What to Wear for Your Family Session: A Style Guide
Family photo sessions capture priceless memories, but figuring out what everyone should wear can feel like an overwhelming task. You want your family to look coordinated without feeling overly "matchy," comfortable yet polished, and, most importantly, like yourselves. Don’t worry; I'm here to make styling your family as stress-free as possible!
In this guide, we’ll cover tips for choosing outfits, color schemes, and textures to create a timeless and cohesive look for your family session.
START WITH A COLOR PALETTE
Choosing a color palette is the foundation of styling your family. Instead of everyone wearing the same color (think white shirts and jeans), pick 2–3 complementary tones and build outfits around them.
For example:
Earthy and Neutral Tones: Creams, tans, olive greens, and soft browns create an organic, timeless feel.
Soft and Pastel Hues: Light blues, blush pinks, and soft grays give a light and airy vibe.
Warm and Rich Tones: Mustard, burgundy, navy, and burnt orange are perfect for fall or rustic outdoor sessions.
COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH
The goal is to create a cohesive look without everyone wearing the exact same outfit. For instance, if one family member wears a floral dress, pull a color from the pattern for others to incorporate into their clothing. This creates a balanced look without feeling repetitive.
What to Wear for Your Family Session: A Style Guide
Family photo sessions capture priceless memories, but figuring out what everyone should wear can feel like an overwhelming task. You want your family to look coordinated without feeling overly "matchy," comfortable yet polished, and, most importantly, like yourselves. Don’t worry—I'm here to make styling your family as stress-free as possible!
In this guide, we’ll cover tips for choosing outfits, color schemes, and textures to create a timeless and cohesive look for your family session.
START WITH A COLOR PALETTE
Choosing a color palette is the foundation of styling your family. Instead of everyone wearing the same color (think white shirts and jeans), pick 2–3 complementary tones and build outfits around them.
For example:
Earthy and Neutral Tones: Creams, tans, olive greens, and soft browns create an organic, timeless feel.
Soft and Pastel Hues: Light blues, blush pinks, and soft grays give a light and airy vibe.
Warm and Rich Tones: Mustard, burgundy, navy, and burnt orange are perfect for fall or rustic outdoor sessions.
COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH
The goal is to create a cohesive look without everyone wearing the exact same outfit. For instance, if one family member wears a floral dress, pull a color from the pattern for others to incorporate into their clothing. This creates a balanced look without feeling repetitive.
PRIORITIZE COMFORT
Your family session might include sitting, walking, or playing with little ones, so make sure everyone is comfortable. Here are some tips:
Avoid overly tight or restrictive clothing.
Make sure kids’ outfits allow for movement (bonus points for outfits they love and feel confident in!).
Avoid loud prints or logos—they can distract from the overall look of the photos.
LAYER AND ADD TEXTURES
Layering adds depth and visual interest to photos. Think sweaters, cardigans, scarves, or even a belt to add variety to your outfits. Incorporating textures like denim, knit, lace, or linen can elevate the overall aesthetic.
HIGHLIGHT MOM FIRST
Let’s face it—moms often put themselves last when it comes to getting ready. Start by choosing your outfit first and build the rest of the family’s looks around it. Whether it’s a flowy maxi dress or a cozy sweater and jeans, find something you feel confident and comfortable wearing.
WHAT TO AVOID
Bright neon colors or overly bold patterns—they can detract from the overall aesthetic.
Large logos or graphic designs—these tend to look dated in photos.
Wearing all white or all black—while classic, they can flatten your photos.
MALLORY’S PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE TIP
Since my photography style leans earthy and rich with slightly darker tones, I recommend incorporating neutral and earthy colors like creams, tans, browns, and olive greens. These tones photograph beautifully and create a cohesive, timeless feel that complements my editing style.
If you have questions or need help planning your family’s outfits, I’m happy to guide you through the process!
Ready to book your session? Let’s create something beautiful together.
