The most common family question: what do we wear? Let’s make this seemly big task of arranging outfits, super easy and fun! Here’s a few of my tips for a family look that will feel like you for years to come.

Tip 1: WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES

While that new dress or pair of pants may seem like a good idea in the store, if you or your kiddos aren’t comfortable it will show.  Don’t be afraid to be casual if that is your ideal. In the example below the guys are in t-shirts, and it totally works! The daughter’s pattern on the skirt ties it all together: moms magenta, dad’s black and brother’s yellow. Jeans and kakis are welcome.

This family is also casual and it works.

Tip 2: USE PATTERN SPARINGLY

A pop of pattern here and there can be a great thing. However, there needs to be some solid outfits that help balance out the image! If everyone is wearing a pattern it’s very distracting and when you look at your images your eyes will be focusing on the mix of plaids, polkadots and florals.  In general I DO NOT recommend plain stripes. It’s a bold pattern and doesn’t blend well. I also recommend steering away from cartoons or crazy characters on children’s clothing. Plaids however, are great!  In the example below, the husband’s plaid is a nice pop of pattern. Their family colors are blended and the girls pink balance. The pattern in the oldest daughter’s skirt doesn’t stand out because the solids tones it down.

In the second image, this family choose greens with the husband again using a soft pattern. The daughter is in a soft neutral which makes her stand out against the parents outfits. Great use of color and patterns!

Tip 3: MUTED COLORS ARE IDEAL

Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals! Some pops of colors can be great, but a generally muted neutral pallet is best.  Blues, creams, browns, maroons, golds, sage greens… While that bright pink and neon orange may be the kids favorite shirt right now, I guarantee it will stand out and become the focal point of your portrait. Keep your individuality, but trade in those neons and fluorescents for a calmer version.  Below, this is one of my FAVORITE family outfits to date! They get two images, because it was just spot on.  Why it works: it’s casual yet feels special for the occasion. There’s a hint of a theme color with the maroon but it’s not overstated! There’s a little pattern in the moms scarf and oldest daughter’s dress but it’s not too loud.  Mom, dad and baby brother are in neutrals and we have another solid with the middle sisters dress.  A perfect example of dressing for the season, keeping things comfortable and letting muted colors bring it all together.

Tip 4: Please, please PLEASE DON’T COME “MATCHY MATCHY!”

All white shirts with jeans, or all black shirts with khakis just do. not. work! You’re investing in photography and I want those images to be proudly displayed and feel like you! Unless your family always dresses exactly the same, don’t show up that way for photos. 🙂 Embrace some color, and if you’re trying to coordinate a large group, give everyone an accent color to incorporate.  In the example below, this extended family chose blues with a pop of purple.  It worked well for their individual family photos and was also easy for the other two households involved to show up and be instantly coordinated together.

Tip 5: Last but not least, DRESS FOR THE SEASON

If it’s fall, then bust out those boots, leggings and long sleeve sweaters! Bring on the scarves and hats of winter, and sun dresses and sandals of summer. Your outfits should match your surroundings, and all seasons bring different photography looks. Below, I specifically love the texture in their solid sweaters, the vest on the baby, and mom’s big scarf that brings all the colors together. It just embraces all the snuggles of cozy fall!

Happy photo shooting, sweet friends! <3