Rules for Planning Your Family Photo Outfits
Rule #1: Mom is Queen (But Ditch the Heels)
Start with what you (yes, Mom) want to wear. If you feel amazing, everyone else will vibe off your confidence. Pick something that makes you feel comfortable, beautiful, and able to move. You’ll be picking up kids, twirling, and probably walking through grass—heels are not your friend here.
Once you’ve got your outfit set, coordinate the rest of the family around it. Think of yourself as the anchor, and everyone else gets to be the supporting cast.
(BUT…. if you have a child with sensory sensitive kiddo, read Neurodivergent Families: Preparing Outfits for a Family Photo Session because my advice there is contrary to this rule)
Rule #2: Comfort is Non-Negotiable
Especially if you’ve got neurodivergent kiddos (or adults) in the mix, comfort beats all else. Scratchy tags? Nope. Stiff collars? Hard pass. If someone feels uncomfortable, that’s going to show up in the photos—and not in the “Pinterest aesthetic” way.
Let kids (and grownups) have a say in what they wear. If that means they insist on their favorite sneakers or patterned leggings, roll with it. Joyful, authentic faces matter way more than perfectly coordinated outfits.
Pro Tip: Muddy footprints and paw prints are not outfit-ruiners. They’re memories.
Rule #3: Color > Stress
Now, about color. Here’s the truth: neutrals photograph beautifully, but you don’t have to treat beige like a sacred family photo color. Add pops of color! Layer in a bold accessory, a fun scarf, or that patterned shirt your kid actually loves.
Here’s the easy formula:
Neutrals = grounding your photos (soft grays, creams, navy, khaki).
Color = personality and joy (warm rusts, soft blues, jewel tones, muted pastels).
Black & neon = tricky. Black hides detail, neon steals the spotlight (and not in a cute way).
Aim for balance, not matchy-matchy. You want coordination, not a family band album cover.
Rule #4: Patterns are Friends (Mostly)
Patterns can add fun texture, but they need to play nicely. Too many bold patterns = visual chaos. A good rule of thumb: one patterned outfit + a few solids to balance it out.
Plaid shirt? Great—then pair it with solid jeans and a neutral dress. Polka dots and stripes together? That’s an “eye twitch waiting to happen” situation.
Rule #5: Be Play-Ready
Family photos aren’t about standing perfectly still—they’re about connection, laughter, and maybe a tickle fight or two. So wear clothes you can move in. Dresses that twirl. Pants you can squat in without fear. Shirts you don’t need to tug down every two seconds.
If you’re worried about dirt or grass stains—don’t be. Those little “imperfections” make your photos feel alive and real.
At the end of the day, the best photos come when you’re comfortable, relaxed, and having fun. Your family’s personality is the real star—not the clothes. So dress in a way that feels good, gives you freedom to play, and shows off who you are.
Because five years from now, you won’t remember what shade of beige you almost picked—you’ll remember the laughter, the hugs, and the way your family looked happy together.
If you want a more detailed breakdown on how to dress each member of your family, please check out my other blog post: What to Wear for Family Photos