What to Wear for Family Photos: A Guide to Looking Your Best

What to Wear for Family Photos

Planning a family photoshoot is really exciting, but working out what to wear can also leave you feeling, well… a little overwhelmed! Nailing the right outfits can really enhance your images, creating gorgeous and timeless keepsakes to last the years so it’s important to get outfit planning right.

As a family photographer in Colchester, Essex, I’ve helped countless families choose outfits that they not only feel fab in, but that look great on camera too. Here’s my pro guide on what to wear for your family photos to ensure a cohesive, stylish, and natural look.

Coordinating Outfits for Family Photos

Co-ordination is key! Instead of matching everyone’s outfits with the same colour, think about coordination across your family instead. Start by picking a colour palette with complementary shades rather than everyone wearing the same hue. For example:

• Neutral tones (beige, soft blues, whites) create a timeless look

• Earthy colours (mustard, terracotta, olive) add warmth and richness

• Pastels are perfect for spring and summer shoots

Worried about the weather and keeping warm? Layers, textures, and accessories like scarves, cardigans, and hats not only help with keeping you cozy, but they’ll also add some depth, movement and visual interest to your images.

Choosing Seasonal Colours for Family Pictures

The season plays a big role in outfit selection as your outdoor photoshoot location will look different depending on the time of year. Here are some seasonal colour ideas to help:

• Spring: Soft pinks, light blues, and pastels.

• Summer: Bright whites, airy neutrals, and warm tones.

• Autumn: Deep oranges, mustard yellows, and burgundy.

• Winter: Cool tones like navy, deep green, and grey, paired with cozy textures like wool and knits.

Avoiding Patterns and Logos

While subtle patterns can work, avoid anything too bold, like large florals or stripes, which can be distracting. Solid colours or small, simple patterns tend to photograph best. I always advise steering clear of logos and characters on clothing, as fashion moves quickly and these can make photos look dated after just a short time. 

Dressing for Comfort and Confidence

Your family photos should feel relaxed and natural, so it’s vital that you feel comfortable in your clothes. Outfits that allow you and your children to move freely will mean you can just focus on enjoying the session and having fun! 

For little ones, avoid itchy fabrics or anything they may fuss over. For women, flowing dresses or fitted tops with jeans or skirts often photograph well. For men, a well-fitted shirt or t-shirt and neutral trousers or jeans work perfectly.

Footwear and Accessories Matter

Shoes should match the overall aesthetic of your outfits. Neutral boots, sandals, or classic sneakers are great choices - or even barefoot if you’re somewhere like the beach! Always try to avoid overly bright or bulky shoes that might steal attention from the rest of your outfit.

If you’re a fan of accessorising it up - dainty jewellery, hairpieces, and simple hats are great accessories to enhance your look without overpowering it.

Final Tips for a Picture-Perfect Session

• Lay out outfits in advance to ensure they coordinate

• Avoid last-minute outfit changes that could cause unnecessary stress

• If in doubt, send me a quick message - I’m always happy to offer guidance!

Book Your Family Photoshoot Today

The perfect outfits deserve to be captured beautifully. If you’re ready to create stunning family portraits, book a session with me today! For more inspiration, browse my portfolio to see past family sessions.