What to Wear for Family Photos Without Looking Too Matchy-Matchy

One of the biggest questions I get before a family session is, “What in the world are we supposed to wear?”

And honestly, I get it. Trying to dress an entire family for photos can make you want to cancel the whole thing and show up in pajamas.

The biggest thing I tell people is this: coordinate, don’t perfectly match.

Everybody does not need to show up in white shirts and jeans looking like a department store ad from 2004. Pick a color palette, then let everyone wear something that works within it.

Start With Mom’s Outfit

Start with Mom. Always.

Because if Mom feels good, the whole session usually goes better.

Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in first, then build everyone else’s outfits around that. You do not need to be the dressiest person in the family, but you should feel good enough that you are not spending the entire session pulling at your shirt, fixing your dress, or wishing you had worn something else.

Once Mom’s outfit is figured out, it is much easier to choose colors and pieces for everyone else.

Choose a Color Palette

You do not need every single person wearing the exact same color.

Instead, choose three or four colors that work well together.

Some colors that always photograph beautifully are:

• Cream

• Warm brown

• Muted green

• Dusty blue

• Denim

• Rust

• Soft pink

• Beige

• Mustard

• Burgundy

You can also add one brighter color if you want the photos to feel more fun. The key is making sure the colors work together instead of everybody wearing the exact same thing.

Add Texture and Layers

Texture is what keeps outfits from looking flat or boring.

Think:

• Knits

• Denim

• Linen

• Corduroy

• Sweaters

• Jackets

• Cardigans

• Dresses

• Scarves

• Simple jewelry

Layers also give us options during the session. A jacket can come off. A cardigan can be added. Sleeves can be rolled. Small changes make the final gallery feel more varied without anybody needing a full outfit change.

Things I Would Skip

There are always exceptions, but a few things usually photograph better left at home:

Huge logosNeon colorsEverybody in the exact same outfitVery busy patternsAnything itchy, stiff, or uncomfortableShoes you cannot actually walk inClothes you know you are going to tug at all night

If your child hates the outfit before you even leave the house, they are probably not going to magically love it once the camera comes out.

Comfort matters more than people think.

Coordinate the Patterns

Patterns are not bad. We just do not want everybody wearing one.

Let one person wear a floral dress, plaid shirt, or fun print, then pull colors from that pattern for the rest of the family.

For example, if Mom wears a floral dress with cream, rust, and green, Dad could wear cream and brown, while the kids wear muted green, denim, or rust.

That gives the outfits personality without making the photo feel chaotic.

Do Not Forget the Shoes

Yes, shoes matter.

They do not need to be fancy, but they should work with the outfits and the location.

Avoid giant athletic sneakers unless that truly fits your family’s style. Boots, sandals, loafers, neutral sneakers, and simple flats usually photograph well.

And please do not wear shoes you cannot walk in unless you are fully committed to suffering for the photo.

Wear Something That Feels Like You

This is the most important part.

You do not need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for family photos. You do not need to dress like a different family. You just need outfits that feel like a slightly more pulled-together version of yourselves.

If your family is casual, be casual. If you love color, wear color. If you are more neutral, lean into that.

The best photos happen when everyone feels comfortable enough to laugh, move, cuddle, play, and forget about what they are wearing.

And if you are stuck, send me pictures of what you are thinking. I am always happy to help you pull everything together before your session.