What To Wear For Family Photos

Planning a family photo session should be exciting, yet here you are, scrolling through Pinterest at midnight, wondering how those picture-perfect families make it look so easy.

But don't fret! We'll cover everything you need to know right here in this article. From mom-to-be maternity shoot and back-to-school portraits to festive holiday editions and spring and summer sessions, we've got outfit ideas for the entire family.

Whether you're coordinating timeless organic cotton pieces or pulling together last-minute looks, our tips will help you make family photo day fun and effortless.

6 Family Photo Outfit Tips for 2025

Follow these tried-and-tested guidelines for cohesive, flattering family portraits that look like you spent months planning:

1. Choose coordinating colors

Gone are the days when everyone wore exactly the same thing. Modern family pictures are more about coordinating color palettes without looking too matchy-matchy. If you're going for a blue theme, let each family member wear a different shade: navy for dad, light blue for mom, and turquoise for the kids. This creates a cohesive look that feels natural rather than staged.

Here are a few winning color combinations:

• Neutral shades: Cream, beige, olive green, rust, tan

• Coastal shades: Navy, cream, denim blue, sky blue, white

• Warm tones: Burgundy, yellow, mustard, caramel, muted pinks

• Jewel tones: Ruby, emerald, sapphire

• Cool hues: Gray, charcoal, purple

Pro tip: Start with one statement piece (like mom's flowy dress or dad's sweater) and build the rest of the outfits around that color palette.

2. Go for well-fitted outfits

Nothing ruins a great photo faster than clothes that don't fit well. Too tight looks uncomfortable; too loose looks sloppy. The key is to feel confident, because when you feel good, it shows. So, opt for outfit choices that complement your natural body type and shape.

Here's a quick checklist:

• Sleeves hit at the wrist (not covering hands)

• Pants hems at the ankle or just above

• Shoulders fit naturally (not drooping)

• Shirts aren't gaping between buttons

3. Use textures for impact

Flat, single-texture outfits can look...well, boring. Mix textures to add depth and dimension without bringing in too many busy patterns. Think: cashmere knit sweater + denim jeans + leather boots.

Texture ideas include:

• Chunky sweaters

• Soft cotton tees layered under cardigans

• Linen button-up shirts

• Denim (always a classic!)

• Cable knits

• French Terry hoodies

• Linen for summer sessions

4. Accessorize simply

Accessories add personality and a fun pop of color to family pictures. For kids, think cozy neck warmers for fall, pom-pom beanies for winter, or a glittery hair bow in spring. Adults can add watches, simple jewelry, or a nice belt.

Keep it simple:

• Avoid statement necklaces that distract from faces.

• Skip baseball caps (they cast shadows on the face).

• Choose accessories that complement, not compete.

• One standout accessory per person max.

5. Classic styles never get old

Trends come and go, but you'll never regret choosing timeless styles. Go for smart casual clothing, such as well-fitted jeans, button-up white shirts, classic sweaters, and simple dresses. These family photos will hang on your wall for years, and you want to love them in 2035 as much as you do today.

Timeless classics:

• Dark wash jeans (no distressing or trendy cuts).

• Solid-color sweaters, hoodies, and sweatshirts.

• Button-up shirts in neutral, softer tones.

• Simple dresses without too much detail.

• Classic footwear (avoid neon colors).

6. Fabric choice matters

Here's something most people don't think about: different fabrics photograph differently. Cheap synthetics show every wrinkle, pill mark, and have an unnatural sheen under camera lights.

Quality fabrics, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, linen, and cashmere-cotton blends, drape naturally, move beautifully, and photograph really well. Sustainable fabrics like organic cotton are naturally soft and breathable, meaning kids stay comfy and itch-free while being photographed during family sessions. No meltdowns and maximum cooperation.

Stylish Outfit Choices for The Whole Family

Here are a few quick outfit ideas for mom, dad, and the kids:

Mom

• Casual shoots: Floral dresses, fitted jeans, casual T-shirts, blazers, linen shorts

• Dressier shoots: Solid-colour maxi dresses, tailored pants, silk blouse

• Color palette tip: Pick your outfit first and coordinate everyone else around it. Wear colors that complement your skin tone and make you feel comfortable and confident.

Dad

• Casual shoots: Fitted jeans, tailored shorts, chinos, golf shirts, chunky cardigans.

• Dressier shoots: Dress pants, button-up shirt, tie, blazer, or smart jacket.

• Color palette tip: Neutrals work great, like navy, cream, tan, and olive.

Kids

Kids' outfits should prioritize comfort without compromising style. Uncomfortable kids = stressed parents = forced smiles (not the vibe we're going for).

For boys:

• Fitted denims or chinos.

• Organic cotton tees or button-up shirts.

• Cozy sweaters, cardigans, or cotton-cashmere sweaters.

• Clean sneakers or casual sandals.

For girls:

• Simple dresses or skirts with tights.

• Jeans or leggings with classic organic cotton T-shirts.

• Classic sweaters and pretty cardigans.

• Flat shoes, boots, or sparkly sandals.

What to avoid

• Patterns, busy graphics, and cartoon character logos.

• Ill-fitted clothing.

• Too matchy-matchy outfits.

Types of Family Photoshoots and What To Wear to Them

Different occasions call for different outfit choices.

Here's your quick reference guide to nail the most popular family photo shoots:

Read more:

• Fall Essentials Shopping Guide

• How to Layer Kids Clothes for Winter

FAQs

How far in advance should I plan outfits for family photos?

At least 2-3 weeks before your shoot. This gives you enough to shop if needed, try everything on together, and make any adjustments. Don't wait until the night before, trust us!

Should my family all wear the same color for photoshoots?

Nope, those days are long gone. A coordinated look means working within one color palette, but every person's outfit can be a different shade of that color. For instance, dad can opt for navy, mom can wear softer blues, and the kiddos can be dressed in turquoise or periwinkle.

What should I avoid when choosing outfits for family photos?

When it comes to family photoshoots, here are a few no-nos to keep in mind:

• Avoid large logos or prints: A small, subtle logo (like a Lacoste emblem) is fine, but anything big or graphics can steal the limelight.

• Skip the cartoon characters: Steer clear of T-shirts or hoodies with cartoon figurines or slogans, as these look a bit tacky and date quickly.

• Avoid neon or overly bright colors: These tones can reflect onto the skin and create unflattering color casts in photos.

• Don't mix too many colors/patterns: Stick to a cohesive palette so everyone looks part of the same story. Disconnected colors, patterns, and textures can create more chaos than calm.

Final Thoughts

So there it is: a complete rundown of what to wear for family photos. And, as you can see, it's as easy as 1-2-3! Start with a coordinated color palette, prioritize comfort and proper fit, and choose timeless, high-quality pieces over trendy ones.

Whether you're doing a maternity family shoot, seasonal portraits, or photographs for holiday cards, the key is feeling comfortable, and your natural confidence will shine.

Ready to find those picture-perfect outfits? Check out Firebird Kids' organic cotton collections online today.