“What should we wear?” is one of the first questions almost every family asks me once a session is booked. It makes sense. Outfits are one of the few parts of a session you have full control over. Your choices can make a big difference in how your photos turn out.
The good news is that you don’t need matching outfits or a brand-new wardrobe to get beautiful, cohesive photos. You just need a few simple principles.
Coordinate, Don’t Match When Choosing What to Wear for Family Photos
A common myth in family photo outfits is that everyone needs to wear the same thing. In reality, matching head-to-toe usually looks stiff and dated in photos. What actually works is coordinating: picking a shared color palette and letting each person’s outfit vary within it.
An easy approach is to choose two or three base colors, then build each family member’s outfit around them. For example, soft neutrals like cream, camel, and sage work beautifully together without looking like they match too much. They also work well against almost any background, from a golden field to a studio backdrop.
A trick I like to use is finding a paint palette on Pinterest. Assign a color on that palette for everyone to wear, then have everyone pick their own color that is flattering to their skin tone or eyes. This has been an great way to know how to dress for family photos.
Think About Texture, Not Just Color
Once your colors are set, texture is what adds depth and interest to your photos. A mix of textures, like a knit sweater, a flowing dress, and simple denim, reads as put-together without looking overly coordinated. Head-to-toe solid colors on every person, in the same fabric, tends to flatten the whole image.
Keep Patterns Simple (or Skip Them)
A small, subtle pattern here or there can be a nice accent. Busy patterns, large logos, and graphic prints tend to pull focus away from your family’s faces. If you love a patterned piece, let it be worn by one person rather than several. Then, keep everyone else in solid colors to balance it out.
Dress for the Location and Light
Where your session happens should factor into what you wear, since color and location work together. A soft, earthy palette suits an outdoor field or mountain backdrop. A studio session gives you more freedom to go bolder, since the background is more neutral and consistent. If you’re not sure what will work best for your location, this is exactly the kind of thing to ask about when we’re planning your session.
A Few Practical Tips for What to Wear
Beyond color and pattern, a handful of little details make a big difference in the final images:
- Layer for options. A light jacket, scarf, or cardigan gives you a couple of different looks within one session. It also gives everyone something to hold or set aside once they warm up.
- Choose comfortable shoes. Sessions often involve some walking, kneeling, or sitting on the ground. Try to pick shoes everyone can actually move in.
- Avoid stiff, brand-new clothing. Clothes that have been worn and washed a few times tend to move and sit more naturally than something straight off the rack.
- Bring a backup outfit for little ones. Spills, dirt, and quick changes happen. A backup outfit in the car saves the session if something goes sideways right before we start.
- Do hair and makeup last. Getting dressed first and doing hair and makeup right before we start helps everything stay fresh through the whole session.
Seasonal Outfit Ideas for Western Colorado
Since so many of my sessions happen outdoors here in Fruita and Grand Junction, the season plays a big role in what will look and feel best.
In the fall, warm tones like rust, olive, and mustard pair beautifully with the golden light and changing leaves. Spring and summer sessions tend to work well with lighter, breathable fabrics in soft blues, whites, and blush tones, especially for sessions during golden hour. If you’re joining one of my seasonal mini sessions, like the sunflower minis, I’ll often share specific outfit suggestions that complement that location and time of year.
Putting It All Together
The easiest way to plan outfits without overthinking it is to start with one piece you love, whether that’s a dress, a shirt, or even a specific color, and build everyone else’s outfit around it. Aim for coordinated, not matched, mix in a little texture, and keep patterns to a minimum.
And if you’re ever unsure, send me a photo of what you’re considering before your session. Helping families feel confident and prepared is part of what makes session day go smoothly, and it’s one of my favorite parts of getting ready for a shoot together. Knowing what to wear during a photoshoot is the first step in creating a positive outcome.
Ready to get your family session on the calendar? Book your session here, and I’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect outfits once we’ve locked in your date.
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