What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot
A great example of a family using coordinating colors and a variety of patterns and textures.
What will we all wear for our family photos?
Even though I'm the photographer behind Jess Palmer Photography, every year when I book my own family's photoshoot, I'm just Mom. So I know that styling everyone can feel overwhelming! Here are my best tips, from my experiences as both a photographer and a mom, if you're styling your family's outfits yourself.
The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated. A few thoughtful choices can make your photos feel timeless while still feeling like your family.
Start with One Outfit
The traditional recommendation is to start with planning Mom’s outfit and build the rest of the family’s styling around yours. When choosing your outfit, go with something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. You don’t have to wear a dress if that’s not what makes you feel your best. Outfits with flattering silhouettes, layers, and soft textures work well. Use the colors or patterns in this outfit to build your family’s overall palette.
In my own experience styling my family for photos, I often start with one of my daughters' outfits instead of my own. I don't love wearing florals or bold patterns, but my girls do, so starting with them makes more sense for me. From there, I build the color palette for myself and the rest of the family around that first outfit.
One time, I even styled a whole shoot around the beach hats my aunt gifted my girls! I pulled colors from the hats to choose their rompers, then chose a coordinating neutral for their sweaters. It happened to be one of the few times matching outfits worked beautifully. You can see photos from that session here!
So instead of telling you to "start with Mom," my advice is simply this: start with one outfit.
Choose Your Color Palette
Once you've chosen your starting outfit, build a color palette using colors from that piece along with a few complementary shades. I usually recommend choosing four or five colors for the entire family. As you narrow your options, consider your location, the season, your family's skin tones, and the overall feeling you want your photos to have.
Some options that work across most locations are:
Soft pastels
Earthy neutrals
Creams and warm organic tones
Rich jewel tones
Colors that tend to be more challenging in photographs include:
Bright primary colors
Neon shades
Large amounts of bright white
Solid black from head to toe
Coordinating vs Matching
Most of the time, I recommend coordinating outfits instead of matching them exactly. Everyone wearing identical outfits can feel a bit forced or dated, and when you're snuggled close together, details can easily get lost. Coordinating colors, textures, and layers creates a cohesive look while still allowing everyone's personality to shine through.
Matching outfits worked beautifully for this playful beach session because the girls spent the evening running, exploring, and playing.
That said, matching outfits can work, especially with younger kids. Sessions where kids will be running, exploring, and playing can photograph beautifully with matching outfits because the consistency helps tie everything together. The beach session I mentioned earlier is a great example. Since my girls spent most of the session running, exploring, and playing farther apart, the matching outfits worked really well.
Matching outfits are also common for holiday sessions. While they can certainly work, I still tend to lean toward coordinating rather than matching exactly for a more timeless look.
Textures, Patterns, and Accessories
Mixing textures adds depth and visual interest to your photos. It also helps keep everyone comfortable during cooler-weather sessions. Think about incorporating knits, linen, denim, lace, corduroy, or chunky sweaters throughout your family's outfits. Even if everyone is wearing similar colors, varying the textures keeps the outfits from feeling flat.
Use patterns thoughtfully. One or two patterned outfits can add interest, but avoid dressing everyone in busy prints. A good rule of thumb is for about one-third of the group to wear a pattern while everyone else sticks with coordinating solids or subtle textures. If incorporating more than one pattern, make sure they work together and are different in size and style.
Don't forget the finishing touches. Headbands, bows, scarves, belts, jewelry, and hats can add personality and complete an outfit. Just keep accessories simple and intentional so they elevate your family instead of distracting from it.
Tips for the Rest of the Family
Every family member has slightly different styling considerations. Here are a few things I keep in mind when helping families plan their outfits.
Dad
Keep it casual, but polished.
Skip logos, graphic tees, and athletic fabrics.
Henleys, sweaters, flannels, or casual button-downs are always great options.
Once everyone else's outfits are chosen, Dad is usually the easiest person to style.
Babies
A simple, neutral onesie or romper is always a beautiful choice.
Choose clothing that fits your baby now—not something they'll "grow into" in a few weeks. Outfits that are too big can bunch up and distract from those tiny details.
Young Kids
Comfort is everything. Have your child try on their outfit a few days before the session and don't wait until photo day. (Ask me how I know...)
Pack a backup outfit that they already know and love. Hopefully you won't need it, but it's nice to have just in case.
Pro tip: Don't let your child know you packed a backup outfit!If your little one is wearing a dress, add bloomers, shorts, or tights underneath to avoid any unexpected peek-a-boo diapers or underwear while they're running, climbing, or being twirled.
Older Kids
Give them some ownership over what they wear. When kids feel comfortable and confident in their outfit, it shows in their expressions.
Jackets, jewelry, hats, shoes, or even a favorite purse can be fun ways to let their personality come through without overwhelming the overall look.
A Few Things to Avoid
A few small details can make a big difference in your final images.
Loud graphics, logos, and neon colors. They pull attention away from your family's faces and can make photos feel dated over time.
Smart watches or fitness trackers. If possible, leave them at home or take them off before your session.
Hair ties around wrists. (I'll probably notice them before you do!)
Keys, wallets, and bulky phones in pockets.
Shoes that don't match the overall style of the outfits.
Don't Stress About Getting It Perfect
If all of this feels overwhelming, remember that your family's connection matters far more than perfectly coordinated outfits.
You don't need to spend weeks searching for the "perfect" sweater. My goal for your family photos is for you to show up feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy time together.
Once you book, you'll receive a prep guide that includes access to my Family Styling Catalog, complete with color palettes, mood boards, outfit inspiration, and shopping links. I also share my favorite professional stylists if you'd like one-on-one help putting everything together.
And if you're stuck, send me your questions and screenshots! I love helping clients put outfits together, and I'm always happy to give feedback before your session.