What to Wear - Family Sessions

What to wear to your outdoor family session

For some, pricing together family outfits is what they've been waiting for all year. For others, it gives you a stomach ache thinking about it. Whichever type of person you are, I've put together some helpful information to coordinate outfits for your family session. Below are some tips, color pallets, and links to some cute pieces to help you get ready for your session. 

Styling

You want these photos to reflect your family and be comfortable. Not the ritzy type of family? (Don't worry, my family isn't either). Then don't push everyone to wear some fancy dresses or suits. We all know kids (and sometimes husbands) are terrible at hiding their emotions when they're uncomfortable. You don't want Dad and Susie looking resentful in their dress and bowtie (In. all . of . the . photos)

I suggest going for these types of vibes: earthy, boho, urban, minimalist and playful. Think TEXTURE. FLOW. and most of all COMFORT. 

Colors

Think of how you are going to use these photos in the future. I always suggest more natural tones because they are timeless and can go along with most styles. Ideally, these images will be printed (which makes my photographer's heart super happy!) and hung up in your home. You want these to flow with your home and style for a lifetime. 

Below are some color pallets I've found to share with you. Not everyone has to be matchy-matchy! Everyone just has to flow together. Prints are okay, as long as you do them correctly. I suggest only one person in the group to wear a print pattern and use the colors from that pattern to match your family together. You just don't want everyone wearing plaid or it may start to look like an optical illusion. As for my family, I just try to stick with solids or just one person wearing print because it's easier. 

Men's Outfit Designing

For men, I recommend wearing button-down shirts, soft shirts, or pullovers for fall. I tend to keep guys to the basic colors like whites/creams and let the kids pull the colors from moms outfit. These options work well with almost any outfit and are comfortable for your husband (win-win!). I also suggest pairing the shirt with a pair of blue jeans or khaki pants. If it's summertime, a nice pair of dark blue or khaki-colored shorts would be a good choice.

Women's Outfit Designing (with links!!)

If you don't have time to sit down and go through all of the internet, I have done some of the work for you. Here are some links to some awesome, simple pieces that can easily be pieced together for you. Simply click on the image and it will directly take you to the shop. 

Tip:

If it's fall or colder weather, I'd definitely pair any of these that are spaghetti strap with a jean jacket or cardigan of some type. I definitely suggest Amazon or Joyfolie for all Dresses (both mom and daughter!)

Little Girl Outfit Designing

For girls’ family photo outfits, Amazon offers a wide selection with fast shipping for those in a time crunch, while Joyfolie, JCP, and Old Navy provide stylish and affordable options that coordinate well with mom’s outfit.

Tips:

I always suggest pulling one color from Mom's outfit to match everything together. For kids, simple solid colors are best. Sometimes, if you put a baby or toddler in a patterned outfit, they can blend in easily or be too distracting. For a timeless appeal with little ones, lighter colors are always my go-to!