A family photo outfit is an ensemble of clothes you wear to a family photoshooting session. Family photoshoots are a cherished tradition for many families and a way to capture a moment in time to document the family’s growth.
If you’re planning a family photoshoot but have no idea what everyone should wear, read on. This article focuses on the best family photo outfits.
What do you wear to a family photoshoot?
There are many factors to consider when choosing family photo outfits, such as the location, season, and overall aesthetic you are going for. Let’s take a look at some specific outfit ideas for family photos.
1. White and denim
White and denim is a classic combo that always looks good in photos and family photo outfits, as demonstrated by in the picture above.
To make white and denim work for a family, we suggest having everyone wear different shades of denim. For example, the mom could wear dark wash jeans, the dad could wear a light wash chambray shirt, and the kids could wear medium wash jeans. For a pop of color, have everyone wear white sneakers or sandals.
Denim and white go great in various scenarios, whether you’re shooting in the studio or outside.
Note that denim can be tricky to keep clean, so if you’re planning an outdoor shoot, make sure everyone’s jeans are freshly washed. If you’re going with the same shade of denim, make sure you either wash all denim outfits beforehand or dry clean them so they’re all the same color.
2. Black shirt and jeans
A black shirt and jeans make a great option for a family photoshoot because it’s simple and classic. Plus, it’s easy to mix and match different pieces of black shirts and jeans that so everyone has their own unique look, just as shows in the picture above. For example, the mom could wear a black tank top, the dad could wear a black button-up shirt, and the kids could wear black jeans or leggings. You don’t really need a pop of color by over-accessorizing or wearing colorful sneakers or scarves. Instead, you could adapt the scenery of your shoot to provide a colorful backdrop. Black shirts and jeans go great with light scenery, so if you’re shooting outdoors, consider finding a spot with pretty flowers or greenery. The beach would also be a beautiful location for this outfit. Just make sure that the background doesn’t overly mute the colors of your clothing.
3. Blue and green outfits
Blue and green outfits can create dreamy, whimsical family portraits, particularly in an outdoor session where you can use nature’s colors to your advantage. We found this idea in this and think that blue and green create a playful look for families with young kids. For instance, you could ask your family members to wear green and blue clothing in an alternate pattern, like the mom in green, the dad in blue, and the kids alternating between green and blue. This will create a nice visual effect in the final photo.
If your family finds solid colors too boring, we suggest blending blue and green in a more subtle manner. For instance, if someone wants to wear a black sweatshirt, you could ask them to wear a green shirt underneath and expose the green collar and sleeves.
4. Neutral-colored outfits
Neutral-colored outfits are a simple choice when your family . A neutral color palette is safe and ensures that everyone coordinates without being too matchy-matchy.
To apply a neutral color scheme to your clothes, start by choosing one or two colors, such as tan, ivory, or grey, and then have each person wear a different shade, like beige, off-white, or charcoal.
Take the person’s skin tone into consideration when planning the neutral-colored outfit. Someone with a darker complexion could wear a cream sweater, while someone with a lighter complexion could go for a beige dress.
You could also have everyone wear the same color but in different styles, like casual and chic. There’s a lot of room for creativity with a neutral color palette. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the background of your photo when choosing a neutral outfit since you don’t want the neutral colors to blend too much with the scenery.
5. Plaid fall with red and black outfits
Plaid fall with red and black outfits always make an appearance when autumn rolls around since they feel so festive. For this idea, we found inspiration in this .
You can have each person wear a different piece in the same plaid pattern. For instance, the mom could wear a red plaid dress, the dad could wear a black plaid shirt, and the kids could wear plaid skirts or pants. If you want to add a pop of color, consider having one person wear a solid-colored sweater or scarf. This will add visual interest to the photo and help your family stand out from the background.
6. All denim outfits
All denim outfits make your family photos look like they’ve been cut out from a magazine. We certainly thought so when we saw this .
You might think that so much denim poses poorly. But if you follow basic denim principles, it will all turn out extremely chic. The key is to choose complementary washes and styles for each person. For instance, the mom could wear a dark-wash pair of jeans with a light-wash denim shirt, the dad could wear a medium-wash pair of jeans with a darker-wash denim jacket, and the kids could mix and match different shades of denim to create their own unique looks. Just remember that everyone mustn’t look like different-sized versions of the same person, so make sure to mix and match different washes and styles of denim for each person. You could also play around with your hairstyle, decor, and pose to add more visual interest to the photo.
7. Black and tan outfits
Black and tan outfits make you look down-to-earth, approachable, and friendly. We can clearly see this in the photos at .
You can have each person wear a different shade of black or tan, or you could have everyone wear the same shades, depending on your preferences. Consider accessorizing with statement jewelry or highlighting a special person in the photo by having them wear a scarf or hat.
The black and tan color combination spells out elegance without trying too hard. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your family’s sense of style. And if your professional photographer is capable of capturing a beautiful shot of your family wearing black and tan during the golden hour, then you will have timeless pictures. The golden hour is the first hour before sunrise and the last hour before sunset.
8. Black and white outfits
Black and white outfits are a classic choice, especially in black and white photos where contrast is what matters most. Just take a look at these photos from to see what we mean.
If you’re unsure of how to style these colors, consider having each person wear a different shade of black or white. And if none of your black and white clothes seem to fit you or they simply don’t match the vibe of the season, you could always use colored photos and take advantage of filters to turn them black and white.
When using photo filters, make sure to include something high-contrast in your photos such as a yellow flower or red cherries. You can use color pop to make these items stand out against the black and white background.
9. Gray outfits
Gray outfits are versatile because they offer a lot of elbow room to play with shades and textures. For example, if you’re , gray outfits are perfect since they match the surroundings without blending in. Just ask .
The plenitude of gray shades gives you the opportunity to create different looks for each person. For instance, you could mix and match light-gray sweaters with darker-gray pants, a medium-gray shirt with light-gray jeans, and t-shirts of different shades of gray to create a unique look.
Since gray is a muted color, it’s perfect for those who want to keep things low-key and simple. And it’s a great way to show off your family’s sense of style without being too over the top.
10. All black outfits
All black outfits normally express grieving unless the photo tells a different story. In fact, all black can look really chic and stylish if done right, and it could symbolize power or confidence. For instance, a single dad raising three sons can wear all black outfits and take a family portrait to tell the story of their unbreakable bond.
Black is an unforgiving color, so it’s important that everyone in the photo is looking their best. If you don’t wear black with confidence, it will show.
Additionally, black makes people look thinner, so if you’re self-conscious about your weight, this color is ideal for you.
If you’re not sure how to style an all black outfit, consider accessorizing with gold or silver jewelry. You could also add a pop of color with your shoes or handbag. Just don’t overdo it, since adding too much color would make having all-black outfits a bit redundant.
We found this amazing idea in this .
11. All white outfits
All white outfits are simple, elegant, clean, and timeless, but they can be quite difficult to pull off. This is because it’s easy for people to get dirty, especially when there are babies or toddlers involved.
With a bit of planning and a lot of communication, it’s definitely possible to create a stunning family photoshoot by having everyone wear only white, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Be sure to use soft colors for your decor, to avoid creating too much contrast that may pull attention away from the family.
We found this cool idea on .
12. Purple outfits
Purple outfits are perfect for a family photoshoot in the summer or fall. The color purple will balance the gold and red undertones in leaves as they start to change color. Sunny days during summer will always produce great pictures, and the shadows in fall will help bring out the vibrant colors in clothes.
If you’re unsure what shade of purple to go for, consider using a color wheel. This will help you find complementary colors that will highlight the purple in your outfit. You can also accessorize with other colors, like green or white. Just make sure that the colors don’t clash too much, or else it’ll be a bit of an eyesore. Don’t mix purple with dark colors like black or brown, as it can make the photo look a bit too depressing.
We found this wonderful idea in this .
13. White and tan outfits
White and tan is a great color combo for family photos, as it gives off a warm and inviting vibe. The colors go well together, so you don’t have to worry about them clashing.
This color combo is perfect for beach photos, as the white will help reflect the light and make everyone look their best. The tan will also help to blend in with the sand, so you won’t have to worry about anyone sticking out like a sore thumb.
If you’re not sure what to wear, consider opting for a white dress or blouse. You could also wear a tan skirt or pants. Just make sure that everyone in the photo is wearing something different to add a little variety to the setting.
Although you may be tempted to mix white and tan however you see fit, it’s best if you go for uniformity by keeping tan in the lower part of the picture (shoes, pants) and white in its upper half. That way, you’ll boost the overall aspect of the photo, and the outfits will look more aesthetically pleasing.
We saw this great idea at .
14. Blue and white outfits
Blue and white are quite popular for family photo outfits, and the colors work great together, giving off a calming vibe that’s perfect for any setting. Just ask .
If you’re not sure what to wear, consider opting for a blue dress or shirt. You could also go for a white skirt or pants. But avoid having everyone wear the same colors since it can seem boring and unoriginal. By having everyone wear different colors, you’ll create a more interesting and eye-catching photo.
Since the contrast between blue and white is stronger than other color combinations, it’s best to keep the outfits fairly simple, like a simple dress or a shirt with pants. That way, the photo won’t be too overwhelming and will be easy on the eyes.
15. Burgundy outfits
Burgundy outfits evoke luxury, wisdom, power, warmth, and coziness, so you can perfectly play this color in your family photo outfits.
The color burgundy has a way of making everyone look more unified, which can be helpful if you’re trying to capture a photo where everyone looks like they’re on the same page.
Burgundy clothing will also help to bring out the natural colors in leaves during fall. So if you’re planning on taking family photos during that time of year, this is definitely the color to go for.
Wearing burgundy can be a bit tricky, as you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. A simple way to incorporate the color into your outfit is by wearing a burgundy scarf or tie. You could also go for a burgundy dress or shirt. Just make sure that the rest of your family is coordinated so that you don’t look like you’re the only one dressed up for the occasion.
Check out for more inspiration.
16. Cute matching outfits for siblings
Cute matching outfits for siblings are a shoo-in for whimsical family photos that showcase your kids. Just ask .
Matching outfits doesn’t have to mean identical. You can mix and match different colors and patterns as long as they complement each other. For example, you could have one sibling in a striped shirt and the other in a solid color. Or you could go for a more daring look and have one sibling in a patterned dress and the other in a solid color. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it. Just make sure that everyone is comfortable in their clothing so that they can relax and have a good time.
17. Coordinating but not matching outfits
Coordinating but not matching outfits add structure to a family photo without being too on the nose. It all depends on the color scheme. A color scheme is basically a set of colors that go well together. They can be either complementary or analogous. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, you could choose a scheme of blue and orange, red and green, or purple and yellow. Analogous colors are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. For example, you could choose a scheme of blue and green, red and orange, or purple and blue.
After picking the color scheme, start by choosing one or two colors that you want everyone to wear. Then have each person choose an outfit in those colors. For example, if select a blue and orange color scheme, you could have one person wear a blue dress and the other person wear an orange shirt. As long as everyone’s clothing coordinates with each other, you’ll end up with a beautiful family photo.
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18. Coordinating outfits for a large, extended family
Coordinating outfits for a large, extended family do wonders for a photoshooting session, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. The key to success is to choose a color scheme and stick to it. That way, everyone will look cohesive without looking too matchy-matchy.
Considering that in large groups there are greater odds of variety in age and body type, it’s also important to choose a color scheme that is flattering for everyone. Some great options are monochromatic (everyone in different shades of the same color), analogous (colors next to each other on the color wheel), or complementary (colors opposite each other on the color wheel).
A conflict is the last thing you want in a family photo, so make sure everyone is on the same page before you start taking pictures.
Check out for more inspiration.
19. Pastel outfits
Pastel outfits create a soft, dreamy feel that’s ideal for spring and summer photos.
The best part about pastels is that they go great with any color scheme. Whether you want to coordinate your clothing or just have everyone wear whatever they want, pastels will always look great.
If you’re not sure what colors to choose, some great options are pink, blue, yellow, or purple. Or you could mix and match different colors for a more unique look.
An important aspect you shouldn’t overlook is the location of your photo. If you’re going to be taking pictures outside, then make sure the background compliments your pastel clothing. A green field or a blue sky are both great options that will make your family photo look even more outstanding.
Visit for more inspiration.
20. Formal outfits
Formal outfits are suited for indoor photoshoots where you want your family to dress up nicely for a special occasion and capture it on camera. It depends on the event type. For example, if you’re taking pictures for a holiday card, then you’ll want to make sure everyone is wearing their best clothes. If you’re taking pictures for a family reunion, then you might want to have everyone wear matching shirts or dresses.
Be as specific as possible so that everyone is on the same page and knows exactly what to wear. The last thing you want is for someone to feel out of place or unprepared for the photoshoot.
We got this idea from this .
Accessories for family photos
There are many accessories you can include in your family photos, such as scarves, hats, gloves, earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, ribbons, ties, belts, brooches, pins, bows, suspenders, and sunglasses. You could also have everyone carry around a personal item that is important to them, from a stuffed animal to a family heirloom.
Some great ideas for accessories are big and colorful statement necklaces, fun patterned scarves, or even cowboy hats. If you’re taking pictures in the fall or winter, then consider having everyone wear matching beanies or scarves.
Wearing fun, unique accessories is a fantastic way to add personality to your family photo outfits. This is a great way to let everyone express their individuality while still looking cohesive as a group.
No matter what you choose, make sure the accessories aren’t too distracting or overwhelming. You want the focus to be on the people in the photo, not their clothes or accessories.
What not to wear in family photos
There are many things to avoid wearing for family photos: shorts, skirts that are too short, tank tops, cropped shirts, anything that is too low-cut or shows too much cleavage, bikinis, loud patterns or prints, sequins or glitter, clothes that are too tight, or uncomfortable shoes.
Note that the examples above are not to be taken as hard and fast rules. If you’re taking pictures in the summer, then it’s perfectly fine to have everyone wear shorts. Just make sure that the clothes are appropriate for the occasion and that everyone is comfortable with what they’re wearing – or the discomfort will be visible in the shots. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and dress conservatively. You can always dress up the photos later with fun accessories or props.
Tips to choose family photo outfits
Check out the following tips for picking out family photo outfits:
- If you’re planning an indoor shoot, you have a few more options when it comes to clothing. For example, you could go for a formal look and have everyone wear matching black dresses or suits. Or you could keep it casual with jeans and button-down shirts. If you’re planning an indoor photoshooting session, consider matching white shirts and black pants for a classic look.
- When planning an outdoor shoot, it’s wise to dress for the season and occasion. For example, spring and summer call for brightly colored dresses or shorts, fall and winter call for darker colors like black or navy, which a trip to the beach calls for light, airy clothes.
- Pregnant women have several special considerations regarding family photo outfits: comfortable clothes that show off the baby bump and coordinate with the rest of the family.
- Matching outfits are preferable in a photoshoot for a large family. For example, everyone could wear white shirts and black pants, or brightly colored dresses or shorts.
- If you have extended family members joining your photoshoot, they should coordinate with the rest of your family by wearing matching outfits or similar colors.
FAQ
Find out more useful information about family photo outfits:
What should a woman wear to a photoshoot?
A woman can wear a variety of clothes to a photoshoot, depending on the type of photos and overall look. For instance, a dress or suit is a fine choice for a formal shoot. Meanwhile, jeans and a button-down shirt are enough for a casual shoot. Finally, light, airy clothes are suited for a beach shoot. It’s best to consult with the person in charge of the photoshoot.
How do I look good in pictures?
There are a few things you can do to look good in pictures. Firstly, get comfortable with your clothes and ensure they fit. Secondly, learn how to pose by practicing in front of the mirror, from the “smile and say cheese” pose to the “candid” pose and the “sultry” pose. And finally, relax and have fun!
What kind of dresses photographs well?
Any dress can photograph well if it fits and is the right style for the shoot. Examples include flowy dresses, long-sleeve dresses, and maxi dresses. However, the dress does less than half the work – it’s how you wear it and carry yourself that will round up the entire look in the pictures.
What clothes to bring to a photoshoot?
It’s best to ask the event host about the dress code in order to dress appropriately. For example, you can bring casual clothes, such as jeans and a button-down shirt for a casual shoot, light and airy clothes for a beach shoot, or a dress or a suit for a formal shoot. Just make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
How do you prepare your skin for a photoshoot?
There are several ways in which you can prepare your skin for a photoshoot: clean your face and apply moisturizer, use a primer and foundation to even out your skin tone, and set your makeup with powder to prevent shiny skin in photographs.
How do you prepare your hair for a photoshoot?
There are a few things you can do to prepare your hair for a photoshoot: shampoo and condition your hair the day before the shoot, use a leave-in conditioner to help protect your hair from the heat of styling tools, and style your hair in a way that you know looks good on camera, such as a sleek ponytail, soft waves, or an updo.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to wear to a family photoshoot, it’s time to start planning your outfits! Coordinating your family’s clothing doesn’t have to be stressful. Just keep these tips in mind and choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and stylish.
When in doubt, always consult with a professional photographer to get their opinion on what would look best for your shoot. And finally, have fun with it; clothing is just one small part of capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
What are your favorite family photo outfits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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