“What do we even wear?!”
If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times.
And you’re not alone! This is the #1 thing people stress about before their session.
You want everyone to look coordinated but not overly styled.
You want timeless, not trendy.
There’s a simple way to put together outfits that feel natural, effortless, and uniquely YOU—without the stress.
I’m breaking it all down so you can stop overthinking and start feeling excited about your session.
Mom Picks First!
Here’s the deal—if Mom doesn’t feel confident, the whole session is going to feel off.
So instead of stressing over coordinating the entire family first, start with what makes YOU feel amazing! I am betting that mom is the one who booked the session so these photos mean a lot to her!
Maybe it’s that flowy midi dress that makes you feel effortlessly put together, or a cozy oversized sweater that keeps you comfy but still polished. Whatever it is, pick your outfit first. Then, use it as the anchor for everyone else. As a Denver Family Photographer I offer styling assistance for the whole family and access to my client closet for mom and little girls! You can take a look at my closet here. The password is dresses.
Once you’ve got your outfit, look at its colors, textures, and overall vibe.
If your dress is a soft floral, your family can pull from those colors—maybe your partner wears a muted blue shirt, and your kids wear solid neutrals with a tiny pop of a matching color in their accessories.
This way, everyone looks coordinated without looking like they came in a matching set from a catalog.
Start with a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Super matchy outfits can quickly make your family look like an awkward 90s holiday card.
Instead of dressing everyone in the same color, pick 3-4 colors that work well together and spread them out among family members.
Here’s a trick: Look at your home décor. The colors you naturally gravitate toward in your home are likely the ones you’ll love in your photos!
A good balance of solids and subtle patterns is key.
If Dad wears a plaid shirt, let Mom go for a solid dress, and have the kids in a mix of soft textures and layers to add depth.
Dress for Your Location & Season
Your background plays a huge role in how your outfits look.
If you’re shooting in a green park, avoid wearing too much green or you’ll blend right into the scenery. Instead, earth tones, soft blues, or warm rust colors will help your family stand out beautifully. One mistake people make? Dressing for the “look” instead of the weather. If it’s 95 degrees in the summer, ditch the heavy layers. And for winter sessions, layer in a way that still looks put together—think chic wool coats, scarves, and cute boots rather than giant puffy jackets.
Avoid Distracting Logos & Graphics
Your toddler’s favorite superhero shirt? Adorable. Just maybe not for the family photo. 😂
Anything with big logos, text, or neon colors is going to pull attention away from what really matters—your faces and connection.
Consider Movement & Comfort
Family photos aren’t about standing stiffly and posing like statues anymore. They’re about movement, playfulness, and real moments. That means your outfits need to move with you!
My favorite tip!! For moms, dresses with a little flow photograph beautifully.
For kids, avoid anything too tight, stiff, or itchy—they’ll be uncomfortable, which means less patience and more meltdowns.
For dads/partners, layers always look good. A lightweight jacket or open button-up shirt over a solid tee adds depth without bulk. Avoid stiff dress shirts that wrinkle easily or make movement feel awkward.
Here’s the thing—your family photos aren’t about the outfits.
They’re about your people, your love, and the little moments in between.
But when you feel comfortable, confident, and put together, it makes the entire experience smoother and more fun.
So if you’ve been stressing about what to wear, take a deep breath. Start with Mom’s outfit, pick a simple color palette, dress for the setting, and focus on comfort.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing your family’s connection in a way that feels natural and true to you!
Need some outfit ideas?
Here are four great online shops to find stylish, photo-friendly pieces:
- Baltic Born – Flowy, flattering dresses that photograph beautifully for moms.
- H&M and Zara – Affordable, neutral basics for kids and adults that mix and match easily.
- Jamie Kay – High-quality, soft fabrics for babies and toddlers in muted, timeless colors.
- Abercrombie & Fitch – Elevated casual wear with great layering pieces for dads.
Wherever you shop, keep it simple, comfortable, and true to your style.
Ready to book your Denver family photo session? Let’s make it happen—I just opened my spring calendar! You can find all the details here. Ready to book? Click HERE
I hope reading Denver Family Photo Style Guide: How to Choose Outfits That Actually Work has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Denver Family Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of Family images.
