Go for high glam! Not every location is right for it, but when mom mentioned what she had in mind for her city session, I know it would be stunning! Everyone picked a primarily black outfit with a pop of color that they liked best.
“What do we even wear?!”
If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times.
And you’re not alone! This is the #1 thing people stress about before their session.
You want everyone to look coordinated but not overly styled.
You want timeless, not trendy.
There’s a simple way to put together outfits that feel natural, effortless, and uniquely YOU—without the stress.
I’m breaking it all down so you can stop overthinking and start feeling excited about your session.
Even though I’ve helped 100s of families coordinate their outfits I never realized how truly difficult it could be until I planned my own family outfits, perfectly coordinated, only to find out my husband despised the shirt I had planned for him to wear!
Mom Picks First!
Here’s the deal—if Mom doesn’t feel confident, the whole session is going to feel off.
So instead of stressing over coordinating the entire family first, start with what makes YOU feel amazing!
Maybe it’s that flowy midi dress that makes you feel effortlessly put together, or a cozy oversized sweater that keeps you comfy but still polished. Whatever it is, pick your outfit first. Then, use it as the anchor for everyone else.
Once you’ve got your outfit, look at its colors, textures, and overall vibe.
If your dress is a soft floral, your family can pull from the colors on your dress—maybe your partner wears a muted blue shirt, and your kids wear solid neutrals with a tiny pop of a matching color in their accessories.
This way, everyone looks coordinated without looking like they came in a matching set from a catalog.
Pro Tip: While this works in 90% of the cases if you have a family member that is IMPOSSIBLE to dress it does sometimes help to start with their outfit first and go from there. ;)
USE a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Even though the greens and whites in this image are not a direct match, because we were in a location with a variety of the same colors in it, it all tied together well.
Super matchy outfits can quickly make your family look like an awkward 90s holiday card.
Instead of dressing everyone in the same color, pick 3-4 colors that work well together and spread them out among family members.
Here’s a trick: Look at your home décor. The colors you naturally gravitate toward in your home are likely the ones you’ll love in your photos!
A good balance of solids and subtle patterns is key.
If Dad wears a plaid shirt, let Mom go for a solid dress, and have the kids in a mix of soft textures and layers to add depth.
If you struggle with developing a color palette for your session, you can always ask me! I’m more than happy to send over suggestions based on the location we have selected.
Dress for Your Location & Season
This mother/daughter picked the most perfect summer sun dresses for their sunflower pictures.
Your background plays a huge role in how your outfits look.
If you’re shooting in a green park, avoid wearing too much green or you’ll blend right into the scenery. Instead, earth tones, soft blues, or warm rust colors will help your family stand out beautifully.
One mistake people make? Dressing for the “look” instead of the weather. If it’s 95 degrees in the summer, ditch the heavy layers. And for winter sessions, layer in a way that still looks put together—think chic wool coats, scarves, and cute boots rather than giant puffy jackets.
Remember, we live in Arizona, so even in our COLDEST of winter months the layers have to stay light and manageable. I’ve witnessed a child or two go to pieces because they’re overheated in their winter outfit on one of our 80 degree December days.
Avoid Distracting Logos & Graphics
Your toddler’s favorite superhero shirt? Adorable. Just maybe not for the family photo. (although they work so well for personality sessions when we are doing individual kid photos!)
For family photos, Anything with big logos, text, or neon colors is going to pull attention away from what really matters—your faces and connection.
If you have a picky toddler that just WILL NOT relinquish their favorite spidey shirt, I recommend layering a button down shirt (buttoned up if the shirt really clashes, or worn open if the shirt fits the color scheme) over it so they can wear the shirt they want but they can also fit the color scheme you want.
Consider Movement & Comfort
Time and again I hear that your absolute favorite moments from family photos are the ones where you are truly interacting with and playing with your children. We often find ourselves running, jumping, tossing and tickling. That means your outfits need to move with you!
For moms, dresses with a little flow photograph beautifully.
For kids, avoid anything too tight, stiff, or itchy—they’ll be uncomfortable, which means less patience and more meltdowns.
For dads/partners, layers always look good. A lightweight jacket or open button-up shirt over a solid tee adds depth without bulk. Avoid stiff dress shirts that wrinkle easily or make movement feel awkward.
This family choose a light boho vibe for their session at the meadow using creams, whites and khakis to offset themselves from the surroundings.
Ultimately, your family photos aren’t about the outfits.
They’re about your people, your love, and the little moments in between.
But when you feel comfortable, confident, and put together, it makes the entire experience smoother and more fun.
So if you’ve been stressing about what to wear, take a deep breath. Start with Mom’s outfit, pick a simple color palette, dress for the setting, and focus on comfort.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing your family’s connection in a way that feels natural and true to you!
Need some outfit ideas?
Here are four great online shops to find stylish, photo-friendly pieces:
Baltic Born – Flowy, flattering dresses that photograph beautifully for moms.
H&M | Online Fashion, Homeware & Kids Clothes | H&M US – Affordable, neutral basics for kids and adults that mix and match easily.
Jamie Kay – High-quality, soft fabrics for babies and toddlers in muted, timeless colors.
Wherever you shop, keep it simple, comfortable, and true to your style.
Remember “rules” are meant to be broken, If matching outfits are your vibe, I recommend throwing this entire guide in the garbage and doing what you love!
Ready to book your Gilbert, Arizona family session? Let’s make it happen! Check out my upcoming mini sessions or send me an email at Katieharrison@nakupendaphotography.com to set up your custom session.