There’s a certain kind of family photo that feels a little… expected.
Everyone in matching outfits. Perfectly coordinated colors. Smiling at the camera like it’s a holiday card from 2003.
And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s not what I create.
When you look back on your photos, I want you to see your family as you actually are– just elevated. Thoughtful. A little more intentional. A little more styled. But still you.
So when it comes to what to wear for your family photos, we’re not aiming for perfect.
We’re aiming for personality, movement, and a feeling.
Discover more about my approach to photographing families here.
Start With a Mood, Not a Color Palette
Instead of asking:
“What colors should we wear?”
Ask:
“What does this feel like?”
Are you:
- heading out for a fancy dinner?
- grabbing brunch together on a Sunday?
- wandering the beach barefoot at sunset?
That feeling becomes your guide.
From there, everyone can coordinate within that mood, rather than trying to match each other.
Because matching outfits don’t tell a story.
They erase it.
Wear What You Already Love- Just Elevated
The best place to start is your own closet.
Pull pieces you already feel good in and think about how to restyle them in a more elevated way:
- add layers
- mix textures
- bring in accessories
You don’t need a completely new wardrobe. You just need to style what you have with intention.
Color Should Feel Like You
I love color. Not overwhelming, chaotic color- but intentional, personality-driven color.
Some of my favorite combinations:
- a pop of red against soft blues and neutrals
- tones that sit opposite each other on the color wheel
- subtle color threads that tie everyone together without being obvious
The goal isn’t to match.
It’s to visually connect.
Texture, Movement, and Fit Matter More Than You Think
This is where your photos really come to life.
Pieces I always love seeing:
- flowy dresses
- linen fabrics
- soft knits
- anything with movement
Loose, well-fitting clothing will always photograph better than something tight or restrictive.
Not only does it look more flattering, it also allows you to move, interact, and feel comfortable– which changes everything in your photos.
See how this came together in a recent family session in St. Augustine.
What I Recommend for Moms
If you’re not sure where to start, this is it:
An A-line, flowy dress.
It’s feminine, flattering, and gives you movement without trying too hard. It also naturally creates that soft, effortless feel that photographs beautifully.
You should feel:
- comfortable
- confident
- slightly dressed up
Not overdone. Not restricted. Not like you’re playing a role.
Coordinating vs. Matching
There’s a big difference.
Coordinating looks like:
- outfits that complement each other
- shared tones or textures
- individuality within a cohesive look
Matching looks like:
- identical outfits
- same colors, same pieces
- no personality
We’re always aiming for the first.
For the Kids: Comfort Over Control
When it comes to kids, what they wear matters- but how they feel in it matters more.
Choose pieces that allow them to move, explore, and be themselves:
- nothing too tight
- nothing itchy or restrictive
- nothing they’ll constantly try to take off
When kids are comfortable, everything shifts. They’re more relaxed, more playful, and more willing to engage- which naturally leads to better moments.
The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s choosing clothing that lets them show up exactly as they are.
And from there, I’ll take care of the rest.
Accessories Make the Look
Accessories are where your personality really comes through.
Think:
- a bold gold bangle
- layered necklaces
- a hat that feels like you
- a blanket to wrap into
They’re not just extras- they help tell the story of:
- who you are
- how you move together
- what this moment feels like
Matching Your Style to Your Environment
Your outfits should feel aligned with where you are.
- Beach sessions → barefoot, softer, more movement
- Downtown → structured, elevated, a little more edge
- In-home → still styled and intentional (not sweats and basketball shorts)
Even in relaxed settings, your outfits should feel curated, not thrown together.
A Few Things to Avoid
Gently, but honestly:
- matching outfits
- stiff fabrics that wrinkle easily
- clothing that’s too tight or uncomfortable
- pieces that don’t flatter your body shape
- overly trendy “mommy and me” looks
- heavy, full glam makeup
The goal is timeless, not forced.
Your Photos Should Feel Like You
At the end of the day, what you wear matters- but how you feel matters more.
When you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself…
That’s when the real moments happen.
That’s when the images feel effortless.
That’s when your photos become something you actually want to come back to.
And you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own.
I guide all of my clients through styling so everything feels cohesive, natural, and aligned with who you are- without ever feeling forced.
If you’re planning a family session and want help styling everything so it feels effortless and true to you, I’d love to create something together.
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