What to Wear for Family Photos (Without Overthinking It)

One of the first questions I get after someone books a session is,

“Okay… but what should we wear?”, and I completely understand why that feels like the hardest part.

Choosing outfits for multiple people can feel overwhelming. You want everyone to look good together. You don’t want it to look too “matchy.” You don’t want to buy a whole new wardrobe. And you definitely don’t want to overthink it.

The good news is that it’s usually much simpler than it seems. You don’t need perfectly coordinated outfits or complicated styling rules. You just need a few gentle guidelines to help everything come together naturally.

Start With a Few Colors That Work Together

Instead of picking outfits one at a time, it helps to start with a small color palette. Think about soft, natural tones that complement each other — creams, blues, greens, warm browns, muted earth tones. When your colors relate to each other, everything instantly feels cohesive without looking forced.

The goal isn’t for everyone to match. The goal is for the colors to feel connected. When that happens, your eye moves easily across the image instead of landing on one distracting piece.

Choose One Outfit You Love and Build Around It

One of the easiest ways to plan is to start with a single outfit you really love — often a dress for mom or an outfit for one of the kids — and then build the rest around that.

Instead of repeating the same color on everyone, pull tones that complement it. If someone is wearing a soft rust dress, maybe someone else wears cream, denim, or olive. The pieces don’t need to be identical — they just need to feel like they belong together.

When outfits relate instead of repeat, photos feel effortless and timeless.

Texture Adds Interest (Without Taking Attention)

I always encourage families to think about texture more than pattern. A knit sweater, a linen dress, denim, soft cotton — these photograph beautifully because they add dimension without pulling attention away from faces.

Large graphics or bold patterns can sometimes compete with expression and connection. Texture, on the other hand, quietly enhances the image.

Comfort Really Does Matter

If someone feels uncomfortable in what they’re wearing, it shows.

You’ll be sitting, walking, holding kids, kneeling down, and moving naturally during your session. Clothes that allow for that movement almost always photograph better than something overly formal or stiff.

I would much rather you feel relaxed and confident than overly dressed and uncomfortable.

Neutrals Feel Timeless

Neutrals don’t mean boring — they mean lasting.

Soft tones tend to age beautifully. Years from now, when you look back at your photos, you’ll still see your family — not a trend or a very specific moment in fashion. That timeless quality is what makes images feel meaningful long after the session is over.

A Simple Trick Before Your Session

If you’re unsure whether your outfits work together, lay them all out on a bed or the floor and look at them as a group.

If nothing jumps out at you and your eye moves easily between pieces, you’re probably right where you need to be.

If one item feels louder than everything else, try swapping just that piece. Small changes can make a big difference.

If You’re Still Unsure

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

I’m always happy to look at options, talk through ideas, or help you adjust things before your session. My goal is for you to arrive feeling confident — not second guessing your choices.

Because once outfits are settled, everything else feels lighter. And that’s when you can focus on what actually matters — being together.