How to Plan your Outfits for Family Pictures

So you’ve booked your session, now comes the hard part… figuring out outfits! I’d like to think I’m a fashionista, but truthfully I have photographed so many sessions to know what looks best and what doesn’t. Clients can get hung up on having to plan an entire family’s worth of outfits. Here are some tips to help!

Tips for Planning Family Pictures Outfits:

• Stick to earth tones and neutral colors. Bright, neon colors or logos clash easily and can leave weird colors on your skin when photographed. Neutral colors can go with any type of scenery and wont leave anyone sticking out like a sore thumb. So red should be more burgundy, orange should be more of a rust color, white should be more cream than starch, etc. Stay away from “matchy matchy” type outfits. ( i.e boys all in blue pants and white shirts, girls all in the same pink dress). I have see the most success for outfits from families with 3 colors incorporated into the group. 2 colors doesn’t feel like enough and 4 feels like too many. You can vary shades of colors within your outfits but stay away from putting everyone in the same exact color. I always want the focus of our session to be on your faces and your family connection . If you do want someone’s outfit to have a pattern or print , pick one to two individuals for smaller groups and 4-5 in the bigger groups and keep everyone else in neutrals or solids that coordinate to that.

• Base all other outfit off mom’s. Mom’s should look for fabrics that flow and move well with wind or motion. Pick a dress with a simple pattern, or pant and shirt combo that will look flattering, make you feel comfortable but make you feel good about yourself. Try and not go too casual here. Dresses that go from the knee, mid calf, or ankle are flattering on many body types. Stay away from pants with major distressing or rips, or shirts showing too much cleavage.

• Men: Stick to a solid or simple patterned button up collared shirt. Short or long sleeved depending on the season. Pair it with kakis, chinos or slacks if you’re wanting to look a little more dressed up for your pictures. Dark denim works as well.

• Kids: Please be sure that your kids will be comfortable in what you want them to wear. I do think that their behavior during our session will be affected if something is too tight, itchy, scratchy, etc. If you’re worried about this, perhaps introduce the outfit a few days before and give them a chance to try it on with the accessories (if you have something planned for them). Simple dresses or rompers for girls. Onesies and body suits for babies. Boys can be dressed similarly to dad with a button up shirt with nice pants or shorts.

• Accessories: A little can go a long way here. Watches are fine, especially if you have an obvious tan mark from them. Bows for little girls. A bonnet for a baby. Minimalist jewelry or a hat can be subtle but add to your outfit. I suggest you stay away from bulky or flashy jewelry, sunglasses, or snap back men’s hats.

• Shoes: Women stay away from heels, a wedge or small platform can work, stick to something comfortable that looks a little dressier. Men wear something nicer than tennis shoes, something that doesn’t have more than normal wear and tear. Kids suggestions are similar to men. Cute sandals, ankle boots, etc.

Here are some great places to start looking if you need help: Target, Old Navy, H&M, Gap, Rolee, TJMAXX, Carters, Ross.

Phew, I think that covers it, here’s some examples to show you!

Women

Men

Kids

Babies

Accessories

(Bonnet- Briar Baby, Bow- Little Poppy Co, Hat- Gigi Pip, Necklace- Made by Mary, )

Shoes

Here are some great examples From Family Sessions

If after all of this you still have questions please rest assured that I am happy to give any advice for your family’s outfits. We want your family to look their best for your pictures!