What to Wear for Your Photoshoot
Do you have any recommendations for what we should wear for our photoshoot?!
This is the number one question I get after a session is booked! Outfits play a key role not just in the overall look of your images, but also in setting the tone and feel of your photoshoot. When you choose outfits you love and feel great in, you’ll love your images even more.
I also know styling yourself and your whole family can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll share my best tips for styling you and your family with confidence.
Choose Your Color Palette
Pick 2–4 colors you love. Your color palette can be based on your preferences or “vibe”, your family’s skin tones, or even the season. It's also important to consider your location and choose colors that complement the background.
Some tried-and-true options that work across most locations are:
Soft pastels
Neutral/organic tones
Creams, earthy hues, and jewel tones
Colors that are typically harder to work with include bright primary colors, neon shades, and excessive bright white or solid black.
Finally, it’s usually best to coordinate, not match. Everyone in identical outfits can feel a bit forced and outdated, but coordinated tones and textures bring cohesion while still allowing individuality. That said, matching outfits can sometimes work—especially with younger kids!
Start with One Outfit
Usually the recommendation here is to start with Mom’s outfit and build around it. This is especially true for a maternity shoot. Choose something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. 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.
For a maternity shoot, there are a few special considerations…you will want an outfit that shows off your bump. This is one of the few times I recommend a tightly fitting outfit over a loosely fit outfit. Bare belly, semi nude (i.e. draped, or bra & undies), or nude maternity photos are also possible and lovely ways to showcase your baby bump.
In my own experience styling my family for a photoshoot, I often start with one of my daughters’ outfits instead. I don’t love wearing florals or patterns, but my girls do—so starting with them makes more sense for me. I’ll find an outfit with a pattern or texture I love, then build the rest around that.
One time, I even styled a whole shoot around beach hats a family member gifted my girls! I used the coloring in the hats to pick rompers and sweaters. This is one of those times where matching outfits worked beautifully. Check out photos from that shoot here!
Tips for the Rest of the Family
Dad
Go for casual but elevated. Avoid logos, graphic tees, and athletic wear fabric. Henleys, sweaters, or casual button-downs are all great choices. Dad is usually the easiest to style once the rest is figured out.
Babies
A simple, neutral onesie is always a safe and sweet choice!
Young Kids
Comfort is key. PRO TIP: Make sure they try on outfits before the session—don’t wait until photo day! (Ask me how I know...) If the outfit is new or unfamiliar, bring an alternate they feel good in.
For little girls wearing a dress, consider a diaper cover, shorts, or tights underneath to avoid peek-a-boo diapers or undies!
Older Kids
Let them help pick their outfit! Their confidence will shine through when they feel good in what they’re wearing. Accessories like jackets, hats, jewelry, or purses are great ways to let their personality show.
Patterns, Textures, and Accessories
Don’t be afraid to mix textures—knits, linen, denim, lace, etc. Layering different textures adds visual interest and keeps everyone comfortable.
Use patterns thoughtfully. One or two patterned outfits are great, but avoid overloading the whole group with busy prints. A good rule here is one third of the group in a pattern.
Skip loud graphics, logos, or neon colors. They distract from the people in the photo and often don’t age well. Choosing more timeless elements helps your photos stay classic for years to come.
Accessories like headbands, bows, scarves, belts, and jewelry can add polish and personality—just keep it simple and intentional.
Don't Forget the Details
A few little things can make a big difference:
Shoes: Neutral and clean are best. Barefoot can also work great, depending on the season and location.
Nails: Clean and neat fingers and toes! Fresh polish can be a fun detail.
Pockets: Empty them before the shoot—phones, keys, and wallets create odd bulges that you don't want in your images.
Back-up outfits: Always a good idea when little ones are involved!
Styling Support (You're Not Alone!)
When you book your session, you'll get exclusive access to a Family Styling Catalog and/or Maternity and Newborn Styling Catalog, curated by Whitney Ford of Styled by Whitney Irene. It’s packed with outfit ideas for the whole family, mood boards, and color palette inspiration. It’s seriously AMAZING—and as my client you get complete access!
You’ll also receive a list of my favorite stylists and Instagram accounts that offer personalized support to help you prep for your shoot.
And of course, I’m always here to help! I’m happy to review outfit choices and offer my professional opinion whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
Put a little time into planning your outfits—but remember: what matters most is showing up, having fun, and loving on your people. That’s where the magic is, and that’s what I’ll capture for you.
Have questions or want a second opinion on outfits? I’m just an email away—don’t hesitate to reach out!