What to Wear for Family Photos (Without Overthinking It)

People ask me all the time what to wear for family photos—and I get it, it can feel like a lot of pressure.

And just to say it upfront… I’m not a fashion stylist. But I do know what I’m drawn to, what photographs beautifully, while still wanting you to feel like you when you look at yourself in a photo.

My goal isn’t to turn you into someone you’re not. It’s to guide you in a way that helps everything feel a little more intentional and elevated yet still honest.

Start with this: be true to you

The most important thing you can wear is something that feels like you. If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit, tugging at something, or feeling uncomfortable, it shows. And more importantly, it affects how you interact with your kids and each other.

You don’t need to become a different version of yourself for photos. You just need to show up as yourself—with a little intention behind it.

I will reiterate this, think “you but intentional”

This is really the sweet spot.

Not:

• overly styled
• super formal
• or something you’d feel weird in
• thrown together last minute
• loud, busy, or distracting

Instead, aim for pieces that feel:

• simple
• clean
• comfortable
• and just slightly elevated

Think your everyday style… just refined.

Let’s dive into that a bit.

Focus on texture, not trends

Texture photographs beautifully and adds depth without feeling overdone. Some of the pieces I am drawn to:

• cotton dresses
• linen shirts
• cozy knits
• denim
• soft layers

These types of fabrics create that soft, lived-in, nostalgic feel without needing anything fancy.

Keep colors soft and cohesive

Color makes a huge difference in how your gallery feels as a whole. There is no “wrong way”, it’s just what your preference is (more on this below!), and for my photography style I love to recommend:

• creams
• warm whites
• soft neutrals
• muted blues
• earthy tones
• soft prints

Try to avoid:

• bright/neon colors
• bold patterns
• logos or graphics

You don’t need to match perfectly—just make sure everything flows together.

A tip choosing your photographer

This part matters more than most people realize. Every photographer has a different style, and that influences everything—from how sessions feel to how your final images look.

Some photographers lean more styled and formal, or more bold and colorful, or more “just as you are, graphic tshirt on your kiddos”. Others (like me) lean more natural and true-to-life, but in a neutral color palette and elevated way. No way is better—they’re just different.

That’s why it’s so important to choose someone whose work you genuinely resonate with. When you do, things like what to wear, how to interact, and how your session feels all become a lot more natural and aligned.

At the end of the day

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection. It’s movement. It’s the way your life actually feels—just a little more intentional and beautifully captured.

I believe this helps you romanticize your life. When you are looking back you feel like the best version of yourself, and are able to focus on the simplicity, the feelings, and the beauty of your life instead of the loud patterns, the background distractions, and the noise.

If you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to help guide you. I send a prep guide to each client before a session, and I have a Pinterest board as well! I also have a client closet, with beautiful dresses for mom and some children’s pieces as well. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

A quick note for maternity + postpartum sessions:

If you’re planning a maternity or newborn session, I do guide things a little more specifically—just in ways that still feel natural and comfortable for you. For maternity, I love pieces that allow your bump to really be seen and celebrated. That can look like a fitted dress, a flowy skirt with a simple top, or even something that shows a bit of skin if that feels like you. It doesn’t have to be overdone—just intentional enough to highlight this season.

For postpartum or newborn sessions, comfort is everything. Pieces that allow you to move, sit, and snuggle your baby easily always photograph best. Think soft fabrics, flowy dresses, or relaxed fits that feel good on your body as it is right now. I’ll always help guide you based on your specific session, so you don’t have to figure that part out alone.