What to Wear for a Family Photography Session (Without the Stress)
So, you’ve booked in your family photography session, hooray! Now comes the part that often causes the most stress: what on earth is everyone going to wear?
If your head is already spinning with thoughts of clashing colours, itchy outfits, or the dreaded group-matchy-matchy moment, take a breath. I’ve got you. Dressing your family for photos doesn’t need to feel like preparing for a magazine cover shoot. In fact, the best photos come when you all feel like yourselves, just a little more polished.
Let’s chat wardrobe, in a relaxed, easy way, so that your outfits bring out the feeling of your family, not just your fashion sense.
1. Start With This Golden Rule: Coordination Over Matching
Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and a white T-shirt. Instead, think about coordinating your family’s outfits in colours that sit well together. You want the tones to talk to each other, not compete or blend into one monochromatic blur.
One easy way to do this is to pick a seasonal colour palette. Think:
Autumn: rust, olive, cream, mustard, burnt orange
Spring: blush, soft blue, sage, sand, white
Summer: crisp white, linen tones, denim blue, soft peach
Winter: navy, charcoal, ivory, forest green, burgundy
Start with your outfit and build the rest around it using complementary tones and textures.
2. Textures, Layers & Movement: The Secret Sauce
Photos (and especially films) come to life with movement and depth, and your wardrobe can help bring that magic in. Here’s how:
Textures: Think chunky knits, linen, denim, cotton, lace, and embroidery. Texture adds interest, especially in close-up shots.
Layers: A cardigan, a scarf, or a hat can add dimension and be easily removed to create variety without a full outfit change.
Movement: If you’re having a family film created, something with flow, like a skirt or a dress that catches the breeze, can create the most beautiful, emotive movement on camera.
You don’t have to be a fashion stylist. Just layer thoughtfully and wear clothes that you can move and feel comfortable in.
3. Keep It Classic, Keep It You
When you look back at these photos in five or ten years, you want them to feel timeless, not like a Pinterest trend that came and went. So, here’s the trick:
Choose clothes you would’ve happily worn five years ago, love now, and will still like five years from now.
A few helpful guidelines:
Stick with classic silhouettes — nothing too oversized or tight-fitting unless that’s your usual style.
Neutral and earthy tones (each season has classic colours within) are always a winner, they photograph beautifully and allow the emotion to shine.
Avoid graphics, logos, and neon colours — these can date quickly and may throw unnatural colour casts on your skin.
Shoes matter too. Go barefoot if we’re on the beach or at home. Otherwise, go simple and practical and avoid bright sneakers (something leather is always a good, timeless option).
4. What About the Kids?
Keep them comfortable. If they’re tugging at collars or dealing with itchy tags, it’s harder for them (and you!) to relax into the moment.
Some ideas:
A sweet romper or overalls for littlies
A flowy dress or simple jeans and a tee for older kids
Soft tones, natural fibres, and no battles, let them help choose from a few options if they’re old enough. You’ll often get more cooperation that way!
5. A Final Note: Let the Love Be the Focus
Your outfits matter, of course they do. But they’re not the main event. Your love, your connection, your personalities, that’s what we’re capturing. The outfits simply help bring that to life without distraction.
So let’s ditch the pressure for perfection. Choose clothing that helps you feel comfortable, confident and you. I’ll take care of the rest, the light, the angles, the prompts, the moments. You just show up as the family you are, in all your beautifully imperfect, connected glory.
Need a little extra help?
When you book your session with me, you’ll get access to my full What to Wear Guide.
Let’s make this fun and easy, because family photos should feel as good as they look.
