What to Wear for Your Family Session
A little guidance to help you feel comfortable, coordinated & completely yourselves
Choosing outfits for the whole family can feel like a lot, but it doesn't have to be. The goal isn't for everyone to perfectly match. It's about creating a soft, cohesive look that lets your family and your connection be the focus. For my style of photography, I love clothing that moves, photographs beautifully, and feels natural. Think soft neutrals, earthy tones, beautiful textures, and flowy pieces that allow you to move freely.
First step: Start With One Outfit You Love
A great place to begin is with the person who may be the hardest to dress, or simply the outfit you already know you love.
From there, build everyone else's outfits around it. You don't need everyone in the same color. Instead, choose colors that complement one another and feel like they belong together.
My favorite color palettes:
Cream & ivory
Beige & tan
Soft brown
Warm taupe
Terracotta & rust
Muted sage
Dusty blue
Soft denim
Warm gray
Muted blush
Olive
Soft black
You can absolutely add a little color! Just think muted and earthy rather than bright and bold and remember, think colors that compliment one another, not match exactly.
an underrated piece of advice:
(and i can't stress this enough!)
If you plan to print, frame, and hang the photos from your session in your home, choose a color palette that compliments the colors of the space you plan to hang the photos in!
Thank me later.
Dresses & Skirts
If you're comfortable in a dress, I highly recommend one! Flowy dresses and skirts photograph beautifully because they add movement and softness to your images, especially outdoors when there's a little breeze.
Look for:
Maxi or midi dresses
Flowy skirts
Linen or cotton fabrics
Soft, textured materials
Subtle movement
Relaxed, comfortable silhouettes
You don't need to dress fancy. A beautiful, simple dress can photograph just as naturally as jeans and a sweater.
A PSA from your photographer bestie:
Ladies, I love when you feel confident enough to wear short, tight dresses. I myself love a good mini dress from time to time. They might be adorable and flattering in most situations, and I am sure you look stunning in them, but for family photos they aren't usually the best choice. Twirling, sitting, chasing your kids, or even just a light ocean breeze is all it takes in a short dress to cause a Britney Spears Circa 2006 moment. The less time I spend photoshopping your undies out of each shot is the faster you get your gallery back!
Now, for the Guys
Keep it simple and comfortable. I already know there is a good chance your husband or teenage son doesn't want to be there. Tread lightly so as not to make their outfit one more thing to complain about.
Some favorites:
Linen or cotton button-downs
Neutral henleys
Simple sweaters
Chinos
Khakis
Dark or medium wash denim
Neutral colored pants or shorts
A button down doesn't need to be tucked in. In fact, a slightly relaxed look often works beautifully.
For the Kids:
Comfort is key!
Kids are going to run, play, cuddle, climb, and explore, and I want them to be able to do all of that.
Look for:
Soft dresses
Overalls
Linen or cotton
Simple sweaters
Neutral tees
Textured knits
Comfortable pants
Simple shoes or bare feet when appropriate
Don't be afraid of letting your little one wear something that feels like them. Their personality is part of the story we're documenting. If they are the hardest to dress, see if you can start with their outfit and plan everyone else's around them.
What to Avoid:
There aren't many hard rules, but a few things tend to photograph better than others. I'd recommend avoiding:
🚫 Loud, neon colors
Bright colors can reflect onto skin and become the first thing you notice in an image.
🚫 Large or distracting patterns
Big florals, bold stripes, graphics, and busy prints can pull attention away from your faces and connection. If you have your heart set on choosing a pattern, go for something delicate and understated.
🚫 Everyone wearing the exact same color
Matching isn't necessary! Coordinating colors creates a much more natural and timeless look.
🚫 Large logos or visible branding
These can quickly date an image and become distracting.
🚫 Extremely stiff, tight, or uncomfortable clothing
If you don't feel comfortable in it, you'll probably look uncomfortable in the photos, and I want you to be able to relax and enjoy your family.
Think in Layers & Texture
Texture adds so much dimension to photographs.
Try incorporating:
Linen
Knits
Denim
Corduroy
Woven fabrics
Gauze
Soft cotton
Suede
Textured sweaters
Layers are also a great way to add interest without relying on bold patterns or colors. A cardigan, sweater, denim jacket, or lightweight button down can make an outfit feel more complete. A rule I try to keep in mind when styling is to try not to mix too many different of the same elements. For a family of 4 like mine I would do only one person in a pattern, one in a more textured outfit like something with layers or lace, one plain (always dad), and another in a complementary color.
Don't Forget the Little Details!
Shoes matter more than you might think! Choose simple, neutral shoes whenever possible. Brown leather sandals, simple boots, neutral sneakers, or bare feet can all work beautifully depending on the location. And don't stress about being perfectly accessorized. Simple jewelry, a delicate necklace, a hat, or a favorite pair of earrings can add personality without distracting from the moment.
Most Importantly…
You don't have to look perfect. You just have to look like you! Your kids don't need to sit still. Your toddler doesn't need to cooperate. Your family doesn't need to pose perfectly. We'll play. We'll move. We'll cuddle (well, you guys will, don't worry I won't try to cuddle you). We'll chase the kids around. We'll let the little moments happen. That's where the good stuff lives. My goal isn't to create a picture perfect version of your family. It's to document your family as you are right now.
So choose clothes that make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident, and I'll take care of the rest.
See you soon,
Kimberly
Tide & Pine Photo Co.