Choosing the perfect outfits for your family photos can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little strategy, family photo outfit planning can be stress-free—and dare I say, even fun?
Okay, maybe not for everyone, but the goal remains the same: Choosing outfits that make everyone look and feel great while creating a cohesive look that lets everyone’s personality shine.
Whether you’re aiming for a polished vibe or a more relaxed feel, these simple tips will help you pull everything together effortlessly. Let’s dive in and make family photo outfit planning a breeze!
tip 1: start with you
Not sure where to start with family photo outfit planning? Pick out YOUR outfit first.
Finding something you feel comfortable in can sometimes be the hardest task, but it’s the most important one. When you start here, it ensures you find something you feel beautiful in and that makes outfitting the rest of your family so much easier.
tip 2: stay true to your style
On the topic of being comfortable, make sure you stick to what’s true to you when family photo outfit planning. If you love a flowy dress—go for it. If jeans and a tee are more your jam, that works too!
If you’re not confident in what you’re wearing because it’s different from your usual style, it can show in your facial expressions and body language.
tip 3: focus on coordinating
It can be tempting to hit the easy button and buy the same shirt or put everyone in the same color. However, this can make your family look like one big blob of color.
Instead, focus on coordinating everyone so each person stands out individually but also looks great when you’re all together.
One of my favorite ways to do this is by adding some visual interest through texture and pattern. When you mix different textures (like linen, denim, eyelet fabric, etc.) and patterns (think gingham, florals, polka dots, etc.) your family will look organic and coordinated versus matchy matchy.
BONUS TIP
Try to avoid super small pinstripes. This is the one pattern that may look amazing, but tends to not photograph well.
tip 4: shop your closet
Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need to buy new outfits for frame-worthy photos.
If mom wants a new dress that she feels like a million bucks in, by all means go for it! But you can coordinate and create interest with texture and pattern like I mentioned above, and more often than not items that work are likely hanging in your closet already.
my favorite places to shop for family photo outfit planning
If you’re going to buy new clothes for your family photo session, it can be done without breaking the bank. Below is a list of my favorite budget friendly places to shop.
- H&M – they always have so many cute options for babies and toddlers)
- Old Navy – great for basics for dad like linen shirts, slacks, etc.
- Gap / Gap Factory – always a favorite in my home for family photos and beyond
- J.Crew Factory – another favorite of mine with great options for mom and dad
- Target – I don’t think this needs a description 🙂
- Amazon – great flowy dresses for mom and onesies for babies who grow quickly
Want some inspiration or direct links to shop? Seeing family photo outfits all together always helps me visualize how they might look before I commit to them for our session. I’ve put together an outfit guide for Spring Family Photos that does just that.