Let’s be real—figuring out what to wear for family photos can feel like a huge challenge. I hear this question all the time from my clients, so trust me, you’re not alone! You want outfits that look great, feel comfortable, and stand the test of time in those framed prints on your wall. No pressure, right?
While I can’t physically raid your closet with you (though that would be fun!), I can share my best tips for choosing outfits that make you feel confident and look amazing in your photos.
But first, are you ready to capture gorgeous, timeless family photos? Check out my portfolio and inquire today! Let’s make some magic together.
Alright! Here’s what you need to know about putting together a flawless outfit.
Why Outfits Matter in Photos
First, it’s important to understand why your outfit matters so much. Especially if you’re taking family photos, some of your kids might just want to throw on whatever they have lying around their room. I’m all for comfort, but there are outfits that don’t photograph as well as others.
Anything that’s going to be distracting can affect your photos–after all, the focus should be on you and your family! I recommend leaving behind shirts with loud or bright colors (think neon), as well as anything with busy patterns. Shirts with brand names and logos are also a no-go (that’s a good tip to give the kids).
Depending on where you’re taking your photos, the colors also matter so that you and your family aren’t blending into the background. I want you to pop in your photos in a natural way, and your outfits will help achieve that.
Lastly, if you and your family are wearing clashing colors that can be a distraction, and different colors can also affect the lighting.
Color Palette 101
Let’s dive more into the color palettes that can help you figure out what to wear for family photos. Here are some options that I recommend, though I always give more specific instructions depending on where we’ll be shooting and what the backgrounds will look like.
- Neutral Tones – Neutral tones are often always a great, easy color palette since they won’t distract from your family and go great against most backgrounds. They also give a clean, consistent look to your photos.
- Soft Pastels – Soft pastels can be a great option if you want a more neutral palette with some color. Pastels especially look great for outdoor photos and family sessions with children.
- Black and White – Black and white gives a timeless, sophisticated look, though it can blend too much with the background. It’s a good option for most outdoor photos to create more contrast.
- Jewel Tones – Muted jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, sapphire, and mustard yellow are always a great option if the background will be more muted or if you’re looking for indoor photos that look and feel more elegant.
- Navy and Burgundy – Navy and burgundy make a timeless color palette that can feel more sophisticated yet still casual. I especially love this color combo for beach shoots, since they provide contrast with a pop of color.
Coordinating vs. Matching
Another great tip to keep in mind: coordinating your outfits often looks better and is much easier to pull off than matching. When I say coordinating, I mean wearing similar, complementary colors like some of the palettes I mentioned above. Especially if you have kids, this gives you a little more flexibility than having everyone find the same color shirt.
With coordinated outfits, you’ll still look put together in your family photos, and they’ll also look a little more realistic and natural. As a result, your family photos will be timeless.
Textures, Layers & Accessories
When it comes to wearing textures, layers, and accessories, my general advice is to keep it simple.
With jewelry and accessories, picking one or two that go with your outfit is a great way to elevate and look more presentable. However, make sure the accessories you choose aren’t standing out too much and distracting from yourself or the rest of your outfit–we want you to be the focus in the photos! But, if someone in your family does have a bold accessory they absolutely love, just make sure everyone else is wearing more subtle options to maintain balance.
I do recommend using layers and textures, but also keeping it simple. Using both can add depth to your photos to make them look more lifelike and energetic. But, as always, too much can be busy and distracting.
With texture, a good rule of thumb is to pick a primary texture, then play around with your accessories as an accent. For example, everyone in your family might be wearing denim jeans and cotton shirts, and accessories like leather belts and corduroy jackets add a fun dimension. The same goes with layering–jackets and cardigans can make your photos interesting, while too many layers might be distracting or overcrowded.
Outfit Ideas for Each Season
One of my biggest pieces of advice is to dress for comfort, so thinking about the season and weather is a must! Even if we’re doing an indoor shoot, you’ll want to wear something you’re comfortable being in for a while.
Here are some simple outfit recommendations for every time of the year:
- Spring: Light pastels mixed with floral patterns are always a great option for Spring. Flowy dresses or jeans and nice blouses are great for women, while lightweight button-downs are good options for men.
- Summer: As it gets warmer for summer, it’s fun to play around with brighter colors, as long as they’re not too distracting from your family. Think blues, yellows, pinks, and oranges. Summer is the best time to put on breathable fabrics like linen and cotton as well as khakis for the men.
- Fall: Fall family photo shoots are great times to have fun with the accessories. Light scarves and simple hats can make your outfits more fun, as well as different types of jackets.
- Winter: Since we get to take family photos in San Diego, we’re luckier when it comes to the wintertime. Adding more light layers or thicker sweaters can do the trick to keep you warm and looking your best.
Dos & Don’ts
As you’re preparing for your family photoshoot, a simple checklist can be the easiest place to start. Here’s my list of do’s and don’ts for picking out what to wear for family photos.
Do:
- Coordinate with your family, but don’t worry about matching exactly
- Prioritize comfort so everyone can feel themselves and get the best photos
- Choose one color scheme for consistency
- Keep it simple
- Dress for the season
- Match your outfits to the scenery to make sure you aren’t blending into the background
Don’t
- Wear brand names and logos
- Wear busy patterns and textures
- Wear bright and loud colors
- Worry about buying new clothes–what you have in your closet is probably what you’re most comfortable with!
- Over-accessorize
Helping You Choose What to Wear For Family Photos
As a San Diego family photographer, I’m here to capture your special moments and be with you every step of the way! To make sure you love your photos and feel your best, I’ll work with you to help you figure out what to wear for family photos, whether we’re shooting indoors or outdoors.
If you’re ready to schedule your family photos, contact me today!
