Family Photo Outfit Guide: What to Wear for Stunning, Stress-Free Photos
Stress-Free Styling
Family Photo Outfits
Coordinating outfits for family photos can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Over the years, we’ve tried all kinds of looks (some hits, some hilarious misses), so I wanted to round up past outfits and also share new inspiration to help your next shoot feel effortless and cohesive.
We’re actually doing our own family photos this weekend, so it felt like the perfect time to revisit some of my favorite tips and tricks, along with fresh outfit ideas and a look back at some of our past photo sessions over the years. It’s definitely bittersweet doing our first one without Walter this year. He was always such a special part of our family photos, and I know he’ll be with us in spirit.
I know that families come in all forms: two moms, two dads, single parents, blended families, chosen families, and everything in between. I was raised in a non-traditional family myself, and I recognize that no two families look the same. While I’m showing four collage examples for a mom, dad, son, and daughter to help spark ideas, these can be mixed, matched, and adapted for whoever is in your family photo. The goal? Outfits that coordinate without looking too matchy-matchy, and feel like you.
Styling family photos
matching vs. coordinating
Pro tip: If you’re the one coordinating the outfits and the shoot (hi, same), start by choosing something that makes you feel amazing, then build everyone else’s outfits around that. When you feel confident and comfortable, it sets the tone for the whole day (and you’ll love the photos so much more).
And remember: coordinating doesn’t mean matching. Think complementary colors, varying textures, and pieces that feel cohesive without looking like uniforms. For example, you can mix denim with knits, soft florals with solids, or earth tones across different silhouettes. The goal is to look like you all belong together, not like you’re wearing the same shirt in four sizes.
COZY NEUTRALS
Perfect for Fall foliage, pumpkin patches, or cozy indoor shoots
COOL & CLASSIC
Perfect for: Beach sessions, city backdrops, or classic holiday cards
RICH & COZY
Perfect for: Holiday cards, cozy fall sessions, or moody studio lighting
SOFT & ROMANTIC
Perfect for: Outdoor family photos, baby announcements, or floral settings
Thanks for reading!
At the end of the day, the best family photo outfits are the ones that feel like you, comfortable, confident, and cohesive without being too matchy. Whether you’re dressing toddlers, teens, or just trying to get everyone out the door without a meltdown (relatable), I hope these ideas help make the process a little easier… and more fun.
Which color palette or outfit vibe are you leaning toward for your next shoot? You can check out more of our family photo looks from years past right here.
xx CMK
