What to Wear for Family Photoshoot - Style Guide for Photos

Choosing what to wear for a family photoshoot can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Between coordinating outfits, picking colors, and making sure everyone looks comfortable and confident, it’s easy to overthink every detail. But the truth is, the best family photos happen when your outfits feel natural, cohesive, and true to your family’s personality.

Whether you’re planning fall family photos, beach portraits, or an in-home lifestyle session, this guide will help you confidently decide what to wear for a family photoshoot so your images look beautiful now — and timeless for years to come.

Start With a Color Palette (Not Matching Outfits)

The biggest mistake families make when planning outfits is trying to match exactly. Instead of everyone wearing the same color, choose a cohesive color palette.

Think of your outfits as a collection rather than uniforms.

Easy Color Palette Ideas

Neutrals: cream, beige, ivory, soft gray
Earth tones: rust, olive, tan, muted mustard
Soft pastels: blush, sage, dusty blue
Classic combos: navy + white + denim

When choosing what to wear for a family photoshoot, aim for 3–4 complementary colors rather than identical outfits.

Dress Mom First (Yes, Really)

If you’re wondering where to start, begin with mom’s outfit. This might sound funny, but it’s one of the best styling tips photographers give — and for good reason.

When mom feels confident, it shows in every photo.

Choose something that:

Flatters your body
Moves naturally
Feels comfortable sitting, standing, and walking

Flowy dresses are always a safe and timeless choice, especially for outdoor sessions. They photograph beautifully and add softness to family images.

Flowy Dresses Are Always Photogenic

If you’re unsure what to wear for a family photoshoot, a flowy dress is almost always the right answer.

Why Dresses Work So Well

They create movement in photos
They flatter most body types
They add elegance without trying too hard
They photograph beautifully in natural light

Maxi dresses, midi dresses, and wrap dresses are especially flattering for family portraits. If you’re postpartum or self-conscious about certain areas, a flowy silhouette can feel both comfortable and confidence-boosting.

Choose Comfort for Kids

As a mom who’s done family photos with young kids, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way — comfort matters more than perfection. If kids are uncomfortable, it shows.

Kid-Friendly Outfit Tips

Soft fabrics (cotton, knits, linen)
No itchy tags or stiff collars
Shoes they can actually walk in
Clothes they can sit and play in

Let their personalities shine. A twirl-worthy dress for your daughter or suspenders for your son can add charm without feeling forced.

Avoid Loud Logos and Busy Patterns

One of the most common styling mistakes in family photos is wearing clothing with:

Large logos
Neon colors
Bold graphics
Busy patterns

These distractions pull attention away from what really matters — your faces and connection.

When deciding what to wear for a family photoshoot, remember: simple photographs better.

Small florals, subtle textures, and delicate patterns are totally fine — just avoid anything that competes for attention.

Coordinate Without Being Too Matchy

You want your family to look cohesive, not like a themed costume group.

Instead of matching:

Mix textures (knits, lace, linen)
Use different shades of the same color
Layer neutrals with one accent color

For example:

Mom: cream flowy dress
Dad: tan chinos + white button-down
Daughter: blush dress
Son: beige sweater + denim

This approach keeps things visually interesting while still coordinated.

Think About Your Location

What you wear for a family photoshoot should complement your setting.

Outfit Ideas by Location

Beach Photos

Linen fabrics
Barefoot or sandals
Soft blues, creams, and whites

Fall Family Photos

Chunky knits
Earth tones
Layers like scarves or cardigans

In-Home Lifestyle Session

Cozy neutrals
Barefoot looks
Soft textures like knits and cotton

Wildflower or Field Sessions

Flowy dresses
Soft pastels
Light, airy fabrics

Dressing for your environment makes your photos feel natural and cohesive.

Layers Add Depth and Dimension

Layers can instantly elevate family photos.

Think:

Cardigans
Denim jackets
Shawls
Button-downs over tees

Layers add visual interest and also give you flexibility. You can start with a layered look and remove pieces mid-session for variety.

This is one of my favorite tricks when planning what to wear for a family photoshoot because it creates multiple looks without changing outfits.

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Shoes often get overlooked, but they can make or break an outfit.

Best Shoe Choices for Family Photos

Neutral sandals
Simple flats
Barefoot (especially beach or in-home)
Neutral boots for fall

Avoid:

Bright sneakers
Athletic shoes
Heavy logos

If your kids insist on comfort, choose simple neutral sneakers that blend into the outfit.

Don’t Forget About Dad

Dads often get the last-minute outfit treatment, but their clothing still impacts the overall look.

Simple is best:

Neutral button-down shirts
Henleys
Chinos or dark jeans

Avoid overly formal outfits unless your session is intentionally styled that way. When dads feel comfortable and confident, their natural expressions shine through — which makes photos feel authentic.

Texture Makes Photos Feel Richer

Texture adds depth without needing bold colors or patterns.

Great textures include:

Knits
Lace
Linen
Eyelet fabric
Light denim

Even when sticking to neutral tones, mixing textures can make your photos feel elevated and editorial.

Dress for Movement and Connection

The best family photos aren’t stiff poses — they’re moments.

When deciding what to wear for a family photoshoot, ask yourself:

Can I sit cross-legged in this?
Can I pick up my kids easily?
Can we walk comfortably?

Clothing that allows movement helps create authentic moments like:

Walking hand in hand
Hugging naturally
Twirling kids

These are the photos families treasure most.

Consider the Season

Seasonal styling makes your photos feel intentional and timeless.

Spring Family Photos

Soft pastels
Light fabrics
Floral accents

Summer Sessions

Airy fabrics
Linen and cotton
Light colors

Fall Photos

Earth tones
Warm layers
Rich textures

Winter Sessions

Chunky knits
Neutral coats
Soft scarves
Consider Christmas and holiday family photos.

Dressing with the season enhances the storytelling of your photos.

Keep Hair and Accessories Simple

When planning what to wear for a family photoshoot, remember that less is more with accessories.

Best Accessories

Delicate jewelry
Simple headbands
Neutral hats
Minimal watches

Avoid overly trendy accessories that might date your photos quickly.

The goal is timeless, not trendy.

Plan Outfits Together Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to reduce stress is planning outfits at least 1–2 weeks before your session.

Try everything on together and:

Take mirror photos
Check how colors coordinate
Make sure everyone feels comfortable

This gives you time to swap pieces if something doesn’t feel right. Trust me — last-minute outfit stress is not the energy you want before family photos.

Consider Renting a Statement Piece

If you want your photos to feel extra special, consider renting a standout piece — especially for mom.

This could be:

A flowy maxi dress
A lace gown
A romantic tulle dress

Rental services like Rent the Runway and Nuuly make it easy to wear something elevated without committing to buying a dress you may only wear once. It’s a small detail that can make your family photos feel magazine-worthy.

Let Personality Shine Through

While coordination matters, personality matters more.

If your daughter loves twirly dresses, lean into it.
If your son prefers suspenders, embrace the charm.
If your family loves cozy, relaxed vibes, reflect that.

The best family photos reflect who you are in this season of life.

What to Wear for Indoor Studio Family Portrait Photos

Indoor studio sessions have a completely different feel than outdoor family photos. Without natural scenery, the focus shifts entirely to your connection, expressions, and styling — which means outfits matter even more.

The goal for indoor studio family portrait photos is simple: clean, timeless, and distraction-free styling.

Stick With Soft, Neutral Colors

Studio backdrops are often minimal (white, beige, gray, or black), so neutral tones photograph beautifully.

Great color choices include:

Cream and ivory
Soft beige and tan
Light gray
Dusty blue or blush accents

Avoid overly bright colors that can reflect onto skin tones under studio lighting.

Choose Elevated Basics

Indoor sessions lean more polished than outdoor lifestyle photos, so opt for slightly elevated pieces while still staying comfortable.

Great outfit ideas:

Mom: knit midi dress, soft sweater dress, or neutral blouse + skirt
Dad: fitted henley, button-down, or neutral sweater
Kids: simple dresses, overalls, or soft knits

Clean silhouettes help keep the focus on emotion rather than clothing.

Avoid Busy Patterns and Text

Since studio portraits remove environmental distractions, patterns can quickly feel overwhelming.

Try to avoid:

Bold stripes
Large florals
Logos or graphics
High-contrast prints

Instead, choose subtle textures like ribbed knits, linen blends, or soft cotton for visual interest without distraction.

Coordinate Tones, Not Just Colors

In studio portraits, tone coordination matters more than color matching. Soft tonal layering creates a cohesive, editorial look.

For example:

Cream + camel + soft gray
White + light denim + blush
Beige + ivory + warm taupe

This creates that light, airy studio look you often see in timeless family portraits.

Barefoot or Minimal Shoes Work Best

Most indoor studio sessions are photographed barefoot or with minimal footwear — especially if sitting poses are involved.

Best options:

Barefoot (most popular)
Neutral flats
Simple leather shoes for dads

Avoid athletic shoes unless your session is styled to be casual and playful.

Keep the Styling Clean and Timeless

Studio portraits tend to age more slowly than trendy outdoor photos, so aim for a classic aesthetic.

Tips for timeless studio styling:

Soft hair and natural makeup
Minimal accessories
Simple jewelry
Neutral nail colors

When in doubt, imagine whether the photo will still look beautiful hanging on your wall 10 years from now.

Studio Photos Are Perfect for a Slightly Dressier Look

If you’ve been debating whether to dress up a bit more, indoor studio sessions are the perfect opportunity.

This is a great time for:

Flowy neutral dresses
Coordinated family neutrals
Soft monochrome looks
Minimalist, editorial styling

Because the environment is controlled, your wardrobe becomes part of the artistry.

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Choose a cohesive color palette
Dress for your location
Prioritize comfort
Stick with timeless pieces
Plan ahead

Don’t:

Match outfits exactly
Wear loud logos
Wear busy patterns or bold prints
Choose uncomfortable clothes
Over-accessorize
Stress over perfection

Remember, connection always matters more than coordination.

Browse These Photographer Galleries and Portfolios for Inspiration:

Final Thoughts – Focus on the Moments, Not Just the Outfits

At the end of the day, deciding what to wear for a family photoshoot is really about creating a backdrop for memories.

Years from now, you won’t be focused on whether your shoes matched perfectly or if your dress was trending on Pinterest. You’ll notice the way your child held your hand, the way everyone laughed, and the love captured in those small, fleeting moments.

Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and connected. Because when you feel like yourself, the photos will reflect something far more important than style — they’ll reflect your story.

And that’s what makes family photos truly timeless.

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