Planning outfits for a family photoshoot can feel overwhelming, but with a little guidance, it’s easy to create a cohesive look that brings out your family’s personality and style. Whether you're aiming for a timeless vibe or something more playful, coordinating outfits is key to achieving stunning, well-balanced photos that will be cherished for years. Here are my top tips on how to coordinate family outfits for your next photoshoot.
1. Start with a Color Palette
The foundation of a great coordinated look is choosing a color palette that ties everyone together without being too matchy-matchy. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose 2-3 main colors: Pick a couple of complementary colors that work well together. For example, earthy tones like navy, mustard, and cream look beautiful in fall settings, while pastels like blush, light blue, and white feel fresh for spring or summer shoots.
- Add neutral tones: Incorporate neutral shades like beige, gray, white, or denim to keep the palette balanced.
- Consider the location: If you're shooting in a vibrant location (like a park in autumn), you may want more neutral or muted tones to keep the focus on your family. Conversely, if the background is neutral (like a beach), feel free to add a pop of color.
2. Avoid Being Too Matchy-Matchy
While it might be tempting to dress everyone in the exact same color or pattern, doing so can make your photos feel a little flat. Instead, aim for a look that’s coordinated but not identical.
- Vary shades of the same color: If you love a particular color, like blue, have family members wear different shades—think navy, sky blue, and soft gray-blue.
- Mix solids and patterns: If one family member wears a patterned outfit, like floral or plaid, balance it out with solids on the others to avoid overwhelming the image.
- Layer textures: Knit sweaters, denim jackets, or scarves can add depth and interest without needing to introduce more colors.
3. Consider the Season
The time of year plays a big role in your outfit choices. You want your photos to feel natural, so make sure your clothes match the season:
- Spring/Summer: Light, airy fabrics in soft colors, floral prints, or pastels work well. Think sundresses for moms, light button-ups for dads, and simple, playful outfits for the kids.
- Fall/Winter: Opt for warm tones like rust, mustard, burgundy, or deep green, and layer up with cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots. Earthy colors are perfect for fall foliage, while winter shots look great with rich, dark tones.
4. Coordinate, Don’t Compete
It’s important that no one person’s outfit overpowers the rest. If one person is wearing a bold print or a statement piece, make sure everyone else’s outfits are more subdued.
- For example, if mom wears a floral dress, dad might opt for a solid-colored shirt and the kids in neutral tones with small pops of color. This keeps the focus on the family as a whole rather than just one outfit.
5. Think About Comfort
Your family’s comfort is just as important as how the outfits look. If someone is uncomfortable in their clothes, it will show in the photos.
- Kids should be comfy: Avoid stiff or overly formal clothing for younger children. Opt for outfits that allow them to move and play naturally, which will result in more relaxed, joyful photos.
- Parents too: Make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing. If you’re constantly adjusting or tugging at clothes, you’ll be distracted during the session.
6. Consider Timeless Styles
Trends come and go, but your family photos will be around forever. Choosing timeless styles and classic cuts will help ensure your photos look fresh even years later. Think simple silhouettes, flattering cuts, and classic prints like stripes or subtle florals.
- Avoid logos or bold graphics: These can be distracting and can date your photos.
7. Plan for Accessories
Accessories can be a fun way to add personality to your outfits without being overpowering.
- Scarves, hats, and jewelry: These small touches can elevate an outfit. Just make sure not to go overboard—less is more!
- Shoes matter: Shoes are often overlooked, but they can make or break the look. Make sure everyone’s footwear complements their outfits, whether it's casual sandals, stylish boots, or polished dress shoes.
8. Lay It All Out
Before the day of the shoot, lay out everyone’s outfits side by side. This gives you a visual of how all the pieces work together. You can easily swap out items that don’t fit the overall look or make last-minute adjustments. Doing this in advance will help you avoid any stress on the day of the session.
9. Get the Kids Involved
If your kids are old enough, let them have a say in what they wear (within reason!). If they feel good in their outfits, they’re more likely to enjoy the shoot and cooperate, making the session smoother for everyone.
10. Trust Your Photographer’s Input
Your photographer has likely seen countless family photoshoots and knows what works best on camera. Don’t hesitate to ask them for advice on colors, patterns, or even where to shop. They can guide you on the best choices based on the location, lighting, and vibe of the session.
Final Thoughts
Coordinating family outfits doesn’t have to be stressful! By choosing a cohesive color palette, keeping comfort in mind, and balancing patterns and textures, you can create a polished, put-together look that highlights your family’s unique personality. Most importantly, have fun with it—your joy and love will shine through in every photo!
