What to Wear for Family Photos

Family Photo Outfit Ideas That Actually Work (No Stress Needed!)

What to wear for family photos? It is my most frequently asked question. Since so much depends on your individual/family style it can be a hard question to answer. Instead of telling you what you should wear I thought I would walk you through my process. This is how I go about outfitting my own family.

Choosing outfits for 6 people that co-ordinate but do not match (which is my goal) is no easy task. It is not uncommon for me to have 2 or more different outfit options for any one person. I often decide once I see everything all laid out together (this is my favorite part by the way… if you know my nerdy backstory I majored in math in college and love a good puzzle). My first step is to do one of two things: Choose a color palette (I recommend 5-6 colors), or Choose an outfit that I want to be the focus. In this case I knew I wanted a mustard yellow and burgundy combination. I wanted the session to have a fall vibe with lots of layers and texture. This was the palette I used as my inspiration.

How to Pick the Perfect Outfits for Your Photoshoot

As a mom of 4 small kids I do most of my shopping online (amazon prime is my life!). I find it best to start with my girls because there are so many more options. Before I purchase anything I like to get an idea of how those things would come together. I use all of the very sophisticated technology I have at my disposal to do this… no, just kidding, I use paint.

When I am satisfied with the girls I move on to the fellas. I like to leave the boys to the end because a plain colored button down in a color that is needed to create balance paired with jeans or khakis (corduroys are my favorite) is an easy way to tie things together (and let’s face it guys look good in just about anything). Lastly, I go to the accessories. I use belts, headbands, jewelry, bow ties and even nail polish to try to make sure that each person has a good balance of the colors in my color pallette.  That’s it, easy right?!

Simple Outfit Ideas to wear for Your Next Family Photoshoot

I want to note that if at the beginning I decided to start by focusing on one outfit instead of a set of colors, I would follow the same process. The only difference is that I would get my color palette using the colors in the outfit I had chosen to be the focus.

Tip: In paint, use the “color sampler” tool in paint to pull colors from the outfit of your choosing. This way you can create your own color palette. Using neutrals like cream and grey can help to fill in any gaps so that you still get a good assortment of colors.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for their help or opinion on what to wear for family photos. They want you to look great as much as you do. They will generally have the experience with what photographs well.

Still struggling?

I know that there are times when I ask a direct question and don’t get a direct answer and it makes me want to cry. So, if you just want to be told what to do, I empathize and included something for your as well. But, please remember:

• Rules are made to be broken
• These are your photos and the only person who needs to love them is you.

Colors That Actually Look Good in Photos

If you take nothing else from this post, take this:

👉 Color matters more than the actual outfit.

Start here:

• Pick 2-3 colors total
• Add 1–2 neutrals (cream, beige, denim, gray)

That’s it. Don’t make it complicated.

Colors that photograph really well:

• Cream
• Soft blues
• Earth tones (tan, rust, olive)
• Light gray
• Muted pastels

Colors that fight your photos:

• Neon (just… no)
• Bright red (it steals the show)
• Super bold patterns
• Logos the size of a billboard

If your shirt is louder than your child, we have a problem.

What NOT to Wear for Family Photos (This Matters More Than You Think)

Honestly, this section might be more important.

Avoid these:

• Matching outfits (your kids are all different let their personality shine through outfit choices)
• Big logos or graphics
• Neon colors
• Tiny, busy patterns
• Anything you have to constantly adjust

If you’re tugging at it, fixing it, or regretting it… it will show.

Also:
👉 New clothes are risky.

If they’ve never worn it before, they will hate it. Guaranteed.

My family photo shoot with the amazing Kelly Anne Photography

How to Coordinate What to wear Without Matching

You do NOT need everyone in the same outfit.

Just aim to look like you belong together.

Think:

• Same color family
• Different pieces
• Slight variation

Example:

• Mom: cream dress
• Dad: light blue + khaki
• Kids: mix of both

Done.

👉 Aim for “goes together” not “copy + paste.”

What Moms Should Wear for Family Photos (Yes, You Go First)

I’m going to say this loudly:

👉 Start with mom’s outfit.

Because if mom doesn’t feel good, the whole session feels off.

Look for:

• Something you feel confident in
• Flowy fabrics (they move nicely)
• Neutral or soft tones
• Comfortable fit (you’ll be moving, sitting, holding kids)

Avoid:

• Super tight clothing
• Anything you need to “fix” constantly
• Outfits you’re unsure about

If you don’t love it in the mirror, you won’t love it in photos.

What Dads Should Wear for Family Photos (Keep It Simple)

Dads, this is your time to shine… by not overdoing it.

Stick with:

• Neutral shirts
• Button-downs or fitted tees
• Jeans or chinos

Avoid:

• Athletic shorts
• Sneakers that scream “gym class”
• Graphic tees

Your job is simple:
👉 Don’t distract. Support the vibe.

You’re doing great already.

What About the Kids? What should the kids wear?

Kids are chaos. We plan around that.

For outfits:

• Keep them comfortable
• Avoid itchy or stiff fabrics
• Stick to your color palette

Baby specific:

• Simple is best
• Neutrals always win

Toddler specific:

• Backup outfit. Always.

Because something will get spilled. Or rejected. Or both.

My family captured perfectly by the wonderful Kelly Anne Photography and required last minute layers for everyone on this frigid cold day.

Seasonal Outfit Ideas (Because New England Weather Has Mood Swings)

If you’re planning photos in New Hampshire, you already know the weather has trust issues.

Spring

• Light layers
• Soft colors
• Nothing too heavy

Summer

• Breathable fabrics
• Light colors
• No one wants sweat stains in their photos

Fall

• This is your moment
• Layers, textures, warm tones
• Boots, sweaters, all the cozy things

Winter

• Neutrals + texture
• Keep it simple and clean
• Avoid bulky coats

Real Talk: This Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Here’s the truth:

Your kids might:

• Get dirty
• Refuse shoes
• Decide today is chaos day

And you know what?

👉 It’s fine.

The best photos aren’t perfect.
They’re real.

So don’t stress about every detail.

Pick outfits that:

• Look good together
• Feel comfortable
• Make you feel like yourself

I’ll handle the rest.

Still Not Sure What to Wear for family photos?

Completely normal.

Many of my clients start here:
👉 “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

You’re not alone.

If you’re planning a session with me, I’ll help you:

• Choose outfits
• Coordinate colors
• Make sure everything works together

So you don’t spiral in your closet the night before.

Book your Nashua, NH family session here:

Planning family photos near Nashua, NH? I would love to help. This area has so many beautiful locations that photograph well in every season. One of the biggest advantages of working with a local photographer is knowing exactly where and when to go for the best results. I am always happy to guide you based on the look you love. I’ll also help you choose outfits that work with the setting and the season, so everything comes together naturally.

Get more info on what to wear for family photos or Book your Family photographer now

Contact Nutter Photography: Book Family Photo Shoot

What to expect from your Family Photo shoot: What to expect from your Family Photo Session

Find info on Newborn Photo shoots: How to prepare for your Newborn Photos

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