How to Choose Family Photo Outfits (And Other Tips!)
Family photos: stressful in the moment, but memories you end up treasuring for years! And while getting everyone dressed and out the door can feel like a whole production, it doesn’t have to be quite so overwhelming. With a little planning and a few simple tricks, you can make the whole process feel a lot smoother. Here are my go-to tips for choosing family photo outfits so you can feel confident going in and *hopefully* have a better experience while you’re there!
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Family Photo Outfits Tip #1: Start with One Outfit (Then Build Around It)
Instead of trying to plan everyone’s outfit at once, start with one person, or whoever cares the most about their outfit (usually mom in my experience!). This is our “base,” and we’ll be pulling elements like color tones, patterns, and textures to coordinate the rest of the family. This keeps things cohesive without feeling overly matchy. And speaking of matching…
Tip #2: Choose a Color Palette
Remember the days of everyone being in the exact same outfit for family photos? 😆 That’s what we’re trying to avoid. Steer clear of putting everyone in polos and khakis (or another classic, white tee shirts and jeans), and instead pick 3-5 colors that work well together. This usually looks like a neutral and a couple of accent colors. Then, mix them across outfits!
And when in doubt, simpler is better. This goes for palettes and patterns. I’ve included a few color stories I love at the end of this post, and some family photos from recent years below, for inspiration!
Family Photo Outfits Tip #3: Consider Location & Season
Your outfits should complement your location, not compete with it. The photos above were taken outdoors in the fall, and in Utah, that can be a little unpredictable. Some years you get those dreamy, colorful leaves, and other times an early snow comes through, and suddenly everything’s bare. Since I didn’t know exactly what we’d get, I kept things simple with neutrals and denim in both cases, and mixed in a few subtle patterns!
Here are some general “guidelines” for dressing with the seasons in mind:
- Spring: Choose light colors and soft pastels. Whether spring in your area is warm or still a bit chilly, try to stick to one overall vibe so it doesn’t look like everyone’s dressed for a completely different season.
- Summer: Go with breathable, flowy fabrics (balancing with more “structured” fabrics for others) and brighter tones. Think comfort and movement, especially if it’s hot out.
- Fall and Winter: It’s all about the layers! Bring in knit textures and deeper tones to lean into cozy season.
No matter the time of year, focusing on a cohesive color palette, complementary textures, and a similar level of “dressiness” is always a good move!
Family Photo Outfits Tip #4: Prioritize Comfort
The simple truth is that how you’re feeling in the moment often translates to the kind of picture you get, especially with kids! If they’re fighting itchy fabric or restrictive material, it’ll show in photos. And there’s only so much editing the photographer can do if people are constantly adjusting their clothes. Choose comfy but classy outfits, and most importantly, make sure everyone feels confident in what they’re wearing!
Family Photos Tip #5: Lay Everything Out Beforehand
It really helps to see everything together! Lay outfits out on a bed or floor so you can get a quick visual of how it all works.
If you’re coordinating with family members from different households, try suggesting a simple color palette or asking if a few people are open to wearing a specific shade. It’s not about being controlling; it’s just making sure everything comes together for the best possible photos.
And don’t be afraid to ask what everyone’s planning to wear ahead of time. It gives you a chance to catch any clashing colors, balance patterns, and make small tweaks before the day of.
Family Photo Outfit Ideas
Okay, now for some inspiration! I’ve gathered a few color palettes and styles as a jumping-off point for your family photos. Just tap the photos to shop!
Earthy Neutrals
Shades of Blue
Pops of Pink
I hope this helped you feel less overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing family photo outfits! At the end of the day, it’s all about capturing memories you’ll love and display for years to come.
