If you have family photos coming up and you’re not sure what to wear, this is for you. I shared some tips on how to prepare for a family photoshoot in this article, but since so many of my clients ask me what to wear for their family photos, I decided it deserved its own post. When you are shopping or searching your closest for what to wear for family photos, here are some things to keep in mind:
What NOT to Wear in Family Photos
Copy & Paste Outfits
I know it’s easy to all wear black shirts and blue jeans, but, visually, it makes everybody blend into one big blob. Plus, wearing matching outfits is, frankly, outdated by about 20 years.
Neon
Unless you have a super-specific reason for it, avoid neon at all costs. It’s harsh on the eyes. It’s hard to photograph. And, in general, it’s not flattering. The bright colors tend to reflect off your face and cause discoloration. If you are determined to wear neon, narrow it down to accessories (socks, scrunchies, headbands, etc.).
Wrinkles
Wrinkles will show in your photos. I repeat: wrinkles WILL show in your photos. Iron or steam your clothes the night before, and hang them up securely to avoid wrinkles. If you are able to, keep your clothes on a hanger in the car, too, and change into them when you get on location.
Smart Watches
The glare, the random notifications that pop up, and the large black square on your wrist can all distract from a pretty picture. That’s why I tell my clients to take their smartwatches off. In fact, I recommend not putting it on at all the day of your photos to prevent lines on your wrist.
Graphic Tees
Graphic tees are distracting. People naturally want to read graphic tees, and you don’t want people focused on reading your shirt every time they see your photos.
To Layer or Not to Layer
Layers are tricky. They have their virtues, but they can create some problems as well. First of all, if you wear too many layers in Texas, you’re going to get sweaty and uncomfortable fast.
Second of all, layers can cause extra wrinkling and bulging. If your bottom layer rolls or bunches up underneath your top layer, it can and will show up in photos.
That said, layering can look good when done right. Keep layers light, and do a test run. If your layers are bunching up when you wear them around the house, they will bunch up when we are taking your photos.
What to Wear in Family Photos
So what should you wear? Pretty much anything else, but here are some basics to get you started:
Coordinating Colors
There’s a delicate balance between complete matching and clashing. The key is to pick a color palette, a few complementary colors, and have everyone wear colors within that palette. You might all wear different colored shirts, but if they are in the palette, it will still look cohesive. This family nailed coordinating colors. They are all wearing burgundy and grey, but no two are wearing the same outfit. All of the colors work well together and with their background.
This cranberry and cream color palette makes for a beautiful fall family photo.
If you need more ideas for color palettes and outfit combinations, you can find some great ideas here.
Complementary Patterns
Patterns add a lot of depth and interest to a photo, but you have to be careful not to go overboard. Lay out all of your outfits together to make sure the patterns are not competing. This family did an excellent job combining patterns. The son on the left is wearing large stripes in dark colors, so they don’t draw too much attention. The mom is wearing a smaller, busier polka dot pattern, but she balances it out with a solid layer over it. The son in the middle is wearing a dark, large plaid, with hints of yellow to match mom’s sweater. The dad anchors the whole composition with a heathered solid color.
The combination of patterns in this family photo creates lots of visual interest without looking too busy.
Comfortable Clothes
If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, you’re going to be uncomfortable during your photo session. And we all know kids do not tolerate the slightest discomfort when it comes to clothes. Avoid clothes with itchy tags on the neck. Avoid scratchy sweaters. Make sure pants fit well, etc. If you got new shoes for your photos, break them in before the day of your photos so you’re not trying to smile through the pain of a blister on the back of your heel.
A Smile
In the words of little orphan Annie, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” Keep things light-hearted, fun, and as stress-free as possible the day of your family photos. Bring music or anything else you can think of to help your children smile as well.
With careful planning, you can create a family wardrobe that you can admire in your family photos for generations to come. See my family photo portfolio for more outfit inspiration.