What to Wear for Family Pictures: 20 Family Photo Outfit Ideas

Today, we’re diving into one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to family photoshoots: "What should we wear?" Picking out the perfect outfits for your family pictures doesn’t have to be overwhelming and can actually be fun with a bit of professional direction. So, keep reading to explore 20 different family photo outfit ideas that’ll help your family look coordinated, feel comfortable, and stand out in your portraits. Whether you're planning a holiday mini photo session at the beach or a formal portrait session in a studio, you’ll learn what to wear for family pictures you’ll cherish for years to come. 

What is the Best Color to Wear for Family Pictures?

The best color to wear for family pictures depends on a few factors: the location of your shoot, the season, and your family's style. For example, if you're shooting indoors or in a formal setting, darker shades like black or deep blues can look really sleek and classy. These colors don't draw attention away from the people in the photo, which is always important. 

If you’re planning an outdoor shoot, go with what’s in season; for example:

• Summer: For summer, bright and vibrant colors can reflect the energy of the season. Think shades of blue to match the sky and the sea, yellows to match the sun, or even bold patterns and tropical prints if you're feeling adventurous!

• Spring: This season is all about rebirth and renewal. Think pastels and light, airy colors. Soft pinks, baby blues, mint greens, or even lavender can work beautifully. These colors will complement the blooming flowers and greenery.

• Fall: Autumn is all about warm, earthy tones. Consider wearing colors like burnt orange, mustard yellow, maroon, olive green, or even chocolate brown. They'll complement the changing leaves and create a cozy, comfortable vibe.

• Winter: Darker hues can be very striking against a snowy backdrop for winter shoots: navy, deep purples, emerald greens, or even rich burgundies. But don't be afraid to contrast with lighter shades like white, cream, or silver for a winter wonderland feel, especially for family photos at the beach.

If you're still feeling a bit unsure about what to wear for family pictures, you can’t go wrong with neutrals in any season or environment. Lighter neutrals like cream or gray can be a great choice for outdoor shoots as they complement most backgrounds without stealing the spotlight. Overall, the best color is one that reflects your family's personality and makes everyone feel comfortable and confident.

What to Wear for Family Pictures: 20 Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Every Season

Now that you know some of the best colors to wear for family pictures, let’s dive into specific family photo outfit ideas to make planning your shoot easier and more fun! Whether you’ve booked a full-length family photo shoot before summer ends or are prepping for your Holiday Mini’s @ The Tree Farm, here are some of my favorite ideas for what to wear for family pictures. 

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Summer

1. Bright and Bold: Embrace the vibrancy of summer with bright colors. Choose bold hues like cobalt blue, hot pink, or electric orange. Mix and match to create a fun, energetic look.

2. White Linen: Nothing says summer quite like crisp, white linen. It's light, airy, and looks great on everyone. Pair with tan sandals or espadrilles for a relaxed, beachy vibe.

3. Boho Brilliance: Embrace the free-spirited and artistic essence of bohemian style for your family photoshoot. Choose outfits featuring earthy tones, mixed patterns, and loose, flowing silhouettes.

4. Tropical Prints: From palm leaves to flamingos, tropical prints are a fun choice for summer family photos. Keep the rest of the outfit simple to let the print shine.

5. Denim and Yellow: Yellow is the color of sunshine and happiness–perfect for a summer photo shoot. Pair yellow tops with denim shorts or jeans for a casual yet stylish look. Don’t love yellow? Choose your family’s favorite color!

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Spring

1. Pastel Palette: Pastels are synonymous with spring. Consider outfits in soft hues like mint green, baby blue, lilac, or blush pink. You can mix and match pastels to create a dreamy, soft look.

2. Floral Prints: Spring is the time of blooming flowers. Floral prints on dresses, shirts, or even accessories can add a lively touch to your family photos. Try to keep the rest of the outfit simple if you choose a bold print.

3. Denim and White: This classic combination never goes out of style. Pair white tops with denim jeans or skirts. For variety, mix different shades of denim. This look is casual yet chic.

4. Nautical Stripes: If you're planning a beach photo shoot, nautical stripes are a great option. Combine white and navy stripes with khaki shorts or pants for a fresh, seaside vibe.

5. Color Coordination: Choose a color scheme and have each family member wear a different shade of that color. This creates a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy. For spring, consider shades of green or blue.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Fall

1. Autumn Hues: Dress your family in the colors of fall leaves–think burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep red, and forest green. Mix and match these colors to create a beautiful autumnal color palette.

2. Denim and Plaid: This classic combo never goes out of style. Pair denim jeans with plaid shirts or dresses. You can mix different shades of denim and plaid patterns for a cohesive yet individual look.

3. Sweater Weather: Nothing says fall like cozy knits. Dress your family in chunky sweaters or cardigans in neutral tones like beige, gray, or cream. Pair with jeans or corduroy pants and boots for a warm and stylish ensemble.

4. Leather and Layers: Leather jackets add a cool edge to any outfit. Layer them over sweaters or flannel shirts. Pair with dark jeans and ankle boots for a classic fall look.

5. Monochromatic Magic: Choose one color and dress your entire family in different shades of it. For example, you could choose blue and have everyone wear navy, sky blue, teal, and denim. This creates a striking, coordinated look that's perfect for family photos.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Winter

1. Coordinated Pajamas: Make your photoshoot fun and cozy by dressing up in matching family pajamas. You can opt for a festive print or keep it simple with a classic plaid or stripes. This is one of the cutest family photo outfit ideas for an indoor shoot!

2. Festive Sweaters: Embrace the holiday spirit with festive or "ugly" Christmas sweaters. This is a fun and playful option that can bring a lot of personality to your photos. Pair it with a mini photo session at a tree farm, and you’ll have the best holiday card photos!

3. Elegant in Black: For a sophisticated and coordinated look, dress the family in all black. Combine different fabrics and textures to add depth to the monochromatic look.

4. Holiday Colors: Whether you’re somewhere snowy or need holiday family photos in Los Angeles, wear season-specific outfits. If you’re taking family pictures on the beach in LA, choose flowy outfits in holiday colors like green or red. If you’re taking pictures in the snow, brighten up the backdrop with bright red coats, emerald green scarves, or royal blue hats.

5. Metallic Accents: Add a touch of sparkle to your family photo with metallic accents. Gold or silver accessories, sequined tops, or metallic embroidery can make your outfits stand out. 

Got Your Outfits Planned? Now It’s Time to Book Your Session!

Now that you know what to wear for family pictures, it’s time to book your shoot. At Celeste Drake Photography, I love capturing the beauty of family bonds through my lens. I take immense joy in highlighting those candid moments–a shared laugh, a tender hug, or even a playful chase. I strive to bring out the individual personalities within your family and weave them into a story that is uniquely yours. With a gentle guiding hand and an eye for detail, I ensure that every photograph I take becomes a cherished memory for your family. Keep reading for more details about my family photography services!

Full-Length Family Photo Sessions: My family portrait photography packages are perfect for baby showers, family reunions, birthday parties, holiday card pictures, and newborn sessions. Learn more!

Mini Family Photo Sessions: My mini portrait session packages are typically 15-20 minutes long for individuals, couples, kids, or family photos. New mini-sessions are always being added to my booking platform. Learn more!

Holiday Family Photo Sessions: Need holiday card photos? My Holiday Mini’s are perfect for that. With options for photos at the beach or tree farm, you can choose your favorite backdrop for your family’s Christmas photos. Learn more about Holiday Mini’s at the Tree Farm or at the Beach!

Or, feel free to contact me with any questions, and I’ll help you choose the right photography session for your family!