What to Wear for Family Photos

You’re dreaming up a family photo session and you’re wondering what to wear for family photos. Whether you’ve already booked, or are thinking about it beforehand, it’s never too early to start planning.

If you’re the kind of mama who sees family photos as more than just a yearly “let’s get this over with” thing, care about the feeling your images give, or you just love putting thought and detail into styling because you crave that editorial and nostalgic flare- You’re in the right place.

As a Jacksonville Fl family photographer, I work with families who want more than just put together and stand still pictures—they want emotive, intentional family photography that reflects who they are in an elevated and stylish way that is documented artfully. Whether you’re local or searching for the best family photographers in Jacksonville FL, this guide is here to help you feel confident about what to wear for your family, or even maternity and newborn photos.

Let’s talk about what to wear for family photos when you’re craving something more honest, elevated, and connected. Like you’re looking back in a magazine.

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Start with the Vision/Mood, Not the Matching

I want you to pause before you start thinking about matching outfits- I want you to as yourself what you want your images to feel like. Do you want them to feel cozy and intimate? Editorial and bold? Earthy and free? When you start thinking about your vision, and the vibe first- then you start to feel more creative and think about pieces that support the entire mood of the session. All without needed to “match”. You can start looking at pinterest photos that inspire you. I want you to think about your family and your photo session as a storyline, and not just a piece of the story.

Curate with Movement, Texture, and Tone

Have you ever looked at a photo and thought that it has so much depth yet seems so simple? A lot of times it is because of the texture that the subjects are wearing in the photo. Photographs love texture, or layering of clothes. Choose fabrics like denim, cotton, linen, cashmere, or waffle knit for colder weather. These types of textures add depth and create beautiful images.

Stick to a color palette, and not a certain color. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same colors, build a color story by looking at colors that compliment each other, aka, a color palette. Earthy tones, rich jewel hues, soft neutrals, or even bolder primary colors that can be very editorial and beautiful if styled well. you can mix warm and cool tones in the same family.

Thank about clothing that moves, especially for mama- a flowy maxi dress that sways or drapes, a robe that slips off your shoulders as your hold your baby. These small details build depth and add life to still images.

Here are some examples of color palettes:

Dress like you, but Elevated

Adding elegance or elevation to your styling doesn’t have to take away from you. This is about leaning into the best version of what feels like your family. It’s about using your creativity to tell a story that looking back at the images, you can feel the moments. If you love fashion, let’s embrace it. If you like creating unique concepts, let’s embrace it. Pull out the vintage pieces, the things that will go on through generations. Style the kids in a way that feels natural yet considered- layers, textures, vintage-inspired silhouettes. The outfits should feel like they belong to your family, or someone looking at your photos and would say “that is so them”.

Consider avoiding Loud Logos + Prints Out

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it is out of the equation. However, unless you can carefully style these kids of pieces, it is best to avoid the neons and logos. I’ve seen very beautiful and creative styled-family photos that turned out amazing with these kids of colors and patterns. If this is something that is special to your family or you feel you you’d be able to curate well, let’s chat!

Dress the Kids Comfortably, but Styled

Think about soft, comfortable, yet stylish outfits for the kids. If you’re dreaming up a session such as a documentary in-home session- then white tee, and just a diaper- would fit that vision. You see? It’s all about setting the moof first, and then outfits flow after. For a general outdoor storytelling session- think layers like an oversized top over bloomers. Flowy dresses also for girls. Definitely do not over think it!

My Recommendation as Your Jacksonville Fl Photographer

The easiest thing you can do when considering what to wear for family photos, is to style mom first. Find something that makes you feel beautiful, and like you. Most of the time in my sessions, mom is center of attention. Focusing on mom tells a beautiful story about family. The love for her children, her husband, etc. I want you to feel physically and emotionally beautiful, because when you feel confident- your images will be timeless. after building your outfit, you can then build the rest of the family within that color palette.

Need Guidance? I’m Here For You

All of my sessions are collaborative, which means we work together throughout the entire process- booking, session planing, styling, mood boards etc. Some of my favorite shops for the family include: Fostered Collection, Zara, H&M, and Rylee + Cru. When you book your session with me in Jacksonville, Fl + surrounding areas, you will also receive an extensive Welcome Guide that goes over more styling tips and shops.

Long Story Short, Wear What Feels like Home

Family photography isn’t about perfection, it’s about remembering that feeling when you look back at your images. Wear what helps you sink into that moment, the nostalgia. The hugs, the cuddles, the love between your family. What makes you feel like you’re not just taking pictures, but you’re creating art. You don’t need matching outfits, you need connection, intention, and a vision. I am here to create that with you.

This guide isn’t just for family photography. It’s also for maternity photography and newborn photography. If you would like a unique and collaborative experience, I would love to chat!

Checkout my other resources: When to book maternity photos?