You probably already know this, but your outfit choices are so important to the look and feel of your images. What you may not know is that some colors and outfits photograph better than others. Read on for my tips on what to wear for family pictures, so you can select outfits that not only coordinate well but will also make for beautiful portraits.

Outfit Ideas for All the Family

Mom

If you ask me, a dress is always the way to go for moms. Dresses are comfortable, feminine, and gorgeous! When choosing your dress, select a flowy style that covers your knees. A small floral print pattern provides visual interest without being distracting in photos, and also makes it easy to coordinate complementary solid colors for the rest of the family’s outfits.

Dad

Good news, dads: You get to keep it simple! Casual khakis or lightly colored pants paired with a nice t-shirt, button-up, or Henley are perfect. You probably already have a neutral-colored outfit in your closet that will work flawlessly with Mom’s dress. Oh, and no matter the weather, make sure your pants are full-length. Shorts simply don’t look great in photos.

Children

For babies, rompers work best, and it’s easy to find these in soft colors that will coordinate with parents’ clothing choices. If you have young toddlers, choose rompers for boys and a romper or dress for girls. For older children, dresses for girls are always nice, and boys can get away with either shorts or pants and a nice t-shirt or Henley.

Other Notes on What to Wear

Fabrics and Colors

Cotton, linen, and gauze are excellent fabric choices that photograph nicely. Choose these in earth tones, neutrals, or muted pastels, and opt for off-white or ivory over bright white.

Jewelry and Accessories

Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Hair ribbons and bow ties for little ones are good choices, and if there’s a special piece of jewelry you really want to incorporate, we can certainly do that. Otherwise, keep it simple and recognize that the focus should be on you, not your necklace or fancy watch.

Shoes

Depending on the season, sandals, boots, or closed-toe shoes are all good options. Just make sure they are in light, neutral colors that will match your outfits and won’t be distracting. Barefoot is also a simple option for warmer months, or for littles who aren’t walking yet.

If you need a little inspiration on what to wear for family pictures, just ask! I have a whole list of favorite shops, some inspiration photos, and a beautifully curated wardrobe collection to help you look and feel your very best. Let’s hop on a phone call, meet for tea, or take a stroll together as we plan your next Norabloom experience. I can’t wait to see the lovely images we create together!