Coordinating Outfits for Family Photos

Coordinating Outfits for Family Pictures

When I decided to start my photography business, I had no idea that being a personal wardrobe consultant would be part of the job.  I almost always wear clothes that are comfortable and easy like jeans and flip flops so who was I to give suggestions on what to wear for a photo session!

I learned pretty quickly that most clients - including children, families, and seniors want and need help on what to wear before their photo sessions.  This is so important because educating clients on what DOES look good and what DOESN'T look good will REALLY HELP everything come together for beautiful finished photos!

Here are 7 steps to coordinate outfits for a family photoshoot.  Feel free to share these with your clients:

1. Coordinate Colors But No Matching Outfits

You want to avoid everyone doing “matchy matchy” clothes.  That means no white shirts and jeans, no tan pants and blue shirts and nobody wearing the same color on top.  Instead, you want them to coordinate colors. 2-4 colors that go well together is ideal!

2. Try to Choose a Seasonal Color Combination

There are basic color combinations that work for each season.  To know which colors are being worn in each season, I suggest looking up Pantone Colors, with the year and season.  Each year they predict the colors that are trending.  I also love using Pinterest to help get a better idea of groups of colors that coordinate well together.

3. Start with a Favorite Article of Clothing

I usually suggest clients first look through their wardrobe and find one article of clothing that is their favorite.  This can be a solid color or a pattern.  Plaid and argyle are great patterns to use in photos because they incorporate at least 3 colors which can be used to build your outfits around.

Here are some clothing choice ideas that would be great to build and coordinate around:

4. Coordinate Outfits Around Your Favorite Piece of Clothing

Now that you’ve chosen your first article of clothing, you can build all of the other outfits around it, using colors that coordinate well together.

To do this, take your one piece of clothing and start going through your other clothes that you already own.  Chances are, you have some that will coordinate well.

5. Fill in the Missing Pieces

After you’ve pulled the clothes that you currently have together, start looking at the gaps that need to be filled in.  I like to lay all the pieces on my bed and look at everything together.  That way, I get a clear idea of what I still need. Remember, we want 2-4 colors.

When I figure out what I'm missing, I usually make a shopping trip to Old Navy.  They have clothing for mom, dad, and children, so I know I will be able to fill in my clothing gaps with colors that coordinate.

6. Accessorize

Now it’s time for accessories - I love this part!  I send clients to one store for accessories and that is Charming Charlie’s.  They have jewelry in every color, different styles, and are priced reasonably.

Let’s say the clothes above are what I need to find accessories for.  The accessories below would be perfect for pulling these clothes together.

This includes jewelry for mom and a flower crown for the daughter that coordinates with the clothes.  Notice mom has a mint skirt but the jewelry I chose has more of a peachy/pink color because I want it to coordinate with daughter’s dress.

7. Don't Forget the Shoes

Shoes do matter! 

You don’t want to show up to your photoshoot looking gorgeous in your clothes but ruin your look with your 10-year-old sandals that clearly show their age. 

But you also probably don’t want to spend a lot of money on shoes if you don't have to. 

I get it!  I have a family of 6 so I know I can’t buy everything new for a photo session.  So, again, look through what you have. If shoes need to be cleaned up or scuff marks taken out, do that to bring new life into them and make sure to choose shoes that are right for your outfits.

If you need some help giving your families ideas of what to wear, save this next image and share it with them!

Bonus Family Photoshoot Tips: List of Do's and Dont's for Clients:

Here are some quick Do's and Don'ts you can also pass along to your clients before their photoshoot.  With these tips, they will be able to do their part to ensure beautiful family photos!

Do's:

• Have either a fresh coat of nail polish on your nails that coordinates with your outfit or don’t have any nail polish on at all.  You don’t want chipped nail polish.

• Wear makeup even if you don’t normally.  If you don’t usually wear makeup, use a tinted moisturizer and mascara.  This will help even your skin tone and make your eyes pop a little bit.  If you do normally wear makeup, I suggest going to your salon and getting professional makeup and hair done.  It’s so fun to pamper yourself and know you will look even more amazing!  For children and dads, they get off easy!

• Bring along makeup for touch ups.  And bring your brush and hairspray just in case!

• Make sure everyone's hair is done.  If family members need a haircut, do it a week before the session.  That way they have time to get used to it and how to style it.

Don'ts:

• Don't wear a bright colored bra.  I always tell clients to wear a nude color bra and if they will be wearing spaghetti straps or any clothing where their bra straps can be seen make sure their bra is strapless.

• Don't show up with chipped nail polish.  I know that was mentioned in the DO’s, it’s just that important!

• Don’t wear clothing with characters, logos, or anything splashed all over the clothing that detracts from your family.  This means no Dora, no Nike Swoosh sign across a shirt and no light up shoes.  Keep those at home!

• Don't wait until the last minute to put your clothing together.  Trust me, I did this myself (before I was a photographer) and it did NOT turn out well! Right before my photoshoot I ran out to buy a couple of shirts and made horrible choices.  I ended up being so unhappy with the photos.  Not because of the photographer, but because the fit of the shirt I had purchased made me look 100 pounds heavier - NOT GOOD!

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear for Family Photos

What colors work best for family photos?

The best colors for family photos are coordinating tones rather than identical outfits. Choose 2–4 complementary colors that fit the season and location of your photo session. Earth tones, soft neutrals, jewel tones, and seasonal color palettes often photograph beautifully.

Should family members wear matching outfits?

No. Matching outfits can make photos look dated and less visually interesting. Instead, select clothing that coordinates in color and style while allowing each family member's personality to shine through.

How do I choose outfits for a family photoshoot?

A simple approach is to start with one favorite clothing item, such as a dress, shirt, or patterned piece, and build the rest of the family's outfits around its colors. This creates a cohesive look without being overly matched.

Are patterns okay to wear in family pictures?

Yes, patterns can work very well when used thoughtfully. Plaid, argyle, florals, and subtle prints can add visual interest and help establish a color palette for the entire family. Avoid overly busy patterns that distract from faces.

What should we avoid wearing for family photos?

Avoid clothing with large logos, cartoon characters, bold branding, or distracting graphics. These elements can pull attention away from your family and make photos look less timeless.

Do shoes matter in family portraits?

Absolutely. Shoes are part of the overall outfit and can impact the final look of your images. Choose footwear that complements your clothing and ensure shoes are clean and in good condition before your session.

How far in advance should we plan our family photo outfits?

It's best to plan several weeks before your session. Early planning gives you time to coordinate colors, shop for missing pieces, and make adjustments without feeling rushed.

Should we accessorize for family photos?

Yes. Accessories such as jewelry, scarves, hats, hairpieces, or layered textures can add personality and help tie outfits together. Keep accessories complementary rather than overwhelming.

What should moms wear for family photos?

Moms often photograph beautifully in dresses, skirts, or layered outfits with flattering silhouettes and coordinated colors. Accessories and well-planned styling can help complete the look while maintaining comfort and confidence.

How can we make sure our family photos look timeless?

Choose coordinated colors, classic clothing styles, minimal logos, clean shoes, and well-groomed hair. Avoid trendy items that may quickly date your images and focus on clothing that highlights your family's connection.

This FAQ targets common search queries related to family photo outfit planning while reinforcing the key recommendations from the article.

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