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What to Wear: Family Photoshoot Outfit Guide

When it comes to family portraits, one of the most common questions is, “What do we wear?” Here are some of my tips for looking great together!

Since these photos will last a lifetime, you’ll want to choose something timeless, not trendy.

Wear coordinating (not matching) outfits. Stick to a palette of one or two main colors. Lay everyone’s outfits out next to each other to see if they go together in color, in style, and in seasonality. Soft tones and shades of the same color work very well together. Stick with neutrals on the parents, especially if the children are wearing bolder colors.

Consider two locations:

  1. The outfits you choose should complement your environment, whether that's a natural landscape, a historical home, or an art gallery setting. If we’re shooting in studio, I’ll select an appropriate backdrop for your look.
  2. If you are planning to hang these photographs in your home, whether as a single statement piece or as a gallery of images, try to choose a palette and style that coordinates with your home décor. Bold and sleek will look out of place in a rustic-styled home, as will casual photos in a formal space.

Start with one outfit and build everyone else’s around it. Styling looks one at a time makes it easier to visualize how they will complement each other.

Stick with solid colors (avoid patterns). One or maybe two family members wearing a pattern or print in moderation might be okay, but they tend to draw too much attention, and too many patterns tend to clash. Avoid graphics, too - including large logos – as they tend to distract from the most important part of the photo: your faces!

Use textured clothing to add depth to your photographs. A touch of lace, velvet, linen, or wool will add depth. Accessories, such as a scarf, can add an element of interest. Just don’t go overboard or they will become a distraction. Think one key piece above the waist (e.g., statement earrings with a simple necklace OR simple earrings and statement necklace – not both) and one key piece on one arm/wrist/hand (rings/bracelets, as above).

Make sure everything fits everyone and is comfortable. Keep in mind you may be posing in different positions, so the outfits should be comfortable while sitting, too.

Ask your children what they’d like to wear. It will make sure they feel comfortable and involved, which might help them feel more like cooperating.

Make sure everything is wrinkle and stain free.

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For a fine art family photography session, you'll want to select outfits that evoke an elegant and cohesive look. Consider formal or semiformal ensembles for a polished appearance, such as long evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or formal dresses in luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet for women; tuxedos, dinner jackets, or a suit and tie for men.

Here are some additional ideas for creating that refined style:

  1. You may want to choose a monochromatic palette (such as all beige, all gray, or soft pastel shades like muted blues or blush). This approach creates a harmonious, coordinated look that feels sophisticated and calm.
  2. For a truly timeless feel, black and white clothing can create a striking contrast that works perfectly for fine art portraits. Women in simple black dresses or white tops, and men in black or white shirts and trousers, can be very effective. Consider textured fabrics like satin, velvet, or soft cotton to give depth to the photos.

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Here are ideas for informal or casual family outfits, based on the season:

Fall

Fall colors of rust, pumpkin, mustard, and olive might the most obvious choices, but they don’t all look great on everyone…. There are some universally flattering colors, however, that can serve as the base to build from for the whole family. Coordinated neutral or muted tones built around one main color can make the entire family look good.

I like to start with Mom and the perfect outfit for her. A timeless look would be a sweater dress or a long-sleeve maxi dress in a deep chocolate brown. She can then add a pop of color in the form of a chunky knit scarf or bold jewelry to tie her outfit to other family members and their accent colors while adding visual interest. Knee-high boots complete the look.

With brown as Mom’s dominant color, a great option for Dad is a solid color button-down Oxford cloth shirt and Navy-blue V-neck sweater over brown pants.

For the rest of the family, little girls and little boys can then be dressed in bolder colors and even subtle patterns. Avoid, however, combining a floral dress with a plaid shirt. Put your daughters in a flowy dress and sons in something that matches Dad.

Alternatively, if you are looking for family photographs for your holiday cards, you might choose a palette of burgundy and dark emerald or shades of blue. 

 

Winter

Starting with Mom, I recommend a simple, yet elegant, dress. Something in light gray tones and classic lines, such as a sheath dress or A-line skirt. The silhouette is timeless and flattering for any body type. Pair with black heels and delicate jewelry (like a long neck chain) to complete the outfit. This actually works in any season.

For Dad, let’s put him in a sweater and jeans, if that makes him more comfortable. Choose a dark gray pullover for texture and interest while coordinating with Mom. Black jeans and dress shoes bring some polish to the ensemble.

For your daughter, I bet she’ll look adorable in a cute red dress. Choose a darker shade to add a pop of color without standing out too much. Strappy black shoes, tights, and a headband complete the look.

Have your son follow Dad’s lead with a sweater and nice jeans, too. Choose a solid neutral gray that picks up Mom’s or Dad’s grays or select a color that coordinates with his sister’s red. Pick a simple but stylish dress shoe.

 

Spring

For Mom, a soft, flowing midi dress in a pastel color like blush pink, light lavender, or a soft peach is perfect for spring. Look for styles with subtle details such as lace or gentle ruffles for an added layer of elegance. Consider layering lighter fabrics with textured accessories, like a cardigan or pashmina. For accessories, keep it simple and elegant. A light scarf, a delicate bracelet, or a simple pendant necklace can add just the right amount of charm without drawing too much attention. Pair with nude or beige pumps.

For a spring look for Dad, consider a lightweight button-down shirt in a soft hue like pale blue, light gray, or soft green. Roll up the sleeves for a more relaxed vibe, and pair with light chinos or khaki pants and loafers or dress shoes. This effortless yet put-together look complements Mom's soft pastel dress.

For your daughter, a flowy dress in a soft floral or a solid pastel shade would look adorable. Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and pair it with sandals or ballet flats. If she likes accessories, a simple flower crown or a bow headband can add a playful touch.

For your son, a lightweight button-down shirt in a pale blue or subtle checkered pattern works perfectly for spring. A well-fitted T-shirt in a solid color or simple stripe can also work well (no large graphics or logos, please). Pair it with khaki pants. Complete the look with stylish loafers or (clean) sneakers.

 

Summer

For Mom, a short-sleeve maxi dress or a knee-length sundress in light fabrics like cotton or linen is ideal. Colors like coral, aqua, or light yellow are refreshing and perfect for summer. Pair with strappy sandals, minimal jewelry, and maybe a wide-brimmed hat for a relaxed but stylish look.

Let’s put Dad in a short-sleeve button-down shirt in a light color like soft blue, white, or a pale pattern. Pair with light-colored shorts or linen pants for a laid-back vibe. Comfortable loafers or clean sneakers will complete the look. If he prefers, a polo shirt can be a great alternative for a more casual feel.

For younger girls, a cute romper or a sleeveless sundress in a fun color (think mint green, bright yellow, or a soft lavender – coordinate with Mom!) is adorable. Pair with sandals and a simple hair accessory like a headband or clips. Little girls look great in summer dresses with subtle patterns like stripes or polka dots.

Boys will look cool and stylish in a short-sleeve button-up shirt or a graphic-free T-shirt paired with light shorts. Colors like soft teal, light gray, or coral work well in photos. Sandals, boat shoes, or clean sneakers will complete his outfit.

Consider wide-brim hats and sunglasses for stylish, yet functional, accessories.

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Whether you choose fine-art formal or comfortably casual, I look forward to creating legacy portraits for your family.