What to Wear To Your Family Session

You Booked a Family Photo Session — Now What Do We Wear?!

First of all—yay! You've got your family session on the calendar, and I’m so excited for you. But now you might be staring at everyone’s closets thinking… what the heck are we all going to wear?

Let me take the stress out of this for you.

Choosing outfits shouldn’t feel like a chore. Family photos are about connection, joy, and capturing your real, beautiful selves—so the getting ready part should be fun too! You don’t want to look back at your amazing photos and remember how stressful it was just to coordinate outfits.

So let’s simplify the whole process with a few easy style tips that’ll help you feel confident, look great, and still feel like you.

DO: Keep It Simple

Solid colors are your best friends. A couple of subtle patterns or textured pieces (like a chunky knit sweater or a patterned scarf) can add interest, but try not to overdo it. Simplicity helps keep the focus on what matters most—your faces and your connection.

DON’T: Match Too Much

Gone are the days of everyone in the same white shirt and jeans. It might feel like a safe choice, but in photos it can look like one giant block of color. Instead, aim for coordinated, not identical—a mix of tones and textures within a shared color palette creates visual harmony without looking too matchy-matchy.

DO: Choose a Color Palette

Pick 2-3 coordinating colors and build around them. Start with one outfit you love—maybe your daughter’s dress or your partner’s shirt—and use it as the anchor for the rest. If someone in your crew is a picky dresser, plan their outfit first and style everyone else around it.

Need inspiration? Pinterest is still a goldmine of outfit ideas. Search “family photo outfit color palettes” and see what catches your eye.

DON’T: Wait Until the Last Minute

Trust me—winging it on photo day is not the move. Lay everyone’s outfits out a few days before your session. Mix and match, swap pieces in and out, and make sure everything feels cohesive. Bonus: this gives you time to catch any missing items, stains, or surprise growth spurts.

DO: Dress Like You

Comfort is key—especially for kiddos! Don’t introduce a totally new look, hairstyle, or outfit style the day of your session. If your child hates bow ties or headbands, now’s not the time to test their limits. Your photos will be the most meaningful when everyone feels like themselves.

Still Not Sure? I’ve Got You

I’ve had clients text me photos of outfits laid out on their beds (yes, really)—and I’m happy to help you narrow things down or tweak pieces to make them work. Never hesitate to reach out!

Want even more outfit inspiration? Take a peek at my family portfolio to see what other families have worn. You’ll get a good sense of what works and what vibes with your style.

And of course, if you haven’t booked yet or you’re ready to schedule your next session, check out my pricing + availability. I’d be so honored to capture your crew just as you are.

xo,Kate