The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Outfits for Your Family Photos
Deciding what to wear for your family photos can feel just as challenging as finding the right photographer. Since these are images you’ll cherish for years—displayed on your walls and passed down through generations—you want to get it right. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! These expert tips will help you choose the ideal outfits for your next session.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Long gone are the days of everyone in white shirts and jeans. Instead of matching, aim for a coordinated look with complementary colors. Start with one key outfit—often a dress for mum—and build the rest of the family’s outfits around it. This creates a cohesive look while allowing each personality to shine.
Pro Tip: Earthy tones, muted colors, and neutrals photograph beautifully and remain timeless.
2. Prioritize Comfort
Your family session will likely involve movement—running, tickling, cuddling—so choose outfits that allow for natural interactions. Comfortable clothing means relaxed, happy faces in your photos.
Pro Tip: Neutral colors work well, especially if little ones get a bit messy or if your session involves water play.
3. Consider Your Home Decor
This may seem unexpected, but think about where you’ll display your photos. If your home features soft neutrals and warm tones, opt for colors that blend seamlessly with your decor. This ensures your family portraits look intentional and beautifully integrated into your space.
Pro Tip: Use your home’s color scheme as inspiration for outfit choices.
4. Add Accessories for Depth and Fun
Accessories not only enhance your outfits but also serve as props during your session. Hats, scarves, layered jackets, and textured fabrics add dimension and movement to your images. In colder months, a cozy blanket can add warmth and visual interest.
Pro Tip: Keep accessories simple but meaningful—think stylish hats, classic jewelry, or a sentimental piece.
5. Limit Patterns
A well-placed pattern can add personality, but too many can be distracting. Select one outfit with a subtle print that ties all the colors together, and keep the rest in solid hues or simple textures.
Pro Tip: Florals, plaids, or delicate prints work well when balanced with neutral, solid-colored pieces.
6. Look for Clothing Collections
Retailers often curate seasonal collections that naturally coordinate. Shopping from the same store can make outfit selection easier since many collections are designed with complementary colors and styles.
Pro Tip: Stores like Zara, Seed Heritage, and Country Road often have beautifully coordinated family-friendly options.
7. Plan Ahead
Once you book your session, start planning outfits right away. Avoid last-minute stress by ensuring everything fits, is clean, and doesn’t need alterations or dry cleaning.
Pro Tip: Lay out outfits a few days before your session and try them on to ensure everything looks and feels great.
8. What to Avoid
- Characters & Logos: While your child may love Bluey, it’s best to keep cartoon characters and large logos out of family portraits.
- All Black or All White: These colors can be tricky to photograph and may lack depth.
- Clashing Colors: Bright neon shades can create harsh contrasts and may not age well over time.
9. Think About the Season
Your outfit choices should reflect the season of your session:
- Autumn: Warm earth tones—rust, deep mustard, olive green—complement the fall colors beautifully.
- Spring: Soft pastels and muted florals create a fresh, airy feel.
- Winter: Layers, textures, and cozy knits add warmth and dimension.
- Summer: Light, breathable fabrics in cooler tones (blues, greens, soft coral) work well, especially for beach sessions.
FAQs: Answering Your Outfit Questions
What colors are best for family photos? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally, neutral, earthy, and muted tones photograph beautifully. Think about colors you feel confident in and how your outfits will complement your home decor.
Where can I shop for family photo outfits? You don’t need to spend a fortune—great outfits can be found anywhere from Kmart to Myer. Westfield shopping centers are a great starting point. A good strategy is to start with mum’s outfit and coordinate the rest of the family around it.
What colors should I avoid? Fluorescent pinks, neon greens, and pure white can be tricky to photograph and may not be as timeless. Instead, opt for rich, natural colors that feel soft and organic.
Final Thoughts
Choosing outfits for your family photos doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and a focus on coordination, comfort, and timeless colors, you’ll create a look that enhances your photos for years to come. Happy styling!
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