10 Tips To Coordinate Family Photo Outfits (Hint: It’s easier than you think!)

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Ahhhh planning family photo outfits…. 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 pictures. I wish I had done it since the kids were born but… shoulda coulda woulda. By the time I realized this year that it would be fun it was already pretty cold out. If you notice G looks pretty mad in some of the photos, that’s why!

We took our photos at a local park. I don’t prefer a ton of greenery in my photos but we went in November so the leaves had already started to fall and the colors were more orange/brown. This particular park is a very wooded area but believe it or not there were actually a lot of spots we were able to get some great photos in without too much greenery.

It seems like as moms we’re always taking pictures of our kids. But, more times then not we’re not in them 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.

Putting outfits together is something that I love to do so organizing family photo outfits is fun for me. 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 To Coordinate Family Photo Outfits

 

 

1.) Plan in advance. There is nothing worse then 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  – *gasp!

 

 

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 outfits

Old Navy

Gap

Target

Walmart

Nordstrom

Etsy (for accessories)

 

 

3.) Don’t stress about each person wearing the EXACT same color – just keep it in the same color family/shade. You don’t need to be matchy-matchy.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

6.) Lay out the outfits 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 then when you order online.

 

 

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!

 

 

8.) Be mindful of your location. 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.

 

 

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 G’s face in some of our photos 🙂 Walking on the beach? Make sure they have the right shoes. Is it snowing? Be sure you have gloves, hats, etc.!

 

 

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 DETAILS

My dress | My Shoes | G’s Dress | G’s shoes | Mike’s Shirt | Mike’s Shoes (similar) | Mike’s Shirt (similar) | Mike’s Shoes

 

 

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

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Photos by Amanda Fitzpatrick