Hey there, lovely families! Let's talk about one of the most important (yet often most stressful, unfortunately!) parts of preparing for your family photo session: choosing what to wear!

I've heard time and time again how outfit selection can cause unnecessary worry for my clients. Pinterest and Instagram can cause inspiration-overload; I suffer from it too!

But here's the thing: family photos should be about capturing your love, connection, and personalities. Choosing photo outfits shouldn’t have to be complicated or anxiety-inducing. My approach is all about keeping it simple, stress-free, and natural. How?

Think of it as elevating the types of clothes and colors you already love and feel great in. If you aren’t into dresses, don’t force yourself to wear a dress! If your favorite pieces in your wardrobe are green, incorporate that into your palette.

Envision your everyday style, then let’s add some pizzazz! So take a deep breath, put down the Pinterest haha, and let's dive into some key considerations and starting points that'll make your family photos shine, while keeping the process fun, relaxed, and most-importantly - YOU.

5 Steps to Looking & Feeling Your Best

Step 1: Where are your photos going to live?

Step 2: What’s your vibe?

Step 3: Comfort is King (or Queen!)

Step 4: Choosing your Colors, Patterns, and Accessories **this is the juicy part! Scroll down to Step 4 for all of the details.

Step 5: Plan Ahead, Stress Less

Did you know: I loooove helping my families pick out their outfits! Never hesitate to contact me to shoot over some options or ideas (or even just a “HOW DO I BEGIN?!” — I’ve got you!).

♡ Step 1: Where are your photos going to live?

First things first – where are these beautiful photos going to live?

• If you're planning to display them in your home year-round, consider your existing home decor. Choosing outfits in neutral tones or muted colors that complement your home's palette can create a seamless look when you hang up those gorgeous prints. Imagine how amazing it'll be to see your family photos fitting perfectly with your living room aesthetic!

• If your photoshoot is specifically for something like cheerful Christmas or holiday cards, feel free to go full-on festive! If you have already picked out a card design that you want to use this year (for my plan-ahead’ers of the world!), you can consider the design when choosing the outfit!

♡ Step 2: What’s your vibe?

Every family has its own unique personality, and your outfits can help showcase that. Ask yourselves: What's the vibe we're going for? Do you want fun and playful photos full of laughter and movement? Or are you leaning towards a more formal, elegant look? Maybe you're all about that relaxed, natural feel? Your clothing choices can really amplify the mood you're after.

The vibe that you are envisioning can help shape your color palette, textures, and accessories. Also take your location in mind (for example, boho outfits in a formal setting may not coordinate): vibe + location go hand-in-hand!

Do you want your photos to feel:

• Natural / Casual

• Fancy / Formal

• Boho / Whimsical

Step 3: Comfort is Queen (or King!)

Here's a little pro tip from years of experience: when you feel good, you look good! I've noticed that many families tend to gravitate towards similar color palettes year after year. You know why? Because they love those colors or feel most confident wearing them. And that's perfect! Choose colors and silhouettes that make you feel like the best version of yourself. When you're comfortable and confident, it shines through in every shot.

♡ Step 4: Choosing your Colors, Patterns, and Accessories

Now, let's talk about putting it all together. The key is to coordinate, not match exactly. Think of your family as a work of art – you want different elements that complement each other beautifully. Try layering solid colors with a subtle pattern or two. Add interest with different textures like knits, denims, or soft cottons. The goal is a cohesive look that allows each family member's personality to shine through.

Here's my little formula that often works well:

• Start with your foundation color: Pick one main color that you absolutely love. This could be a family favorite or a hue that complements everyone's skin tones. Maybe it's a deep green, rich burgundy, a calming navy, or a beautiful blush. It could even be a neutral! This color will be the foundation of your palette and will guide your other choices. Not everyone should wear this color…doing so will turn your palette a bit too matchy-matchy.

• Find Inspiration in Patterns: I like to incorporate 1 - 2 patterns, depending on the number of people in your family. Once you have your foundation color, look for a patterned piece that incorporates it. This could be a floral dress, a plaid shirt, or even a striped scarf. I recommend subtle prints! This patterned item will serve as your inspiration piece, offering additional colors to work with and adding visual interest to your photos. You can add in one additional subtle pattern, perhaps one that doesn’t even use your foundation color, but pulls color from the first pattern!

• Identify Your Accent Colors: Now, examine your patterned piece closely. What other colors do you see? These will become your accent colors. Usually, one or two accent colors work well. They'll help create depth and dimension in your photos without overwhelming the main color. If you prefer a more neutral palette, your neutrals will become your accent colors.

• About those Neutrals: Neutrals are the unsung heroes of a great color palette. They provide balance and allow your main and accent colors to shine. Consider incorporating shades of white, cream, gray, tan, or even black. These neutrals can be used for larger pieces like pants or jackets, allowing the more colorful items to pop.

• Mix in some Season-Appropriate, Beautiful Textures: Textures add dimension, create visual interest, and can even influence the overall mood of the image. Strive to incorporate at least 1 textured piece, but you can incorporate more as long as they are balanced (for example, if someone wears a chunky knit, then a complementary texture could be lighter - such as tulle or smooth velvet). Here are some examples:

  • Chunky or cable knits

  • Lace or crochet

  • Denim or chambray

  • Velvet or velour

  • Corduroy or suede

  • Leather / vegan leather

  • Silk or satin

  • Tweed or jacquard

  • Tulle or chiffon

• Accessorize with Purpose - the Final Touch: Accessories are like the sprinkles on a cupcake - they add that extra bit of flair and personality to your outfits. When chosen thoughtfully, they can elevate your look and add visual interest without overwhelming the overall picture. They should enhance your natural style, not make you feel like you're wearing a costume. Think: belts, ties or bow ties, suspenders, bows and hair accessories, and tasteful jewelry. And if you're unsure, don't hesitate to bring a few options to the shoot - we can always make game-time decisions on what works best in front of the camera.

Remember, we're going for "coordinated and cohesive," not "matching." It's these little differences that make the photo interesting and showcase your family's unique style!

♡ Step 5: Plan Ahead, Stress Less

Lastly, try not to leave outfit planning to the last minute - I know that’s difficult! If you have time, feel free to lay out everyone's outfits together and see how they look as a group (and you can text me the pic!). This is also a great opportunity to make sure everything fits well and is free of any noticeable stains or wrinkles. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free photo day!

And if you haven’t booked your holiday photos yet and are looking for a stress-free, beautiful, and affordable option: my Holidays in a Flash mini sessions are made for your family!

♡ The Bottom Line

Choosing outfits for your family photos should be fun, not stressful. Remember, these photos are about capturing your family's love and connection. The outfits are just there to enhance your natural beauty and personality. Trust your instincts, choose clothes that make you feel amazing, and don't be afraid to let your family's unique style shine through.

I can't wait to see what you choose and to capture some magical moments with your family. If you have any questions or need a second opinion, I'm always here to help. Happy outfit planning!