Have a family photo session coming up? Here’s why you should skip the matching outfits and a few tips for coordinating what to wear instead.
You’ve got family photos coming up at a beautiful park in Stillwater, MN, and now you’re staring at your closet wondering what the heck everyone should wear. Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and the 83 other things on your to-do list, it can be tempting to go the “easy” route and dress everyone in matching jeans and tees. As a mom of three and a family photographer here in the St. Croix Valley, I totally get it. But here’s the thing—coordinating your family photo outfits instead of matching everyone is absolutely worth the extra thought. Not only does it create a more natural, timeless look, but it also allows your family’s personality to shine through in every shot.
Matching outfits might feel like a safe bet, but they can actually date your images and distract from the connection and emotion in your photos. Keep reading for five simple tips to coordinate your family photo outfits so your session captures the warmth, personality, and style you’ll want to look back on for years to come.
5 Tips for Coordinating Outfits for Your Family Session:
1. Start with a Color Palette You Love
When coordinating your family photo outfits, choose 2-3 colors that work well together and fit the season. For example, soft neutrals with a pop of muted blue or warm earthy tones always photograph beautifully for family photography. A cohesive palette ties everyone together visually without making you look overly “matchy-matchy.” This approach also gives each family member the flexibility to wear something that feels comfortable and authentic to them.
2. Mix Textures and Layers
Texture adds depth and interest to your photos, making them feel warm and inviting. Think knit sweaters, linen dresses, chambray shirts, or a flowy skirt paired with a structured jacket. Mixing textures when coordinating your family photo outfits creates subtle variation while keeping your look cohesive. Layers are also a great way to give you options—take a jacket on or off for slightly different looks within your family photography session. Plus we’re from the St. Croix Valley…one minute you’ll need a sweater and the next you’ll be begging for a tank top.
3. Avoid Large Logos and Distracting Patterns
While small, subtle prints can work beautifully, large graphics or bold logos tend to steal attention from what matters most—your family. When coordinating your family photo outfits, stick to solids, soft patterns, or timeless prints like stripes or florals. This keeps the focus on faces, connection, and emotion in your images. Remember, in timeless family photography, less is more when it comes to patterns.
4. Dress for the Location and Season
A cozy layered look will feel natural in a fall Somerset, WI family photography session, while soft pastels or linen fabrics shine in summer. Think about your session backdrop and choose outfits that complement the scenery rather than blend into it completely. When coordinating your family photo outfits, consider footwear and accessories too—boots, sandals, or hats can all help tell the story of the season in your portraits.
5. Let Personalities Show Through
The best family photos reflect who you truly are. Give your kids (and partner!) a say in what they wear—within your color palette—so they feel comfortable and confident. Coordinating your family photo outfits doesn’t mean sacrificing individuality; it’s about finding a balance between cohesive style and personal flair. When everyone feels like themselves, it shows in every smile and candid moment captured during your St. Croix Valley family photography session.
Next Steps in Coordinating Your Family Photo Outfits
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to put your plan into action. Start by choosing your color palette, then shop your own closets before buying anything new. You might be surprised by what works perfectly! Lay out everyone’s outfits together to make sure the colors, textures, and styles flow well. This way, you can walk into your session feeling prepared, confident, and ready to focus on what matters most—enjoying time with your family.
If you’re a visual person like me and need to scroll through some inspo outfits to give you some ideas, I have put together a Pinterest board FILLED with tons of cute outfit inspo for the fam! Check it out here!
Still feeling at a loss for what to wear? Absolutely understandable. I know how overwhelming it can feel trying to coordinate everyone’s outfits. If you’re booking a family session with me, I have gone the extra mile to make things as easy as possible for you. I have an entire client closet available with tons of cute tops, dresses, and baby outfits in multiple sizes! That way all you need to do is show up and pick something out. I’ve got an Instagram highlight saved with previews of everything in my closet so you can see all the options available. Preview it here!
More Tips for Your Family Photo Session:
