How to Choose Outfits for Family Pictures in 3 Steps, based on Color, Style and Fit
Deciding what to wear for family pictures can be overwhelming. This guide will help you choose clothing and outfits for family pictures in Wyoming and Colorado. How to choose outfits for family pictures in three easy steps: Choosing Color, Deciding on Style and Considering Fit. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for putting together clothing and outfits for your family photos, using the season and location of your session, along with some tips and tricks to make your family session go as smoothly as possible. You’ll find what to wear for family pictures in the fall, spring, summer or winter in Wyoming or Northern Colorado. This post was originally published in December 2022 and updated September 2nd, 2024.
Step 1: First Choose 2-3 Colors that Complement the Season of Your Family Pictures
When deciding what to wear for family pictures, choose clothing colors that fit the season in which you’re getting photos taken. If your family photo session is in summer and spring, wear clothing in softer tones like pink, green and soft blue, along with neutrals to offset the greens and vibrant colors of these seasons. For fall family photos, opt for warmer, richer color tones that complement the vibrant, warm hues of fall. Warm neutrals, like chestnut, brown and ivory work well to complement the warm and earthy tones of fall. For winter photos, when natural surroundings are white or brown, opt for one vibrant pop of color and build outfits around that. Below, I go into more depth about colors for each season.
If your family photos are in a downtown location without a lot of natural elements around, ask your photographer what colors and tones might be most prevalent in the location he or she has chosen. Then pick colors that will complement that setting, or ask your photographer to suggest a color palette for you.
SKIP TO YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SEASON
FALL FAMILY PHOTO CLOTHING
Family photos clothing options from mid August through November.
SPRING + SUMMER FAMILY PHOTO CLOTHING
Family photo clothing for April through mid August.
WINTER FAMILY PHOTO CLOTHING
Options for family photos from November through March, including picks for the holiday season.
In General, Wear Muted or Dark Clothing Colors for Your Family Photos, Avoiding Neons and Pastels
Muted and darker colors work best in photos. Neon or super bright colors can cast color onto skin in photos, and really light colors tend to wash people out. Muted, soft hues, like soft pinks, browns, tan and ivory can serve as lighter neutrals without washing skin tones out. With that in mind, here are some season-specific clothing color ideas for you to wear for family photos.
The Best Colors to Wear for Fall Family Pictures are Rich Earth Tones
Good clothing options for fall family photos are burgundy, navy, browns, and ivory. Fall is also a good time to layer up with different textured sweaters and vests. Aim for warm colors and deeper earth tones. Fall can still be fairly warm, so layers are perfect for warmer temps that transition to chillier evenings.
My favorite fall family photo colors are burgundy, navy, and tan.
Don’t be afraid of mixing in some unexpected colors with your warm fall hues, like this family did:
Wear Soft Blues, Pinks and Greens for Summer and Spring Family Photos
The best colors for summer and spring family photos are soft blues, pinks, soft yellows and cooler greens. As the trees bloom and the lush greens come out for the summer, these tones are always safe bets. Neutrals also complement this season well, like tan, ivory or gray. I go into more detail specifically about what to wear for spring family photos here.
Choose lighter fabrics for family photo sessions in the spring and summer. Think about cotton dresses, linens and short sleeve button-ups.
Warmer tones can also work in the fall, like this olive green, tan and terra cotta combo….
Opt for Pops of Color and Bold Prints for Winter Family Photos
For winter family pictures, choose layered, warm clothing. Think about textured sweaters, dressier coats, fur-lined vests. Winter is tricky for family photos, but being practical about the cold weather will generally steer you in the right direction. Because the surroundings are so void of color (white snow or tan/brown grass), I suggest finding one or two pops of color. You can also be a bit more liberal with large plaid or prints. Feel free to pair small pops of color with neutrals and some prints when you’re deciding what to wear for family pictures.
I love classic patterns around the holidays as well, along with shades of green that aren’t quite “Christmas-y” but that still fit within that holiday theme. This little family below nailed that classic look for their indoor studio session. I love how they balanced neutrals with some holiday prints.
Don’t be afraid to wear fun winter accessories, like hats and scarves.
Other Color Tips: Skin Tones, Extended Family Photos and Colors for Your Home Decor
Wear Colors for Family Pictures that Enhance Your Skin Tones
I’ve gone into a deep dive about choosing colors for your skin tones and how to put palettes together in another post. You can find that info here. Overall, when choosing what to wear for family pictures, pick colors that you would normally wear. If you look in your closet, I’m guessing you have some outfit staples that fall into a few different colors that you know you look good in.
When you plan outfits for family photos, don’t choose a color to wear that you would never wear in your normal day-to-day. Chances are it will not complement your skin tone and you won’t love how you look in your photos.
Have a mix of various cool and warm skin tones in your family? You can mix cool and warm tones by adding in neutrals. For example, if your family consists of some members have warm skin tones and some who have cool tones, you could choose a palette of a warm brown plus sage and neutrals. I find that pinks, blues and tans also tend to bridge the warm/cool gaps easily. You can always pick different shades or tones within a specific color to make them work for different skin tones as well.
Quick Tip: Blue is a connector color. It bridges gaps between cool and warm tones, and can work in all seasons.
For Extended Family Photos, Simplify the Color Scheme
Planning for multigenerational photos can be very overwhelming. All of these guidelines apply to extended family groupings as well. If each separate family has a different idea about which colors they want, simplify the color scheme. For example, tell everyone to pick a different shade of blue and add in neutrals. Or tell everyone to look for muted earth tones. When choosing what to wear for family pictures, there are several colors in the earth tone category that still work together. Here’s an example of muted earth tones that would all work together in a large group photo:
Consider Your Home Decor For Your Family Photo Clothing Color Choices
I hope you will someday print your photos and display them in your home. When you’re choosing outfits for family pictures, think about how the photos will look hanging on the walls in your house. You don’t need to match the house completely, but you do want your photos to complement the overall color tones and schemes in your home interior spaces.
For example, if your house is decorated in muted tones, neutrals and soft hues, you might not want to wear darker, punchy colors or black and whites. Instead, opt for soft hues and warm neutrals. However, if your house is super modern with bold colors and high contrast color blocking, dark and higher contrast will probably look better in photos hanging on your walls.
If you’re having family photos taken inside your home, it might be even more important to coordinate with the color schemes in your home decor. Here are a few examples of families who did that well….
Step 2: Once You’ve Chosen a Color Palette, Mix up Clothing Styles and Patterns Within that Palette
After You’ve Chosen a Seasonal Color Palette of 2 or 3 Colors, Vary Textures, Patterns, Styles, and Tones Within that Color Palette Among Family Members
Mix up textures and patterns to add variety to your family photos. For example, have one or two people in solids and add in a simple pattern or a chunky knit sweater to add texture.
Each color has several tones or shades. In addition to varying textures and patterns, you can also vary shades within a specific color, like various shades of blue.
Please do not put everyone in the same color or in matching tops or in matching bottoms. This creates a visual line in your photos that is distracting. This is also a very outdated trend that needs to stay in 1992.
Do look like you’ve shopped at the same store. Try to keep the same level of dressy/casual among family members. You don’t want Dad in a tux and the kids in t-shirts, for example.
Quick Tip: One easy trick for planning family photo colors is to start with one outfit, like Mom’s, and use it to build the rest of your color palette.
In the photo below, the base outfit for the color palette was Mom’s floral print.
Use Your Photo Location to Guide Style Decisions for Your Family Photos
After you pick clothing color based on the season of your session, think about clothing style that matches your location session. Most photo locations can be broken into natural settings (parks, mountain locations) or downtown locations (urban environments, like alleyways and downtown streets).
For Natural Settings, Consider Long Dresses and Lighter Fabrics that Catch the Sunlight, Along with a Mix of Khakis, Jeans and Button-Ups
For natural settings, like parks and mountain settings, I love long, full-length dresses for women. They are super flattering and look beautiful in the mountains and sunlight. Summery florals or rich fall prints can add visual interest to natural settings that complement the surroundings well.
More casual clothes can also work well in natural settings. If dresses aren’t your thing, opt for jeans and mix up clothing style among family members. Last year, I wanted a southwestern color palette that still fit the fall location of our photos, but I really didn’t want to wear a dress. While my husband and I are both in jeans, my girls mixed up the vibe with a floral dress and a mix and match skirt and top.
This year, we built our outfits around my daughter’s French print dress and kept the color palette super simple for the summer surroundings (photo below by the lovely Meg Koening).
For Downtown Settings, Opt for Edgier Attire, Like Jeans and Colorful Tops or Go Super Dressy
For downtown or urban family pictures, think about clothing that is a bit edgier, like graphic tees, bold colors, and funky shoes. I love the black and white theme paired with mom’s wedges in the photo below.
Don’t be afraid of color downtown, though. Just make sure you stay within the themes of the location. Ask your photographer about specific spots they have in mind. I loved the natural print against the urban background in the photo below.
You can also opt for a completely dressed up vibe in a downtown setting. Dressy clothes lend themselves well to more formal holiday cards.
Step 3: Opt for Classic Clothing That Fits Well When Choosing Outfits for Your Family Pictures
Fit is Super Important, Both for Comfort and for Aesthetic
Wear Fitted Clothing that Isn’t Too Baggy or Too Tight
Make sure clothing fits well so that kids aren’t tugging on things or adults aren’t fixing things constantly during the session. Avoid baggy clothing. Baggy clothing makes you look larger in photos. Instead, opt for tailored or fitted clothes. Clothing that is too tight will show every flaw. Generally, longer, fitted tops or full-length dresses with fitted waists look best on women. Avoid dresses that have no shape at the waist. Baby doll dresses, gunny sack waists, and prairie dresses without fitted waists are not flattering in photos. Longer layers over the top of fitted clothing can add dimension and hide flaws you might be self-conscious of around your midline.
It seems that every shirt I find at Target right now is a crop top, and while that can work for my tiny teenage daughter, there is no way I would feel comfortable in a top that short. If you are comfortable with your belly showing in photos, feel free to get a shorter top. A good rule of thumb is to think about where a shirt ends….the line it creates will draw the eye to that area. Because I am self-conscious of my midline, I generally look and feel better in longer tops.
Full-length dresses (all the way to the ground) are Most Flattering for Photos
Look for maxi or wrap dresses. Long, darker colored maxi dresses with fitted waists tend to elongate bodies and be generally flattering in photos. Our Wyoming wind also makes shorter skirts difficult. Opt for at least knee length.
Look for Modest Necklines and Wear the Right Bra for Your Outfit
You don’t want to be constantly worrying about pulling up your shirt or readjusting during your family photo session. Crew or modest v-necks tend to be the most flattering for photos. Please wear the right bra for your outfit. If your bra is showing up in the mirror at home, it will show up in your photos. Make sure straps aren’t visible there aren’t harsh lines from undergarments that show through your clothing.
Sleeve Length
You might have perfectly toned arms that you love to show off. If you don’t love your arms, opt for three quarter-length sleeves or long sleeves.
Avoid Shiny Fabrics and Avoid Velvet
Shiny fabrics, like shiny rayon and pure polyester, velvet and velour show every single wrinkle and roll. They also draw the eye to those places because they catch light. Opt for matte fabrics instead, like cotton and cotton blends. This is one very good reason to read the detailed description of something you are buying online.
Avoid Tight Patterns, Pinstripes and Logos
Tight patterns create a moire effect that makes your photos have wavy lines when viewed on a screen. Ninety percent of the time, this happens with men’s shirts or jackets. Steer away from logos, which can quickly date your photos. Tiny pocket logos are fine.
Make What You Wear to Your Family Photo Session about YOU
As always, please know these are general guidelines, not hard and fast rules. More than anything, I want you to look and feel like you, so please be true to yourselves when deciding what to wear for your session. Many clients find all of their outfits in their existing closets, so don’t feel like you have to shop!
Wear Comfortable Shoes for Family Pictures, No Matter the Location
Choose shoes that are comfortable to walk in, especially for mountain sessions.
For kids, you might think about close-toed shoes for mountain sessions. We run into a lot of rocky terrain and, sometimes, cactus.
Make sure shoes fit kits, so they aren’t miserable in too-tight or too-loose shoes.
Avoid stilettos or tall heels. Wear wedges if you really need a heel, but be sure you can walk in them on some hilly, rocky terrain.
Think about fun tennis shoes as a different option. Chucks, Toms, Hey Dudes or Vans work especially well for both urban and mountain sessions.
Cowboy boots are fun for mountain sessions if they are broken in and comfortable.
Skip shoes altogether for tiny babies who aren’t yet walking – they don’t stay on and we waste precious time picking them up and putting them back on during your session. If it’s warm enough, opt for bare feet for babies – their toes are adorable and we won’t waste time picking up socks they will inevitably kick off.
Choose Comfortable Clothing and Prepare for the Weather
Opt for comfortable clothing kids can run, jump and play in. Nothing ruins a session faster than a kiddo who is miserable.
Choose clothing that’s washable, because we might get it dirty. My sessions are active and fun.
Avoid itchy fabrics for kids. Avoid dresses with tulle underskirts for little girls. Opt for a cotton dress that twirls. Go for cotton for kids in general – it’s comfortable and not itchy.
Dress for the weather! I cannot stress this enough. If a child is too cold or too hot during a session, there’s not a whole lot I can do to make them happy. In winter, bring coats that you’re ok with being photographed.
Thinking Beyond Clothing…Preparing Your Attitudes (& Bellies) for Your Family Photo Session
Nothing will determine the success or failure of your family photo session more than your attitude. Parents, I’m talking to you. You set the tone for your photo session. Here are some additional tips for preparing for your session.
First and Foremost, RELAX!
Your family photo session is not a time to showcase how perfectly behaved your family is. It is not a test you are taking on posing and smiling perfection. It is a time for you to be yourselves.
We will play games, we might dance, laugh together, and we will definitely spend a ton of time MOVING. I want to capture you having fun together, and nothing kills the fun faster than someone shouting at their child, “Johnny, SMILE!! Johnny, LISTEN to the photographer!!” Instead, let me do the directing and you just focus on genuinely interacting and responding to your child.
Be Careful With Promises During Your Family Photo Session
Please don’t bribe your child with the promise of ice cream if they “take a few nice photos”. They will likely show up, smile for two photos and then wonder where the ice cream is. Instead, tell them we are going for a walk, having fun together and exploring while we take photos. It’s the truth and it doesn’t make the process of the photo session feel like something they have to ‘endure.’ A fun treat after your session is awesome, but please don’t make the treat the focus of the session.
Make Sure Kids (& Adults) Are Not ‘Hangry’
Please make sure kids (and adults!) aren’t starving by the time they arrive to a photo session. Feed them before you leave, even if it’s a snack in the car. For small kids, bring a non-messy snack with you, just in case (think Cheerios rather than anything sticky, like fruit snacks or treats).
Please plan to arrive on time. Nothing makes you more stressed than feeling like you’re missing part of your photo session. While I put a sizable buffer in between sessions, there’s a strong possibility I will have another session after yours, and I want you to have as much time as possible for your session.
What to Bring to Your Family Photo Session
For small babies, you might bring a non-messy snack, like Cheerios. You might also consider a small blanket that matches your color scheme for any photos you want of baby alone. Feel free to also bring small toys or stuffed animals you’re ok with being photographed. Don’t forget a water bottle for the car ride, especially in hot summer months!
Other items to think about are tissues for runny noses, burp cloths for babies, and possibly bibs for teething babies to keep their clothing from being wet during the session (we can take them off for the photos).
For teens, you might consider having them leave their phones in the car. Most teens are great about this, but occasionally, it’s hard to pull them away from social media.
For mountain sessions, please bring bug spray in the summer months!
Where to Shop for Your Family Photo Session
Don’t feel like you have to buy new clothing for your session. But if you’re like me and looking for any excuse to shop, here are some of my favorites. Obviously, you know your go-to places to find clothing you love, but there are a few online shops and in-person stores that work really well for photo-ready clothes.
For flowy dresses, jumpsuits, tops, maxi dresses and pants for women, I love the following:
Let me know if I can help in any way! If you’re a current client, I also have a Style and Select service that I will send to you prior to your session. You are able to put outfits together and purchase them from various popular stores, all through my Style and Select website.
If you still haven’t booked your family session, get on the calendar early. Dates are going quickly this year! You can find that link here.
