Deciding what family photo outfits to wear can be challenging. These are photos you are going to hang on your walls and cherish for years to come. It can seem overwhelming when considering what to wear but it doesn’t need to be. Whether you are looking for fall family photo outfits or beach family picture outfits use these tips to help you pick out the perfect outfits for you and your family.

1. Your Clothes Are Just A Small Part Of The Magic

I know this might sound corny, but it is honestly less about your clothes and more about documenting your connection and your love as a family. So take a deep breath knowing that no matter what you choose, I will be highlighting this season of your family wayyy more than your bad ass pair of shoes or earings. Now that I’ve said the obvious, lets get to the clothes!

2. Know where you are shooting

Check in with your photographer on what your location options are before you think about clothing. Will you be barefoot in beach photos? In front of a building downtown with beautiful architecture? Outdoors in a field or at a farm? These will all impact the vibe of the photos and therefore the clothes that look best in the setting.

3. Have a color palette in mind.

Have a Color Palette in Mind There are endless ways you could go with this! In my experience, softer, muted hues look best on camera, but a skilled photographer will be able to capture prints and dark hues if you want something truly seasonal. To simplify your choices, I’ve broken it down into four fall family photo palette options.

Beachy Neutrals: Shades of ivory, cream, and white on their own or paired with denim (for all).

Coordinated Print: One subtle print paired with coordinating solids (you in print, guys and kiddos solids).

Muted Tones: Creams, blushes, blues, and tans (on the girls) paired with denim, khaki, and browns (on the guys).

Fall Colors: Muted yellows, tans, and creams or reds, burgundies, or jewel tones (on the girls), which pair well with denim, khaki, and plaid (on the guys).

4. Start with your outfit

Your children will look adorable in whatever you choose, so I recommend starting with your look first. Dresses and skirts are flattering on every female body, and they photograph beautifully because of the movement and drape. However, don’t go to billowy—a more fitted cut is your friend! Thick layers, including scarves, cardigans, and chunky knit sweaters, can also look unflattering on camera. Midi and maxi dresses and skirts aren’t a hard and fast rule, though. If you love denim, go for it! Wear whatever you feel your best in as confidence translates on camera.

5. Select coordinating colors

Once you’re all set with your perfect outfit, choose 2-3 coordinating colors for the rest of the family. Consider tones that fit together and are in the same color family—you can use the four color scheme options I listed earlier to start. If you’re wearing a patterned dress, for example, pull 1-3 coordinating colors from that and build your spouse’s and littles’ outfits off of it. This will break up the shades visually so that the photo doesn’t look too redundant top to bottom. Keep in mind that it can be helpful to consider your home decor if you plan to frame these family portraits for the walls.

6. Make Your Looks Stretch + Be You

When it comes to putting together your guy’s outfit for family pics, I recommend fitted pants, closed-toed shoes, and layers. Men look great in layers. Look at any male mannequin at the mall and you’ll see what I mean. A blazer, sport coat, vest, or even a v-neck sweater with a collared button down underneath looks handsome because it draws attention to the face. It may take convincing, but tell him the discomfort is worth it because you’ll have the photos for years! Brown leather dress shoes will compliment every look, and ties, belts, suspenders, watches, bowties, and other accessories will bring his—and your boys’—outfits up a notch.

Dressing in layers is a great way to not only add dimension to your looks but also make them stretch. Wear a cute, simplistic shirt underneath your cardigan so you can take it off. Bring along a flannel that you can wear, take off or tie around your waist. Most importantly I want you to be and feel like yourself. I want your photos to be a great reflection of who you are!

7. Blend (don’t match) the kids

This is key! Your outfits will look cohesive on camera and the photos will be timeless if you coordinate family members’ looks rather than get matchy-matchy. Plan each outfit combo with dominant and accent colors in mind. If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them in the same outfit. Mixing up the pieces will bring interest to the photo and can help express their individual personalities. As a general rule, avoid having anyone wear the same color top/pants/dress and putting anyone in matching outfits.

P.S. Pinterest is a GREAT place to find engagement session outfits and inspiration.

My best tip for taking great family photos with little kids is keeping a realistic set of expectations. If you go into the session expecting a ton of perfect photos, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Kids have short attention spans; they’re not going to give you or your photographer much time with posed shots. Attempt those photos first but if it goes south faster than you planned, take a breath and know there’s still plenty of magic to be had in more organic moments. When they start to get wiggly, walk with them, tickle them, swing them, twirl them, snuggle them. All these make for great natural photo opps and show genuine connection between you and your family. Also: Trust me as your photographer. You can rest easy knowing I will make magic no matter what.

I hope you know feel empowered to pick out clothes that will make you shine, feel confident and help get you the images you want, focusing on what’s most important, the love and connection between you two.

Let's go shoot!!

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