What to Wear to Your Family Session

One of the most common questions I get before a session is: “What should we wear?” Choosing outfits can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry — I’m here to help! Since my style of photography is light and airy, the clothing you choose can make a huge difference in how your final images look. The good news? With a few simple guidelines, getting photo-ready can be stress-free (and fun!).

Keep It Light & Neutral

The key to light & airy photos is, of course, light colors! Think soft neutrals, pastels, creams, whites, tans, and light grays. These shades reflect light beautifully and help create that soft, dreamy look.

Some great options include:

White or cream dresses for moms
Khaki or light gray chinos for dads
Soft blush, sage, or dusty blue tones for kids
Linen and cotton fabrics for a natural feel

Avoid super bold colors, neons, or dark blacks, as they can overpower the light and airy vibe.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and a white shirt! Instead, aim for a cohesive color palette. Pick 2–3 complementary tones (like cream, sage, and blush) and mix them throughout your family’s outfits. This creates variety while still looking polished.

Flowy + Comfortable is Best

Clothing that has movement photographs beautifully — flowy dresses, skirts, or linen shirts that catch the breeze add a touch of magic to your images. Choose outfits that allow you to sit, snuggle, and move comfortably. If you’re tugging or adjusting constantly, it will show in the photos.

Add Texture & Subtle Details

Textures like lace, knits, linen, and embroidery photograph so well and add depth without being distracting. Layers can also bring dimension. Just keep patterns soft and minimal — think tiny delicate florals or subtle stripes rather than bold prints.

Shoes + Accessories

Neutral shoes are always a safe choice! For outdoor sessions, avoid bright sneakers with logos. Barefoot is also a beautiful (and timeless!) option, especially for kids. Keep accessories simple — a delicate necklace or hair bow adds interest without taking away from your face.

A Few Extra Tips

Lay out everyone’s outfits together ahead of time to make sure the tones flow nicely.
Start with mom’s outfit first (dresses photograph beautifully!) and build the rest of the family’s wardrobe around it.
When in doubt, lighter is better — it keeps the whole look consistent with the airy feel of your photos.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. These photos are meant to capture your family’s love and connection — the outfits simply help elevate the overall look. By sticking with light neutrals, soft tones, and flowy textures, you’ll have timeless, dreamy images you’ll cherish forever. This is why I send a Style Guide to all my Clients for every session. So your outfits enhance the moment, not take away from it.