What to wear to a family session
What Should We Wear?
It’s the question almost everyone asks after booking a session - and luckily, it can also be one of the most fun parts of the process! I always recommend scheduling your session a few weeks in advance so you have time to plan, coordinate, and pick up a new piece or two if needed.
My number one styling rule? Your personal style should always come first. The goal is for you to feel confident, comfortable, and like yourself.
That said, there are a few helpful tips to ensure your outfits not only reflect who you are, but also photograph beautifully. Some of these suggestions might surprise you, so I encourage you to read through before choosing what to wear!
Start with Mom’s Outfit and Build from There
When it comes to choosing outfits for your family session, I always suggest starting with mom. Why? Because when mom feels confident and beautiful, it sets the tone for the whole session - plus, let’s be honest, when mom’s happy, everyone’s happy!
Begin by picking an outfit you love - something that fits your style, flatters you, and feels comfortable. A flowy dress in a color or pattern that makes you feel amazing is a great place to start. From there, pull a color from your outfit and coordinate the kids’ clothing around it.
Once mom and the kids are dressed, it’s easy to complete the look with dad. Men’s and boys’ clothing options are more limited, so a clean, well-fitted shirt and pants in a coordinating color will tie everything together effortlessly.
A quick note on shoes: clean footwear makes a big difference in the overall look. Stylish options like simple sneakers, loafers, Converse, or flats work great—just steer clear of running shoes, which can distract from the polished look of your photos.
Loosely Coordinate with Season-Appropriate Styles
When planning outfits for your family session, comfort is key - and that starts with dressing for the season. Lightweight dresses won’t feel great in chilly November air, just as thick sweaters will be too hot in late August. If you're not comfortable, it’ll show in the photos.
As for styling your family, aim to complement rather than match. Coordinating colors and textures creates a cohesive look without feeling overly staged. A great strategy is to start with one outfit -often mom’s, and build the rest around it.
For little ones, choose outfits they can move in easily. Look for pieces that don’t wrinkle quickly or need constant fixing. The more comfortable everyone feels, the more natural and connected your photos will look.
Stick to Muted Tones Over Bold or Neon Colors
The goal of your family session is to highlight you - your connections, emotions, and story - not to let clothing steal the spotlight. Opt for soft, muted tones and earthy shades rather than bright, bold, or neon colors, which can be distracting in photos.
Neutral palettes not only photograph beautifully but also keep the focus where it belongs: on your family’s natural connection.
Watch out for the materials that are bulky, or loose-fit items that add volume
Also, be mindful of fabric and fit. Materials that are too bulky or overly loose can appear shapeless on camera and unintentionally add volume, making you look larger than you are. Instead, choose clothes that offer gentle structure and fit well - outfits that highlight your natural shape without being too tight or too baggy. Wide jeans are in style right now, but make sure what you are wearing is flattering enough.
That Said - Rules Are Meant to Be Broken
If you have a strong sense of style, let it shine! Fashion is a reflection of your personality, and that individuality absolutely deserves to be captured. The most memorable photos often come from leaning into what feels authentically you. So if something speaks to your personal style - even if it breaks a few "rules" - go for it.
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