Your photo session is just around the corner! Have you picked out your family’s outfits yet? This style guide contains helpful tips to make choosing what to wear to your family photos session stress-free and fun.
Think Dressy Casual
This is a step above jeans and t-shirts. You are investing in amazing photography, so I want to help you put that extra effort into your style! Keep your outfits relatively simple. I recommend avoiding busy patterns, logos, and words. Steer clear of neon or overly bright colors that pull the eye. I want a natural flow in your pictures that highlights your connections, rather than distracting from them or drawing the focus to a particular family member.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and blue jeans. Instead of putting everyone in the exact same outfit, focus on building a cohesive palette that flows together naturally.
Here is my simple formula for color coordination:
- Pick a 3-color palette: Choose two primary accent colors and balance them with rich neutrals like cream, gray, tan, or navy. Earth tones such as rust, mustard, sage, and deep plum work absolute wonders for Kansas portraits.
- Use patterns sparingly: I highly recommend avoiding busy patterns in general. When too many people wear patterned outfits, the final image becomes visually overwhelming. It is perfectly fine for one or two people to wear a simple pattern, as long as the rest of the family balances the look with solid colors.
- Mix textures, not just colors: Rather than wearing clothing with patterns or incorporating too many colors, add visual interest through fabrics. Combine chunky knits, corduroy, lace, and leather to give your images beautiful depth without cluttering the frame.
- Start with one hero outfit: If you are stuck, pick one outfit you absolutely love first, usually mom’s dress or a simple pattern on a child. Then, build the rest of the family’s outfits around those key colors.
If You Are Going to Wear Jeans… I know jeans are a wardrobe staple for many families. They can absolutely work for your session if you choose the right pair and dress them up! If you decide to go the denim route, I have a few simple guidelines to ensure your photos look polished and timeless.
- Elevate your top with classy layers: The secret to making denim look high-end is what you pair it with. I highly recommend layering your tops to add visual interest and texture to your portraits. A crisp button-down under a knit sweater, a structured blazer, or a beautiful long cardigan instantly dresses up a basic pair of jeans. Add a nice leather belt or a statement necklace, and you are completely photo-ready.
- Upgrade your footwear: A stylish pair of boots, dressy flats, or nice leather shoes will instantly elevate denim in a way that everyday sneakers cannot.
- Opt for a tailored fit: Baggy jeans tend to add unnecessary bulk and can make your legs look a bit awkward on camera. A well-fitted, structured pair will flatter your natural shape and give you clean lines.
- Stick to dark, solid washes: Heavily faded areas on denim naturally pull the viewer’s eye away from your faces. A solid, dark wash looks much dressier and keeps the focus exactly where it belongs.
- Skip the distressed look: Stylistically torn jeans are great for everyday wear, but rips and frayed edges will completely grab attention in a portrait. Clean, smooth denim maintains the natural flow of the image.
Accessorize with Purpose
Keep the base outfits simple, but do not be afraid to accessorize. I love including little pops of color that accentuate your personality. This should be intentional; there are several every day items you’ll want to remove.
- Distracting accessories: Please leave favorite baseball caps at home. They draw attention, shade the eyes, and create a disconnect with the camera and your family members. If a hat is a must, think stylish and minimal. Wrist watches tend to draw more attention than that tan line, so I recommend removing those, as well.
- Empty your pockets: Remember to remove any bulky items. I promise that keys or a phone will completely change the shape of your outfit. I’m happy to put your car keys in my camera bag!
- Glasses: If you wear glasses, stick with a pair that does not darken in sunlight.
- Grooming: Do not forget to remove or freshen up chipped nail polish, iron your clothes, and take that hairband off your wrist!
Dress for the Elements and Movement
Pay attention to the weather forecast. I do not want you too cold or too hot. Open fields ten to get windy, you will want to bring headbands or clips. You are going to be moving around quite a bit, so keep these practical tips in mind:
- Be aware of tops that reveal bra straps.
- I highly recommend putting bloomers on little ones to prevent diapers from showing.
- Make sure shirts cover midriffs for when you lift your kiddos in the air.
- Check that pant legs are long enough for when I have you sit on the ground.
Comfort is Key
I want your clothes and shoes to look nice, but make sure they are comfortable. We will be out there having a lot of fun! It is all about motion and emotion. Consider a flowing skirt or dress. My absolute favorite pictures include motion, whether you are dancing around with your kids or the wind is bringing your outfit to life. It is usually best to pull long hair back for posed portraits, but I encourage you to let your hair down while playing.
If you’d like my feedback on your outfits before your session, just send some photos my way!
Nice work, crew! You are going to look fantastic!
Take a look at my session tips for families!
You can find some family outfit inspiration here!
