What To Wear For Family Photos

These are your pictures, and there are no strict rules. I’m sharing suggestions based on my art education and photography experience, but ultimately, this session is about you and your family. It’s your moment to shine! Be bold, have fun, and enjoy a stress-free experience. Let your unique style and personality guide your choices.

Begin by considering the story you want to tell and the location where it will take place. Your outfits should enhance this narrative. We have likely discussed, or will discuss, the area that plays a significant role in shaping your family’s vibe.

Start with your Story

• Adventurer: Think about settings like forest trails, and choose attire such as boots, plaid shirts, and earthy tones.
• Classy Coastal: Envision beach or dune locations, and opt for a soft color palette in your clothing.
• Urban: Focus on city street environments, and select smart casual pieces with layering options.

If you’re looking for inspiration on places to visit, check out my blog on Beautiful Family Photography Locations around Jacksonville, FL.

Choose a Palette First

A simple color palette makes everything easier and more cohesive. Here are three palettes that photograph beautifully in fall and layer well for families:

• Rust, olive, and cream for a warm classic look.
• Burgundy, mustard, and taupe for cheerful depth with grounded neutrals.
• Forest green, camel, and oatmeal for an elegant, timeless feel.

If the beach is your location, lean into cream, beige, gray, pink, and light blue for an airy coastal feel.

Pro Tip on Color

Color is the secret sauce. If everyone wears the same navy and bright white, you will look like you escaped from a nautical theme park. I recommend avoiding stark wedding-dress white and saturated navy. Warm tones feel cozy and autumnal. Cool creams and light blues evoke a dreamy, coastal feel.

Texture and Layers

Texture adds depth on camera. Think mohair, chunky knits, ribbed tees, twirly skirts, ruffles, denim, corduroy, and soft linen—layer with jackets, scarves, or vests to add variety. Aim for a mix that feels like a tribe, not a uniform catalog. Know your backdrop. In the South, there is a lot of green. If you wear an emerald head to toe in a grassy park, you might blend in.

What to Avoid

• Loud logos, cartoon characters, or words
• High-contrast tiny stripes and busy plaids that can cause moiré
• Too many dark pieces that can dull the set, excellent black
• Neon and hyper-saturated colors that cast color on the skin.

Women: Move and Flatter

Long dresses and skirts photograph beautifully and flatter most body types due to the way the fabric moves. A Baltic-born maxi is a client favorite for value and look. If you don’t love dresses, try a great top paired with a long skirt.

• Want arm coverage? Choose sleeves or add a light jacket or cardigan for extra warmth.
• Love your legs? Shorts or a shorter dress can be perfect.
• Test for sheerness in sunlight to avoid surprises.
• Do a bra check for movement. Use fashion tape or a different bra if needed.

Men: Keep it Relaxed and Classic

Simple is best. Try an untucked button-down with jeans or casual chinos.

• Skip cargo shorts. Clean lines read better.
• Skip performance golf polos that cling and show through.
• Cotton polos, flannels, Henleys, and soft sweaters photograph well.

Glasses, Makeup & Hair

• If you usually wear glasses, wear them. Skip transition lenses that darken outside.
• Stick close to your everyday makeup. Go lighter on the heavy liner. Blemishes can be retouched.
• Hair that is loose and flowy photographs with more life. Soft waves are great. Keep fine hair out of faces on windy days. For boys, keep their usual styling.

Shoes and socks

Shoes finish the look. Brown shoes are an easy win. Avoid athletic shoes or neon accents. Barefoot is perfect at home or on the beach. Socks will show when pants ride up. Match them to the pants in a similar shade unless bold socks are your thing.

Build outfits the easy way

1. Pick one patterned piece you love.
2. Pull supporting colors from it for everyone else.
3. Mix textures to add interest.
4. Add one pop color if you want a little energy.
5. This keeps the look cohesive without matching everyone.

Kids and baby-friendly brands

• Babies and kids: Joyfolie, GAP
• Women: Joyfolie, Baltic Born
• Men: True Classic Tees, J.Crew, Free Fly

Weather and light tips

Cloudy day coming. Add a pop of color to keep the set lively. Beach shoot at golden hour. Keep it light and airy—park session among oaks. Add cozy textures and warm neutrals.

Quick checklist

• Choose a palette and one patterned piece.
• Build everyone else from that palette.
• Add texture and one layer.
• Shoes are simple, socks coordinated.
• Test outfits outside for color cast and sheerness.
• Move test. Can you pick up the kids and sit without fussing?

If you want curated boards and palette inspiration, the guide I linked has three ready-to-use palettes and outfit ideas for every family member that pair well with fall light and foliage. Use those boards as inspiration and then tailor them to your family’s style and our location.

You can always email me for a second opinion. I want you to feel and look your best.