A Guide To Find the Best Outfits for Family Photos

Planning a family photo session might seem simple enough, but the second that date is on the calendar, suddenly, you spend a lot of your free time planning the little details. Do you need to schedule haircuts? Should you book professional makeup? And what about the outfits? As an Asheville family photographer, I adore working with families to help them plan their sessions. If you could use some guidance on your clothing, here’s my advice for finding the best outfits for family photos! 

What is Family Photography?

So, first of all, let’s start by talking about what, exactly, family photography is. It might seem pretty self-explanatory, but there are different styles, and each one informs what you will choose for your outfits. I provide in-home, in-studio, and outdoor sessions for my clients. In-home sessions are going to be the most laid-back.

These are stylized glimpses into your everyday life, and as such, they tend to be much more casual. Sure, you’re probably not going to want to wear sweats and that t-shirt you still have from high school, but outfits like jeans and nicer tops are perfectly fine. 

In-studio family photos, on the other hand, are going to call for a more elevated outfit. These sessions are often a favorite for maternity and newborn images, although anyone can book them! With in-studio sessions, think flowy dresses for women and nicer crisp slacks for the guys. 

Lastly (but probably my favorite), are outdoor family sessions. These can be a mixture of formal and casual! I have some clients who love to embrace a dreamy, hyper-stylized session and others who would rather not wrestle antsy kids into button-ups and suspenders. I love getting to advise my clients on styles and color choice, and many moms are happy to have help with that decision!

Tips for Dressing the Family

Tip #1: Coordinate, But Don’t Be Matchy-Matchy

It can be tempting to run to the store and find the same shirt for your kids in every size. These outfits for family photos come out a little more boring, though. Rather than sticking with just one color, I suggest going with a color scheme instead. You can base colors around the seasons, choosing darker neutral colors in autumn and lighter shades in the spring.

If you need help, head over to Pinterest and search for family photo color schemes. Typically, you can find great, varied ideas.  You can likely find the styles and colors that feel right for your family! 

Tip #2: Avoid Busy Patterns

Patterns can be a fun way to incorporate your color scheme, but unfortunately, really loud ones just don’t photograph well. Plus, they can be hard to match. If you do decide on a patterned outfit, use it as your focal point. If this is a maternity session, let Mom be in a floral dress, and the rest of the family can wear colors from the pattern. You can also plan around a child’s patterned outfit. Just avoid overly chaotic patterns! 

Tip #3: Textures and Layers for The Win

If you want a good way to mix things up without necessarily adding too much color, adding outfit textures is going to be your best friend for family photos! This is going to keep you from looking too overly coordinated. Layers are also extremely helpful! You can shake up your outfit and help it fit the theme while adding more depth. 

Family Photos Outfit Ideas for Mom

Moms are typically the ones on the scene who keep the show going!  It never hurts to wear outfits that let you easily move around so you can stay comfortable during family photos. This is especially going to be key if you are currently nursing. Make sure you are able to breastfeed throughout your session without too much finagling! I also suggest finding something flattering that will keep you feeling confident.

Maxi dresses and soft blouses are always a great choice! If you choose a pattern to wear, gentle florals are not only gorgeous, but they’re also fairly easy to find! You can then create a color scheme pulling from your outfit. 

Outfit Ideas for Dad

Dads tend to be pretty easy. Fitted, casual outfits like chinos and a button-down shirt are always family photos classics! Chat about color coordination with the rest of the family before choosing solid shirts that fit the theme. It doesn’t hurt to pick this outfit last after seeing the other pieces. I would also suggest not selecting items with logos or graphics.

Outfit Ideas for Baby

When it comes to your baby, simple is best. Choose soft and snug outfits (think onesies and swaddles) that will keep them comfortable throughout their session. I am always partial to pastels or creams for their outfits. And also, be sure you have extra outfits, just in case! 

Outfit Ideas for Siblings

It’s now time to fill everything in with the sibling outfits for family photos! With these, choose outfits that mirror your own in both color and style. You don’t want to mix overly ruffly princess dresses with casual jeans and tees! Also, I know children don’t exactly love getting all dressed up for photos, but there are several things you can do to make it a little more kid-friendly.

Choose comfortable clothing so your child can easily sit on the floor or ground or play throughout their session. If you have an older child, let them help you pick out the outfit so they can feel included in the decision. 

Where to Shop for The Best Outfits in Asheville For Family Photos

Once you have a better idea of what family outfits to buy, here are some of my favorite spots to shop in Asheville for photos! 

April Cornell – A women’s and kids’ boutique with a fabulous selection of maxi dresses. Located at : 28 N Lexington Ave Asheville, NC 28801

Dogwood Darlings – a baby and children’s boutique with a flair for vintage-inspired shops. (Asheville location closed due to storm damage) Visit them at: 24 West North Street, Downtown Greenville, SC.

Bohemian Baby – a boho chic shop for babies and toddlers. Located at : 1 Page Ave, Suite 145B, Asheville, NC 28801

Charmed Boutique – a modern women’s store with functional yet stylish pieces and tons of accessories. Two locations : 46 Haywood St. Asheville, NC 28801 & 8 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC 28801.

Frock Boutique – a women’s boutique with solid-colored dresses and jumpsuits. Visit them at : 4 Battery Park Ave #4, Asheville, NC 28801.

Union – a his and her boutique with fashionable outfits for both mom and dad. Located at : 18 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC  28801.

Hazel Twenty – gorgeous clothing for every member of the family, ranging from casual to dressy. Visit them at : 16 Patton Ave Asheville, NC

JW BELL – a men’s boutique with suits, button-ups, and accessories to style it all. North Entrance, 4 Vanderbilt Park Dr SUITE 350, Asheville, NC 28803

Final Prep for Your Family Session

Before I leave you, there are a few extra family photos tips I want you to remember when planning your outfits. For starters, everyone needs a backup outfit. Yes, everyone! Accidents happen, whether it’s spit-up on your dress or an exploding juice box meant to keep your child happy. It’s always a good idea to be overprepared!

Before the day of your session, check the temperature and decide if you need to move in a different direction with your choices. This might not be an issue for an indoor session, but for outdoors, you want to make sure everyone is comfortable. Finally, check for things like wrinkles, stains, and pet hair ahead of time. You might miss them before your session, but the camera sure won’t! 

With These Tips, You Can Easily Plan The Best Outfits For Family Photos

Hopefully this helps as you start to plan your session with the best outfits for family photos! If you need some extra help, send me a message! I’m an Asheville and Hendersonville family photographer and would love to guide you so you can have images you will treasure for years. Message me today so we can get your family session booked!