One of the most common questions I hear from families before their session is, “What should we wear?”
The good news is that choosing outfits doesn’t have to be complicated. The goal is to create a look that feels natural, timeless, and comfortable so the focus stays on your family connection.
As a mom of three myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel to coordinate outfits for everyone — but a few simple guidelines make it much easier.
Start with Soft, Neutral Colors
I always recommend choosing soft, neutral tones as the base for your outfits. These colors photograph beautifully and create a calm, timeless look.
Some of my favorite options include:
Cream
Beige
Soft gray
Light taupe
Soft blush
Dusty blue
Sage green
These tones work well together and help keep the focus on your family rather than busy clothing.
A Tip for Moms:
The easiest way to coordinate everyone’s outfits is to start with your outfit first.
Choose something that you feel beautiful and comfortable in, then build everyone else’s outfits around it. Moms are usually the most particular about how they look in photos, so when you feel confident in what you’re wearing, the whole process becomes much easier.
Once you’ve chosen your outfit, select complementary colors for the rest of the family.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of everyone wearing the exact same color, aim for outfits that coordinate with each other.
For example:
Mom in a soft cream dress
Dad in a light neutral sweater
Kids in soft blues, beige, or muted pastels
When colors complement each other without being identical, the photos feel more natural and visually balanced.
Choose Different Fabrics and Textures
Flowy fabrics, knits, linen, and soft cotton photograph beautifully and add subtle texture to your images.
Some great options include:
flowy dresses
knit sweaters
linen shirts
soft cardigans
These fabrics move naturally and photograph beautifully, especially outdoors.
Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos
Large logos, bold graphics, and bright patterns can distract from the most important part of the image- your family.
If you’d like to include patterns, choose very subtle ones, such as:
small florals
delicate textures
Think About Movement
Clothing that moves adds a beautiful softness to photos.
Long dresses, skirts, and loose fabrics can create a really lovely, natural look when walking, playing with children, or holding a baby.
Most Important: Wear Something That Feels Like You
The best outfits are ones that make you feel comfortable and confident. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows in the photos.
Remember, these photos are about capturing your family just as you are in this season of life.
A Final Tip:
Try laying everyone’s outfits out on the bed together before your session. This makes it easy to see how the colors coordinate and ensures everything works beautifully together. You can always send a picture to me and I will be able to guide you!
I hope this was helpful!
To book your session, contact me to get started!
