What to Wear for Your Family Photos

A Style Guide from Our Studio

Your photos are timeless memories, and what you wear plays a big part in how they turn out. Our studio features a boho lifestyle setup for families. This guide will help you coordinate outfits that photograph beautifully in each space.

A great starting point is for mom to choose her outfit first, then build the rest of the family’s looks around hers. Aim to coordinate colors and styles rather than match exactly.

It’s All in the Details

When it comes to portraits, the little things can make a big difference. These sessions capture your family in a way you’ll treasure forever, so take a little extra time to prep and polish. Here are some key things to check off:

  • Hair & Grooming

    Make sure everyone’s hair is brushed, styled, or trimmed as needed. For little ones, a quick spritz of water and comb-through can go a long way.

  • Nails Count Too

    Trim and clean all nails! yes, even tiny toddler toes! Neutral or natural polish works best if you're painting them.

  • A Little Glow

    A touch of makeup can make such a beautiful difference in photographs, especially a little blush on the cheeks. It adds soft color and warmth to the skin, helps bring dimension to your features, and gives you that lovely natural glow on camera. There’s no need to do anything heavy or outside of what feels like you, but a bit of blush, mascara, and your favorite lip color can help you feel polished while still looking completely like yourself.

  • Don’t Forget the Accessories

    Add subtle touches, earrings, a watch, or a delicate bracelet can pull a look together. Just keep it minimal to avoid distractions.

  • Clothing That Feels You

    Comfort = confidence. Wear something that fits well and makes you feel beautiful and relaxed. If you’re tugging at a sleeve or adjusting a belt constantly, it might not be the right outfit.

  • Yes, Even the Socks

    Some of our session areas require no shoes, so make sure socks are clean and coordinated with your outfit, no bright cartoon characters unless that’s the look you’re going for!

  • Wrinkle-Free Wins

    Iron or steam your clothes the night before. Wrinkles can be distracting in close-up shots. In a pinch, throwing your clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes works wonders on wrinkles!

  • Mind the Fit

    Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, tailored or well-fitting outfits always photograph better.

  • Avoid Distracting Logos or Prints

    Keep the focus on your faces and connection. Bold logos or busy patterns can take away from that.

  • Backup Options

    If you’re unsure, bring a backup outfit or two, especially for kids. Accidents happen!

  • Pockets Check

    Empty out phones, keys, and wallets before the session. Bulky pockets can ruin clean lines in photos.

This space is soft, light-filled, and dreamy. It's perfect for tender family moments and close-ups.

All colors work well here. The best outfits for this area are usually bright and colorful patterns for mom and a simple shirt and pants for dad.

  1. Backlit Area (Bright & Airy)

Best Colors:

  • Warm neutrals: oatmeal, caramel, cream, clay, soft browns

  • Olive, forest green, rust, terracotta, and muted greens or oranges

Wardrobe Ideas:

  • For moms: flowy maxi dresses

  • For dads: neutral henleys, waffle shirts, casual soft sweaters

  • For kids: simple rompers, knits, or soft textures in earthy tones

Texture Tips:

  • Linen, cotton, lace, and gauze fabrics look beautiful here.

2. Lifestyle Area (Cozy, Neutral)

A man with two children sitting on a beige couch in a cozy, neutral-colored room, smiling and engaging with each other.

Not sure what to wear? Here are some linked Amazon options with fast prime shipping*:

For mom:

A woman wearing a long, beige, bohemian-style maxi dress with long sleeves and a V-neck, holding a tan clutch purse.
A woman in a long, light-colored dress with short, ruffled sleeves and a bow detail at the chest, holding a large straw sunhat, wearing strappy sandals, smiling.
A woman wearing a long, green maxi dress with ruffled shoulder straps and cutouts at the waist, standing against a white background.
A woman wearing a long, olive green dress with ruffle details on the sleeves, waistline, and layered skirt, paired with tan high-heeled sandals.
Woman wearing an off-the-shoulder, rust-colored, maxi dress with ruffled neckline and sheer fabric, accessorized with pink earrings and layered necklaces.
A woman in a long green floral dress with puffed long sleeves standing on a dry grassy field.
A woman in a long, velvet, rust-colored dress standing on stairs outside a building, holding a white clutch purse, with a decorative black door and signs in the background.
Pregnant woman in a long, off-the-shoulder brown dress, gently holding her belly.
Woman wearing a pink, polka dot, midi dress with puffed sleeves and a waist tie, holding a wide-brimmed straw hat, wearing white lace-up high heels, standing against a plain background.
Close-up of a man wearing a brown polo shirt and white pants, with his left hand in his pocket.

For dad:

A man wearing a light beige, long-sleeved, collared linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and white pants. He has a beaded necklace and bracelet, with his hands in his pockets.
A man wearing a brown, textured short-sleeve polo shirt with a collar, and dark blue pants.
A man wearing a short-sleeve dark gray button-up shirt with a chest pocket, standing with one hand in his pocket and wearing a watch and bracelets.
A short-sleeved, button-up, collared shirt with beige and white vertical stripes, featuring a chest pocket, displayed on a plain white background.
A man wearing a beige, short-sleeved, button-up knitted shirt, white pants, a beaded necklace, and a bracelet, with tattoos on his arms.
Close-up of a man wearing a light green short-sleeve button-up shirt with rolled cuffs and white pants.

For kids:

Cream-colored children's short-sleeve button-up shirt with a collar and matching shorts, both featuring a textured knit pattern.
Blue and white striped girl's dress with puffed short sleeves and tiered ruffled skirt.
Cream-colored knitted baby romper with cable and diamond patterns, shoulder straps with buttons, and wooden buttons at the bottom.
A brown, knitted sleeveless baby romper with two buttons at the chest and snap buttons along the inside of the legs.
White vintage-style toddler dress with lace details and puffed sleeves.
Light green sleeveless romper with vertical stripes, wooden buttons, and front pockets.
White sleeveless dress with yellow and green floral pattern and wooden buttons down the front.
Pink girl's dress with adjustable shoulder straps and tiered pleated skirt.
Green knitted baby bodysuit with long sleeves and buttons at the bottom.
Light green dress with ruffled short sleeves and a bow at the neckline.
Beige and white checkered tank top with ruffled hem and matching wide-leg pants.

Can’t wait to capture your family photos 🌟

If you have any questions before the session, check out the FAQs page or just reach out. I’m here to help make it a joyful, stress-free experience.

*Please note: These are affiliate links from Amazon. You won’t be charged anything extra.