What to Wear for Family Photos

The family photo session is confirmed, booked and paid for.  Now for the next big decision — how to dress for family photos? Planning how to dress for family photos doesn’t have to be stressful.  

Here are some guidelines to help in deciding how to dress for family photos

Create a Color Palette for Your Family Photo

Choose two to three colors to create a palette. Play with variations of your palette colors—dabbling in lighter or darker shades of green, for example, to come up with what your family will wear. 

If you’re having difficulty selecting a palette, let the color palette of your residence guide how to dress for family photos.  After all, this is where your family picture will eventually hang, so why not find color inspiration in the décor of your own home?

Moms, Start with Your Outfit for Family Photos

Once you have your palette, moms, start with your outfit and build from there.  Think of it as putting on your oxygen mask before helping others decide what to wear for family photos. Moms bodies go through a lot of change from pregnancy and it’s important that you like what you will wear.

Choose Flattering Outfits that Make You Feel Confident  for You Family Photos

Since the plan is to start with your outfit, let’s talk about options for what to wear in family pictures.  Think about selecting something dressier than your everyday wear —a figure flattering dress or a skirt and top combination.  Heels can make you appear taller and leaner.  When deciding how to dress for family photos, be sure to assemble an outfit that will make you feel confident.

Go For Coordinated, Not Matchy Matchy for Your Family Photos

Shy away from wearing the same color when your family is deciding how to dress for family photos.  It may seem like it would be cute, and it's easy to default but not everyone is going to look great in the same shade of blue. You want each person to dress for family photos in a way that brings out their personalities; after all that’s what makes your family special! 

When deciding how to dress the rest of the family, start by gathering 2-3 colors from your outfit and construct their outfits in various shades of those colors but not the same hue.  Have one person wear a color that pops or contrasts slightly from the rest to provide balance. 

Play With Textures

Don’t forget textures when deciding how to dress for family photos!  A knit sweater, cardigan or a vest can add interest and dimension to your family outfits. 

Don’t Get Distracted with Patterns 

You don’t have to avoid patterns when deciding how to dress for family photos, but you should limit them.  Patterns are fun but they can be distracting.  If one family member insists on wearing a pattern, it will still strike a nice balance. 

Avoid Characters and Graphic T-Shirts

Graphics, logos, and cartoon characters do not fit in the dressier-than-everyday wear category, and like patterns, they can be distracting.  Besides, you want what you wear in the family picture to be timeless.  This clothing choice is often not. 

Some Simple Rules for Each Family Member 

• Men:  When deciding how to dress for family photos, think about pants and structured shirts.  Button- down shirts look nice but can be made casual if needed by rolling up the sleeves.  Closed-toe shoes can also polish a look. 

• Kids:  When deciding how to dress the kiddos for family photos, think comfortable clothing.  A little man version of a grown man’s suit is not going to produce happy results. When deciding how to dress for family photos, avoid itchy textures, clothes that are difficult to move in, tight shoes and anything that will make kids feel too hot or too cold. 

• Toddlers: Rompers are amazing choice with little ones, with an without t-shirt based on the weather.

• Women:  Say yes to a dress!   Choose a dress that’s comfortable and flattering when deciding how to dress for family photos.  They add movement to a family photo, and they give you something to do with your hands.  Come on, you know you want to swish that skirt!

Decide in Advance

Family photos should be fun, not stressful!  Start teh process about a month ahead to give yourself timeDecide how to dress for family photos one week before your session.  This will eliminate stress and get everyone excited about your session. 

At Upma Sharma Photography, we love helping families create lasting keepsakes with family photo shoots.   Check out our Ultimate Guide to Commonly Asked Questions for Family Photo Shoots.