
5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Outfits for Your Family Photos
Planning your family’s wardrobe for a photo session can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are five tried-and-true tips to help you create a cohesive and timeless look for your family photos:
1. Start with a Color Palette
Choose a color palette that complements your surroundings and feels cohesive. Neutral tones like creams, soft grays, pastels, or earthy shades work beautifully in any season. If you want to add a pop of color, consider subtle accents like a scarf or accessory. Avoid overly bold patterns or neon colors, as they can distract from the faces and emotion in the photos.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical outfits! Instead, aim for coordinated looks by mixing textures, patterns, and shades within your color palette. For example, pair soft florals with solid colors or mix different fabrics like cotton, linen, or knits to add depth and interest.
3. Keep Comfort in Mind
Your family should feel comfortable in what they’re wearing—especially kids! Avoid stiff, tight clothing or anything that might cause irritation. Flowy dresses for moms, cozy sweaters, or casual button-downs for dads, and breathable fabrics for kids are great options to ensure everyone feels at ease.
4. Think About Layers and Accessories
Layers like cardigans, jackets, or scarves can add variety and dimension to your photos, while accessories such as hats or statement jewelry can enhance your outfits. Just remember to keep it simple—don’t let the accessories steal the spotlight!
5. Plan Ahead and Test It Out
Lay all the outfits out together ahead of time to see how they look as a whole. Try them on and take a few test photos in natural light to make sure everything flows well. This will also help you catch any issues, like mismatched tones or clothing that doesn’t fit properly.
By following these tips, you’ll create a polished and timeless look for your family photos. Remember, your outfits are just one piece of the puzzle—the most important thing is the love and connection your family brings to the session!
Here’s a Styled Checklist you can include in your blog post to make it easy for clients to prepare for their family photo session:
Family Photo Session Outfit Checklist
1. Choose Your Color Palette:
• Select 3-4 complementary colors (e.g., neutrals, pastels, earthy tones).
• Include subtle patterns or textures for variety.
• Avoid neon colors or large, distracting logos.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match:
• Mix patterns with solids (e.g., florals, stripes, polka dots).
• Include different fabrics to add depth (e.g., knits, linen, denim).
• Ensure no one outfit feels “out of place” in the group.
3. Prioritize Comfort:
• Test that outfits are comfortable for everyone, especially kids.
• Avoid tight, stiff clothing or anything itchy.
• Ensure shoes are clean and appropriate for the location.
4. Add Layers and Accessories:
• Choose lightweight layers for flexibility (e.g., cardigan, jacket).
• Select simple, timeless accessories (e.g., scarves, hats, jewelry).
• Avoid oversized or overly trendy pieces.
5. Prep and Plan Ahead:
• Lay out all outfits together to check cohesion.
• Test fit clothing for everyone (especially growing kids!).
• Take a test photo in natural light to confirm the look.
• Bring backup items for kids (e.g., extra shirt, hair accessories).
Bonus Tips:
• Avoid all-white outfits unless in a beach setting.
• Coordinate hair and makeup for added polish.
• Bring a lint roller for quick touch-ups on site.
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