Family photo shoots are a wonderful way to capture precious moments and create lasting memories. However, one of the most challenging aspects of preparing for a family photo session is deciding what everyone should wear. The right outfits can elevate your photos, ensuring they look timeless and cohesive.
This article explores five outfit ideas to help you and your family look your best in your next photo shoot.
Classic Coordinated Neutrals
A classic, coordinated, neutral palette is the best choice for family photos. This timeless approach ensures that your photos will look elegant and sophisticated for years to come.
Color Palette:
Stick to a mix of white, cream, beige, gray, and soft blues. These colors work well together, creating a calm, harmonious photo look.
Outfit Examples:
- Dad: Light gray slacks, white button-down shirt, navy blue blazer
- Mom: Cream-colored midi dress or white blouse with beige trousers
- Older children: Variations of the parents’ outfits in similar tones
- Younger children: Soft blue or gray dresses for girls, khaki shorts with white polo shirts for boys
Accessories:
Keep accessories minimal and classic. Consider pearl earrings for women, leather watches for men, and simple hair accessories for children.
Tips for Success:
- Mix textures to add visual interest. Use different fabrics like cotton, linen, and knits to create depth in your photos.
- Vary the shades slightly among family members to avoid looking too uniform.
- Consider the location of your shoot when choosing neutrals. Lighter shades work well for beach or outdoor settings, while darker neutrals are great for urban environments.
Rustic Autumn Charm
For outdoor photo shoots during the fall season, embrace autumn’s warm, rich colors for a cozy and inviting family portrait.
Color Palette:
Focus on deep reds, burnt oranges, mustard yellows, olive greens, and warm browns. These colors beautifully complement the changing leaves and natural autumn scenery.
Outfit Examples:
- Dad: Dark jeans, brown leather boots, plaid flannel shirt in autumn colors
- Mom: Burnt orange sweater dress or mustard yellow blouse with brown corduroy skirt
- Older children: Layered looks with earth-toned sweaters, vests, and jeans
- Younger children: Girls in cute pinafore dresses with tights, boys in corduroys and patterned sweaters
Accessories:
Add texture and warmth with scarves, knit beanies, and leather accessories. Consider incorporating natural elements like pinecones or leaves as props.
Tips for Success:
- Layer clothing for added visual interest and practicality in changing temperatures.
- Incorporate different patterns like plaid, herringbone, or subtle florals to add depth to your outfits.
- Choose fabrics that evoke the season, such as wool, corduroy, and knits.
Coastal Cool Blues
For beach or waterfront photo shoots, a palette of cool blues creates a fresh, breezy look that complements the natural surroundings.
Color Palette:
Varying shades of blue—from light sky blue to deep navy—are paired with crisp whites and soft grays. For contrast, add pops of coral or sandy beige.
Outfit Examples:
- Dad: Light blue linen shirt, rolled-up khaki pants, canvas slip-on shoes
- Mom: Flowy maxi dress in a blue and white pattern or white eyelet top with navy cropped pants
- Older children: Striped blue and white tops, denim shorts or skirts
- Younger children: Girls in blue sundresses, boys in polo shirts and khaki shorts
Accessories:
Keep it minimal with natural textures like woven hats, canvas bags, or rope bracelets. Avoid overly formal or flashy jewelry.
Tips for Success:
- Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that move well in the wind for a relaxed, beachy vibe.
- Incorporate nautical-inspired elements like stripes or anchor motifs for a cohesive theme.
- Consider going barefoot for some shots to embrace the casual seaside atmosphere.
Festive Holiday Cheer
For holiday-themed family photos, embrace rich, festive colors and cozy textures to capture the warmth and joy of the season.
Color Palette:
Deep reds, forest greens, navy blues, and touches of gold or silver. White and cream can be used as base colors to balance the richer hues.
Outfit Examples:
- Dad: Dark jeans, green cable-knit sweater, brown leather shoes
- Mom: Red wrap dress or cream sweater with a festive skirt
- Older children: Mix and match sweaters, dresses, and pants in coordinating holiday colors
- Younger children: Girls in velvet dresses, boys in adorable holiday sweaters and corduroys
Accessories:
For a touch of glamour, incorporate holiday-themed accessories like tartan scarves, reindeer antler headbands for kids, or subtle, sparkly jewelry.
Tips for Success:
- Balance bold holiday colors with neutrals to avoid overwhelming the photo.
- Choose rich fabrics like velvet, wool, and cashmere for a luxurious, festive feel.
- Consider coordinating patterns like Fair Isle sweaters or buffalo checks for a cohesive look.
Bohemian Earth Tones
For a relaxed, artistic family photo, embrace a bohemian-inspired palette of earth tones and natural textures.
Color Palette:
Warm browns, terracotta, sage green, muted mustard, and cream. Incorporate subtle patterns and textures inspired by nature.
Outfit Examples:
- Dad: Earthy-toned button-down shirt, relaxed-fit chinos, leather sandals
- Mom: Flowy maxi dress in a muted floral print or wide-leg pants with a peasant blouse
- Older children: Mix and match earthy tones with textured pieces like crochet tops or embroidered details
- Younger children: Girls in tiered skirts and simple tops, boys in linen shirts and shorts
Accessories:
Embrace natural materials like wooden jewelry, woven belts, and leather headbands. Consider incorporating elements like feathers or dreamcatchers as props.
Tips for Success:
- Mix different textures like linen, cotton, and suede for a rich, layered look.
- Incorporate subtle patterns like paisley or small florals to add visual interest without overwhelming the photo.
- Choose relaxed, flowy silhouettes for a carefree, bohemian vibe.
General Tips for Family Photo Shoot Outfits
Regardless of which outfit idea you choose, keep these general tips in mind to ensure your family looks great and feels comfortable during the photo shoot:
- Coordinate, don’t match exactly:
Gone are the days when everyone was wearing identical outfits. Instead, choose a color palette and have each family member wear different pieces that complement each other. This creates a cohesive look without appearing overly staged. - Consider your home decor:
Consider your interior design style if you plan to display these photos in your home. Choose colors and styles to complement your home’s aesthetic, ensuring the photos look great on your walls. - Dress for your body type:
Choose silhouettes and styles that flatter each family member’s body type. When everyone feels confident in their outfit, it will show in the photos. - Plan ahead:
Don’t wait until the last minute to choose outfits. Plan at least a week in advance to ensure everything fits well and looks good together. This also allows time for any necessary alterations or shopping. - Comfort is key:
While you want to look your best, it’s crucial that everyone feels comfortable in their outfits. Uncomfortable clothes can lead to awkward poses and forced smiles. Choose fabrics and fits that allow for easy movement, especially if you have young children. - Consider the season and location:
Your outfits should be appropriate for the time of year and the setting of your photo shoot. Layer clothing for outdoor shoots in cooler weather, and choose breathable fabrics for warm summer days. - Avoid loud patterns and logos:
Large patterns or prominent logos can be distracting in photos. If you want to incorporate patterns, choose subtle ones and limit them to one or two family members. - Pay attention to shoes:
Don’t forget about footwear! Shoes can make or break an outfit, so choose ones that complement your clothes and are appropriate for the location. - Incorporate personal style:
While coordinating is important, don’t completely sacrifice individual style. Allow each family member to express their personality through outfit choices within the chosen color palette. - Consider hair and makeup:
For a polished look, plan hairstyles and makeup that complement your outfits. Keep makeup natural and choose hairstyles that won’t require constant adjusting during the shoot.
Conclusion
Choosing outfits for a family photo shoot doesn’t have to be stressful. You can create beautiful, timeless family portraits by selecting a cohesive color palette and considering factors like season, location, and personal style. Whether you opt for classic neutrals, rustic autumn charm, coastal cool blues, festive holiday cheer, or bohemian earth tones, the key is to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident in their outfits.
Remember, the most important element of any family photo is the love and connection between family members. While coordinating outfits can enhance your photos’ overall look, genuine smiles and natural interactions will make your family portraits special. With these outfit ideas and tips in mind, you’re well-prepared to create stunning family photos you’ll treasure for years.