What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session: A Seasonal Guide
One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is:
"What should we wear for our family photos?"
The right outfits can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your portraits. Whether you're planning a cozy fall shoot or a bright summer session, your clothing should reflect the season, your family’s style, and most importantly—make you feel comfortable and confident.
Here’s your go-to seasonal guide to what to wear for family photos, with practical tips and color palette suggestions for each time of year.
🍁 Fall: Warm, Cozy, and Earth-Toned
Fall is one of the most popular times for family photos, thanks to the golden light, changing leaves, and cozy vibes.
Color Palette:
Mustard yellow, burnt orange, rust
Olive green, navy, cream, maroon
Warm neutrals like taupe and tan
Outfit Tips:
Think layers: cardigans, scarves, boots, denim jackets
Textured fabrics like knits, corduroy, and wool look great on camera
Avoid matching too perfectly—coordinate instead
Patterns like plaid or small florals add visual interest (use sparingly)
Bonus Tip: Choose colors that complement the fall foliage, not blend into it.
❄️ Winter: Elegant, Moody, and Classic
Winter sessions can be magical, especially with a dusting of snow or twinkling holiday lights.
Color Palette:
Deep greens, burgundy, charcoal, navy
Ivory, winter white, gold, silver accents
Jewel tones like emerald and sapphire
Outfit Tips:
Dress warmly in coordinated coats, knit hats, and boots
Layers like turtlenecks, long skirts, and cozy sweaters look stylish and seasonal
Avoid bright reds or neons—they can reflect on skin in photos
Keep holiday-themed outfits timeless and simple if shooting for seasonal cards
Bonus Tip: Add textures like velvet or wool for a cozy, upscale look.
🌸 Spring: Light, Fresh, and Floral
Spring brings soft colors, blooming flowers, and lighthearted vibes—perfect for playful, joyful family portraits.
Color Palette:
Soft pastels like blush, mint, lavender, baby blue
Cream, beige, light gray, soft white
Accents of floral prints or delicate patterns
Outfit Tips:
Choose flowy fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon
Dresses and light cardigans work great for women and girls
Casual chinos or light denim work well for men and boys
Keep it light and breezy—nothing too heavy or formal
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to coordinate shoes, especially if you’ll be walking on grass or in gardens.
☀️ Summer: Bright, Clean, and Casual
Summer is great for beach sessions, golden-hour fields, or vibrant urban backdrops. Think relaxed, clean, and bright.
Color Palette:
White, cream, khaki, sky blue, coral
Teal, seafoam, sunflower yellow, navy
Bold colors work, but avoid highlighter brights
Outfit Tips:
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
Dresses, rolled-up sleeves, shorts for kids
Go barefoot for beach shoots or wear neutral-toned sandals
Avoid heavy layers or dark black—it can feel too harsh in bright light
Bonus Tip: Coordinate everyone’s outfits to have a similar “vibe”—whether that’s casual beachy, dressy, or classic.
✅ General Outfit Tips for Any Season
Coordinate, Don’t Match: Pick 2–3 main colors and mix in neutrals. Let each family member show their style.
Avoid Large Logos or Busy Prints: These distract from your faces.
Dress for the Location: Beach, park, studio, or downtown—make sure your outfits match the setting.
Try It On Together: Lay out everyone’s outfits side by side before the session to see how they look as a group.
Comfort Is Key: Choose clothing that feels good so you can move, laugh, and relax during your session.
📸 Ready to Dress for Portrait Success?
✨ Book your session today, and let’s create portraits that feel authentic and beautiful—season after season.
