What to Wear for Your Outdoor Family Photo Session: A Simple, Stylish Guide

If you’re planning a family photo session, one of the first things you may be wondering is:“What should we wear?”

It’s a question I hear all the time — and with good reason. Clothing plays a big role in how your photos look and feel. But don’t worry — it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a little guidance, you can pull together looks that feel like you and photograph beautifully.

Here’s my calm, no-stress guide to help you style your session with ease.

1. Choose a Soft, Coordinated Color Palette

Forget the matchy-matchy days of everyone in white shirts and jeans. Today, we aim for coordinated, not identical.

Stick to 2–3 soft, complementary colors that flow together. Neutral and earthy tones work especially well in natural light and outdoor settings. Think:

• Cream, beige, taupe

• Soft blue, dusty rose, sage

• Denim, light gray, muted olive

These tones feel warm and timeless — and they let you be the focus of the image.

💡 Tip: Lay out everyone’s outfits on the bed or floor. If the colors look nice together in a flat lay, they’ll look great in photos too.

2. Prioritize Comfort for Everyone

Especially for kids (and parents chasing them), comfort matters. Choose outfits that allow you to move, snuggle, lift, and laugh.

Fabrics like cotton, linen, and jersey knit feel soft and natural — and they look lovely in photos. Avoid anything stiff, scratchy, or fussy.

3. Skip the Logos and Loud Patterns

Bold graphics, neon colors, and busy prints can be distracting in photos. They tend to draw the eye away from what matters most — your faces, your connection, and your story.

That doesn’t mean everything has to be plain!A delicate floral dress or subtl

e plaid shirt adds texture and interest — just keep the patterns light and balanced.

4. Layer with Texture (Not Patterns)

Want to bring depth and visual interest to your photos? Texture is the secret.

Mix different fabrics like:

• Denim and lace

• Linen and knit sweaters

• Cotton and soft chambray

It adds warmth and creates beautiful movement, especially in the breeze.

5. Keep Footwear Simple

Stick to clean, neutral shoes that go with the vibe.Think: boots, sandals, loafers, or even barefoot (especially for beach or grassy sessions). Try to avoid sneakers with bright colors or logos unless they’re part of your family's everyday story.

6. Plan Ahead — and Try Everything On

Don’t leave outfits to the last minute. Try everything on at least a few days before your session. This helps avoid surprises — like a shirt that doesn’t fit or a dress that’s too short when you sit down.

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way toward a smooth and relaxed session day.

7. Visualize the Final Image

Imagine a photo from your session hanging on the wall in your living room. What do you want it to feel like?That can help guide your styling choices and keep everything aligned with your personal style and home aesthetic.

Bonus Tip: Ask for Help (I’ve Got You!)

Still not sure? I’m always happy to help with outfit planning.When you book a session with me, you’ll receive a personalized style guide and access to visual inspiration (think Pinterest boards and real family session examples).

We’ll make sure your family looks and feels amazing — without any of the stress.

💛 Final Thoughts

Your outfits are the frame — but your love, laughter, and connection are the true focus. So keep it simple, stay true to who you are, and trust the process.

Let’s create something timeless together.

📷 Ready to book your outdoor family session?

Reach out  and I’ll guide you every step of the way — from planning your outfits to capturing those real, joyful moments that matter most.

Contact me