10 Tips For Planning Outfits For Family Pictures

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Ahhhh planning outfits for family pictures…. one of my favorite things! I don’t know why but it didn’t occur to me until this year to start taking yearly family photos. I wish I had done it since the kids were born but… shoulda coulda woulda.

 

Whether you want to take family photos for holiday cards or you just want pictures to treasure your special time together, I’ve got 10 tips to help you plan the perfect outfits for family pictures.

 

family photo outfits

 

It seems like as moms, we’re always taking pictures of our kids. But, more times than not, we’re not in the photos…. and if we are then our significant other isn’t…I mean, someone has to take the picture, right?!

 

Anyway – I have so many pictures of the kids but yet I don’t have that many pictures of us as a family. Even if it’s just once a year it’s so nice to be able to capture a special time together and in future years be able to look back at how quickly the kids grow up.

 

If you want to take family photos but stress over having to coordinate all of your outfits I have a few very simple tips that I think will help!

 

10 Tips For Planning Outfits For Family Pictures

 

1.) Plan in advance

There is nothing worse than scheduling (aka paying) a photographer for a session and then realizing you aren’t ready, or worse – taking photos when you don’t have the right outfits planned.

 

family photo outfits

 

2.) Choose 2-3 colors

I personally prefer neutrals but even with that, you could always add a pop of color…Have a boy and a girl? Think bows and bow ties. Have a pet? Give them a pop of color with a collar!

 

Here are some of my favorite places to shop for coordinating family photo outfits

Old Navy

Gap

Target

Walmart

Nordstrom

Amazon

Etsy (for accessories)

 

family photo outfits

family photo outfits

3.) Don’t stress about each person wearing the EXACT same color

You don’t need to be matchy-matchy. Just keep it in the same color family/shade.

 

Check out our more recent family photos HERE

family photo outfits

 

4.) Try to avoid too many patterns

Too many patterns can make a photo super busy. It’s best to keep the focus on the individuals and the memories being made then a dizzying mess of patterns.

 

family photo outfits

 

5.) Steer clear of being too seasonal

While I’m all for the holidays we have to remember these photos will be looked at all year long. If you plan to display the pictures try to stick to looks that can be worn all year through so that it doesn’t look like you just forgot to take the pictures down after the holiday season is over.

 

family photo outfits

 

6.) Lay the outfits out so you can see what they look like next to each other

It’s the best way to ensure you’re happy with how it looks! Also, clothing often looks a bit different in person than when you order online.

 

family photo outfits

family photo outfits

 

7.) Opt for classic pieces over trendy

You’ll want to look back at these photos and focus on the time you had as a family, not on how awful your sweater was that you can’t believe you ever bought. We’ve all been there!

 

mommy and daughter photos

park pics

 

8.) Be mindful of your location When Planning Outfits For Family Pictures

Taking photos in front of pink flowers? Try to avoid wearing pinks. You don’t want to blend in with and/or compete with the background.

 

little boy with m&m

daddy and son

 

9.) Comfort is key

Especially if you have kids. I can tell you from experience that if they are cold they will not be happy. Hence our daughter’s face in some of the photos 🙂 Walking on the beach? Make sure they have the right shoes. Is it snowing? Be sure you have gloves, hats, etc.!

 

a mom and her son

a mom and her son

 

10.) Think about what you will be using the photos for

Are you just planning to save them on your computer to look back at? Or do you plan to display them in your home?

 

If you plan to hang/display them in your home I suggest taking your personal style/decor into account. For example, our house is all white and grey with a very distinct style. If we were to take photos with a bright yellow or red color scheme they would probably stick out like a sore thumb once hung on the wall.

 

family photo outfits

Planning Outfits For Family Pictures FAQ’s

What should mom wear for family photos?

I always recommend picking out mom’s outfits first and building everyone else’s outfits around that. It’s much easier to start with one person and go from there. Here are a few great options for moms that you can personalize with the colors you choose:

  1. Maxi skirt & blouse with lace-up sandals
  2. Wrap dress with wedges
  3. Tie-Waist dress with block heels
  4. White pants with a blouse and sandals
  5. Sweater dress & booties

 

What Colors Are Best For Family Photos?

Some colors work better together than others. Knowing how to pair colors can make all the difference when it comes to planning outfits for family pictures. Here are a few color combinations that tend to work well together:

 

family photo outfits

 

family photo outfits

FAMILY PHOTO OUTFITS DETAILS

My dress | My Shoes | Girl Dress | Girl shoes | Men’s Shirt | Men’s Shoes (similar) | Men’s Shirt (similar) | Men’s Shoes

 

 

That’s it for my tips for planning outfits for family pictures! Do you take yearly family photos? If so how do you go about choosing your family picture outfits? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Other posts you might like

The 10 Best Affordable Jeans For Women Under $80

Amazon Fashion Haul Summer 2020

17 Cute Casual Outfits For Summer

 

Photos by Amanda Fitzpatrick

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6 Comments

    1. Thanks Kim! Now I need to remember every year that we should do them before it gets too cold LOL

  1. We take family photos every year and I try to choose a new color pallet each year, but we always end up with blue as one of the colors. We all have blue eyes so it compliments really well.
    This year I was going to mix it up with red buffalo plaid, which we will do for a few pictures, but we are on to a second outfit with tans, blues, and creams.

    Great photos btw!

    1. Thanks!

      I think blue goes really well with so many other colors, and it’s often easy to find for the whole family! Sometimes it’s hard when you have a few kids at different ages. I’ve had times where I’ve had outfits for 4 of us and then can’t find something for the last kid lol.

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