What to Wear for Family Photos: A Simple Guide to Looking and Feeling Comfortable, Connected, and Confident

One of the first questions I get after a family books their session is: What should we wear?

And I totally get it. Choosing outfits for the whole crew can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As you decide what to wear for family photos, this guide is here to simplify things, take some pressure off, and help you walk into your session feeling calm and confident.

The truth is, you don’t need to dress up in a way that feels unfamiliar. What matters most is that your outfits support comfort, movement, and connection. When everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, your photos naturally reflect the love and energy that make your family who you are.

Hi, I’m Kelly! a Raleigh-based family photographer and a mama myself, drawn to the joy, chaos, and connection that make family life so beautiful. I specialize in lifestyle sessions that feel easy, natural, and deeply personal, because I believe the best moments happen when you’re simply being yourselves.

Want more session tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, or my go-to outfit picks? Join my email list, I’d love to stay connected!

Comfort + Confidence = Beauty

The most beautiful photos come from a place of ease. Choose clothing that allows you to move freely, snuggle your kids, and simply enjoy the time together. If your little one wants to twirl or you end up chasing your toddler barefoot across the field, that’s part of the magic of what to wear for family photos—it’s less about being styled and more about being real.

You don’t need high heels or stiff collars. Think of what you’d wear for a relaxed day together at your favorite park or an evening walk around your neighborhood. If you feel good in it, that ease will shine through in every frame.

Keep It Soft and Neutral

If you’re wondering what to wear for family photos, soft tones like oatmeal, cream, sage, dusty rose, and muted blues tend to photograph beautifully. They’re timeless, flattering, and help the emotion of your images stand out. You don’t need to be matchy-matchy, just cohesive and calm.

These tones also help the natural environment around you blend seamlessly into the background, keeping the focus where it belongs: on your family. If you're doing a session in the fall, think cozy earth tones; for spring and summer, try light pastels or breezy neutrals.

Think Texture, Flow, and Movement

Another key to what to wear for family photos? Choose textures and fabrics that move with you. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, cozy knits, or even a gauzy scarf can add dimension without being fussy. These fabrics respond well to natural light and bring your images to life. Avoid stiff materials or anything that needs constant adjusting.

Movement is such a beautiful part of a photo session, especially with kids. When your clothes catch the breeze or move gently with you, they add a dynamic element that makes your gallery feel vibrant and full of life. And soft textures? They lend a cozy, natural feel that's just as lovely in a close-up as it is in a wide shot.

Skip the Logos and Neon

When thinking about what to wear for family photos, try to avoid logos, neon colors, or busy graphics. They can distract from the connection in your photos and sometimes cast odd color reflections. That said, if there’s a piece that truly represents your child, like a well-loved accessory or comfort item, we’ll find a way to include it intentionally.

Photos are about capturing your family as you are. So yes, let your child bring their favorite stuffed animal or wear their special shoes, even if they don’t perfectly match. The goal is to honor your life, not just dress it up.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Start with a base color palette, two or three complementary shades, and build around that. Layering textures (think cardigans, vests, or wraps) adds depth and keeps things visually interesting without being too “done up.” The goal is to look connected, not identical.

You could start with mom's outfit as the foundation and pull colors from it to dress the rest of the family. Or if your session has a setting with strong colors (like a sunflower field or fall foliage), consider that when building your wardrobe.

Tips for Dressing Kids

Still wondering what to wear for family photos when it comes to your little ones? Here are a few things that always help:

• Choose comfort over style: soft cotton, linen, or knits are best

• Keep it fuss-free: avoid itchy tags, tight collars, or shoes that never stay on

• Layer when possible: this gives us flexibility and variety in your final gallery

Let your kids move, play, and be themselves. That’s when we capture the real moments that matter!

Also, try outfits on in advance. This gives you time to see how everything fits and feels, and avoids last-minute wardrobe stress. Make sure everything passes the "can they run and jump and snuggle in this?" test.

Favorite Places to Shop

If you're looking for photo-friendly pieces for babies and kids, I’ve gathered some of my favorite local shops (with online stores) in one spot. Whether you're going for timeless, cozy, or light and playful, you'll find plenty of inspiration.

Explore them in more depth here: My Favorite Local Baby + Family Clothing Stores

For a quick look, some of my go-to places include:

• Cottage Baby Boutique – A cozy, curated shop full of stylish baby pieces that are timeless and perfect for photos.

• Shutterbugs Boutique – A sweet boutique with sibling outfits, keepsakes, and charming clothing that pops in photos.

• Dalhouse – Minimal, modern, and beautifully practical, perfect for those who love clean lines and soft tones.

• Loozieloo – Whimsical and vibrant, this shop adds playful personality to your session outfits.

Other local boutiques in Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Durham often carry unique, photo-friendly pieces too. I’m always happy to recommend a few favorite spots based on your style.

Need a little help getting started? I also created a free guide with all my favorite places to shop for family, maternity, and newborn outfits—perfect for finding just the right look for your session. Grab it here and take the guesswork out of what to wear for family photos.

Final Thoughts on what to wear for family photos

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect outfit to create beautiful, lasting memories. When you’re thinking about what to wear for family photos, remember: the best photos come from being comfortable, relaxed, and present with the people you love.

If you’re still unsure or need a second opinion, I’m here. Every family I photograph has access to my client wardrobe and styling support, and I’m always happy to help pull your look together.

Want more styling tips and early access to future sessions? Don’t forget to grab my free guide on where to shop and join my email list for more styling tips and early access to future sessions. I promise to keep things helpful, heartfelt, and full of inspiration.

And if you're craving a little extra inspiration, come say hi over on Instagram. I’d truly love to have you there.

The best look for your session? One that lets your love take center stage. Let’s create something beautiful together.