I am often asked to help clients decide what to wear for family photos, and I love that I can assist! Choosing what to wear can be daunting. And to be honest, it really does make a difference if the final result of your photos. The most important part of your session is truly the connections we capture between your family. But this can be supported by wardrobe choices that are simple, calm, and cohesive. The right wardrobe choices allow us to focus on you, not your clothing. This is where I can help.
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About the Style Guides
I know that it can be hard to decide what to wear for family photos – especially when you’re dressing multiple kids. Pairing colors and patterns can be a challenge. Deciding what looks good together or if you should use what you have vs purchase something new is confusing. I don’t want you to be stressed when it comes to any part of your family photos! So I’ve partnered with The Arte of Dressing to provide all of my clients with clickable style guides to aid you in deciding what to wear.
How does it work? After booking your session, I’ll be in touch about all of the planning details. This includes sending style guides that are beautifully curated and include lots of ideas for the entire family. The guides pair outfits and accessories, and you can click the links to take you directly to the website. It’s so easy! I love that the guides not only give you real options to purchase, but they also give you ideas. Maybe you already own pieces that are similar to the ones in the guides. You can see how you can work them together and maybe just add in one or two new items.
The style guides are also curated monthly, so the wardrobe ideas reflect that. Whether your session is scheduled for spring or winter, you’ll get ideas perfect for your photo session date!
Below are some examples of the wardrobe guides. Note: the images in the blog post are not clickable, but clients receive the clickable guides after booking.
Tips for What to Wear for Family Photos
While I genuinely believe and hope that the clickable guides will be helpful, I know that some people prefer to put together their wardrobes on their own. So I wanted to include some tips for dressing your family for photos.
Choose a Color Palette
One of the keys to cohesively dressing a family for photos is to have a color palette. I recommend soft earthy tones and neutrals, because they’re flattering and subtle and won’t distract from the most important part: the people! Cream, beige, white, sage green, dusty blue, and muted pink are all great options. Don’t be afraid to mix in some patterns, too. Small, dainty florals, stripes, and gingham are my favorites.
Start with Mom
When deciding what to wear for family photos, start with mom. It’s important that mom feel comfortable and confident. So choose her outfit first, and plan everyone else’s around that. Dresses are super flattering for photos, and I recommend midi and maxi lengths. Flowy fabrics and defined waist lines photograph beautifully! Look for gauze, linen, cotton, or gauze.
Dress the Kids
Coordinate the little ones’ outfits with what mom has already chosen. Girls could wear dresses, bloomers with sweet tops, or adorable bubbles. Don’t be afraid to add in a headband or bow. In the fall, leggings or tights and cardigans add beautiful texture! Boys can be a little harder just because the options seem more limited. But I find that bubbles and overalls work well for babies and toddlers. Older boys can wear dressy shorts or long pants with a nice shirt like a button up, henley, or sweater.
Finish with Dad
I find that dads usually have the easiest time finding something to wear, so end here when deciding what to wear for family photos. Khakis and a button down never fail! Lighter colored pants that aren’t cargo style photograph nicely. White or light shirts coordinate well with everyone. Subtle patterns can be really nice, but avoid logos and fabrics that have a sheen to them, like sporty polos. Henleys, button downs, and sweaters are great options, depending on the season.
What not to Wear
When thinking of what to wear, knowing what not to wear can be helpful. Bright colors like reds, oranges, yellows, and bright greens pinks can cast color onto the skin that isn’t flattering. Always opt for neutrals and muted shades instead.
Everyone in the same color may seem like an easy option, but visually it’s really not the best. Mixing up the colors and patterns with coordinating, but not matching, shades gives a much more beautiful result.
Logos, graphics, and tiny checkered or striped patterns (especially on a fabric with a sheen) don’t photograph well. Opt for solids and timeless patterns instead.
Where to Shop
Women: Nothing Fits But, Doen, Christy Dawn, Baltic Born, Morning Lavender
Men: J Crew, H&M, Old Navy, Zara, Target, Gap
Kids: Zara, H&M, Rylee + Cru, Quincy Mae, Jamie Kay, Noralee
What to Wear for Family Photos Recap
I hope that my tips for what to wear for family photos is helpful! Remember that clients of mine get access to the clickable guides from The Arte of Dressing, but if you decide to put together outfits on your own, I’m happy to look at ideas and give feedback. Remember that while the clothing helps, the most important part of your photos is you. Don’t stress!
Ready to book a family photo session? Contact me!
