When it comes to Family Portraits matching the entire family will give you the foundation for beautiful lasting memories. 

10 Tips for What to Wear for Family Portraits

Matching the entire family for family portraits it Is a little bit of work but it is so worth it!  Here are 10 tips that I can share with you when putting your family’s outfits together for family portraits…

1.  Do a little research

Think about what look and feel you want the photos to have.  Go online to get inspiration.  Do you want a vintage or more modern and simplistic look?  Do you want to be more casual or dressy? The trend I see now is towards a more casual look, choose clothes that are nice, but have a lived-in, timeless look.  Stores like the J.Crew, The Gap or JCPenney usually have shirts or jeans that work well.  Take a close look at what you already own, is easy to overlook this one.

2. Choose a color scheme 

For family pictures, it helps to have complementary colors, so picking a color scheme you like works best.  I would say 2-3 main colors (for example – tan, gray and blue or blue white and cream) and then adding some pops of colors looks really good in photos.  If you’re planning on hanging the pictures in your home, you might find inspiration there.  What colors do you decorate with?  What colors make you feel good? Stores like the Gap or Old Navy are also good places to spark ideas for selecting your colors. 

3.  It's okay if everybody does not match

Sure, if you have some adorable little ones, matching can be totally cute, but usually matching everyone in the picture just doesn’t work.  {hello Hawaiian shirts, or are all white} The pictures can look dated as this trend has passed.  For example, have some wear collared shirts, while others don’t.  If you want your photos to have character and depth then coordinate, don’t match your outfits! This also lets everyone put a little piece of their personality in the picture.

4.  Coordinate with your home to decor

Look carefully at the colors in your home and coordinate those colors in your clothing so your portraits will match your home decor. Pulling in the accent colors that you love.

5.  For dimension think layers

I think it adds dimension to have some texture and layering in your outfits.  For the boys, that’s usually a couple of shirts – maybe a plain tee under a cool checked shirt, knit sweater for vest.  For the girls that could be a skirt, shirt, sweater, tights and maybe a hair accessory.  A striped scarf over a plain shirt is a great layering piece without adding too much.

6.  Patterns are great but use in moderation.

I personally like to see a little pattern in the clothes we choose for photos, but too much can ruin the look all together.  For multi generation large families a couple of the members could wear complementary patterns in varying sizes, but if everyone wore the patter this would be too much.

7.  No cartoons or graphics please

Your little one might love his superhero shirt, but graphics can be very distracting in a photo. 

8.  Accessories can add a lot of character and personalization

Scarves, necklaces, hats, hair bows, and socks can also bring a lot to your images.  It’s that finishing touch that brings everything together.  This is also where you can add your pops of color. 

9.  Put all the clothes together and take a photograph

I love using this one!  Laying everyone’s outfit out on the floor the way they’re going to wear them – and seeing all the colors and textures next to each other will help you a lot!  This way you’re not guessing what it will look like in the end.  Taking a picture of what you laid out is even better.  You can see how the family will look without dressing everyone in their clothes or even having to be in the same room!  For a busy family, this is a time and hassle savor!

10. Think about the background

Where are you taking pictures?  Is it more industrial or urban…or out in nature?  What you choose to wear should somewhat go with your setting.  Also, if you like the look of a backdrop  consider the color. For instance using a black background and wearing black would make you disappear, so not a good idea.  Same goes for white 

Don’t forget the makeup!  – Yep, that’s right mom, don’t forget to think about your makeup for family pictures!  And don’t be afraid to put on a little more than usual. And anybody who has a shiny complexion use mineral powder with a nice soft brush to reduce the shine. This works great on the teenagers and dad if he's worrying a little too much. 

I hope you found these suggestions helpfulI. And if you have any questions at all feel free to reach out. With every portrait session I also include a clothing consultation! Click here To read more about the Family sessions that I offer and you can even book your portrait session day from the links on this page. And of course, you can call me to schedule also!