From there, I pull coordinating colors from that dress and build the rest of our outfits around it using solid tones or simple textures.
This method works even if you are putting something together at the last minute. I have definitely had those moments when the weather is perfect, the flowers are blooming, no one in the house is sick, and I suddenly decide we are taking photos. I can usually pull together everyone’s outfits in under five minutes using this approach.
Colors that Photograph Well
Neutral and earth-tone colors tend to look beautiful in photographs and complement a variety of skin tones and natural backdrops. Here are some color suggestions that work well:
- Cream
- Beige
- Dusty blue
- Sage or olive green
- Terracotta
- Warm browns
- Blush
- Muted mustard
These tones help keep the focus on your family rather than the clothing, and they create a soft, timeless look in your photos.
What to Avoid
Some types of clothing are more challenging to photograph or can distract from the people in the image. I typically recommend avoiding the following:
- Pinstripes or tight check patterns
- Neon colors, bright red, or hot pink/fuchsia
- Large logos, decals, or character shirts
- Sheer fabrics or anything that might unintentionally show undergarments
The goal is to keep the clothing simple and cohesive so your connections as a family can take center stage.
Coordinate Instead of Matching
It is not necessary (or ideal) for everyone to match exactly. Instead, aim to coordinate. This means choosing a shared color palette and using it across different outfits in varying ways. For example, if one person is wearing a floral print with beige and sage, others might wear solid colors that pull from those tones. This creates a more natural and elevated look.
Where to Shop
When dressing my own family, I have personally used a few brands that I find reliable for photo sessions. I am not affiliated with any of these companies and do not receive any compensation for mentioning them. These are simply resources that I have used myself and recommend based on experience:
- Quince – Their linen pieces are classic and photograph beautifully. I have used their clothing for both adults and kids.
- Rylee + Cru – Great for children’s clothing with soft colors and natural textures. Their designs feel timeless and photograph really well. My daughter has worn their dresses for many photo sessions.
If you are looking for more options beyond your own closet, you can consider renting outfits from services like Nuuly or Rent the Runway. Both offer options for women and kids. This can be a great way to access high-quality clothing without needing to commit to buying something you may only wear once. Almost all of the dresses I wear for my own family photos are rented from these companies.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, wear something that feels like you. If you feel good in your clothes, you will look more relaxed and confident in your photos.
If you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, I am always happy to weigh in. Just send me a message and we can figure it out together. Helping families look and feel their best is one of my favorite parts of the job.