What to Wear for Family Photos (Without Stressing About It)

What to Wear for Family Photos (Without Stressing About It)- From a northern Michigan photographer

If choosing outfits for family photos feels harder than it should, you’re not alone.

For so many parents — especially moms — this part feels like pressure. You want everyone to look good. You don’t want the photos to feel dated. You’re worried about clashing colors, patterns, shoes, weather… all of it.

Let me take a little weight off your shoulders right now.

This does not need to be stressful.

And it definitely doesn’t need to be perfect.

Start With How You Want the Photos to Feel

Before you think about colors or stores or shopping, ask yourself one question:

How do you want your photos to feel when you look back at them?

Cozy and connected?
Light and playful?
Calm and earthy?

That feeling matters more than following any trend. When outfits match the mood instead of a formula, the photos feel more timeless and more like you.

Neutrals Are Your Friend (But They Don’t Have to Be Boring)

Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully because they don’t distract from what matters — your faces, your connection, your kids being themselves.

Think:

• Creams, tans, soft browns
• Muted greens, blues, and grays
• Warm, natural tones

This doesn’t mean everyone has to wear the same color. Mixing complementary tones creates depth and interest without looking busy.

Less Matching, More Coordinating

Matching outfits can feel forced. Coordinating outfits feel natural.

Instead of putting everyone in the same color, choose a simple color palette and let each person fit into it in their own way. This gives everyone room to feel comfortable — and comfort shows up in the photos every single time.

Texture > Patterns

When it comes to visual interest, texture does more than bold patterns ever will.

Knits, denim, linen, corduroy, soft layers — these add depth without stealing attention. Loud patterns, logos, and graphics tend to pull focus away from faces and connection.

If you’re unsure, simpler is usually better.

Comfort Is Not Optional

This part matters more than people expect.

If something is itchy, tight, constantly slipping, or needs adjusting every two seconds — it will show. Kids especially can’t hide discomfort, and I don’t want anyone spending their session worrying about their clothes.

Choose outfits you can move in. Sit in. Snuggle in.

Photos work best when no one is thinking about what they’re wearing.

Shoes Count More Than You Think

Shoes are often the most overlooked part — and they’re also one of the easiest ways to break the look.

Neutral shoes photograph best. Simple boots, sandals, or clean sneakers usually work well depending on the season and location. Bright athletic shoes and heavy logos tend to draw the eye away from faces.

When in doubt, keep shoes understated and comfortable.

Please Don’t Buy a Whole New Wardrobe

You don’t need brand-new outfits for photos.

Some of the best sessions happen when families wear pieces they already love and feel good in. Familiar clothes help everyone relax — and relaxed always looks better than stiff.

If you do buy something new, try it on ahead of time. Move around in it. Make sure it feels like you.

My Biggest Advice: Don’t Overthink This

The goal of family photos isn’t to show how well you styled everyone.

It’s to capture connection.
The way your kids lean into you.
The way you fit together in this season.

Clothes are just the supporting cast.

If you’re feeling stuck or second-guessing yourself, I’ve put together a simple wardrobe guide that walks through this step by step in an easy, no-pressure way.

You can download it below and use it anytime you’re planning photos — with me or with anyone.

Sometimes a little guidance is all it takes to make this feel manageable again.

Check out the guide here, and if you’d like to chat about a session, reach out to me here!