One of the most common questions I receive before a family photoshoot is: “What should we wear?” It is a perfectly reasonable concern. The right clothing choices can elevate your images from nice snapshots to photographs you will treasure for decades. The wrong choices can distract the eye and date the images quickly.
After photographing hundreds of families over the past fifteen years, I have developed a straightforward approach to wardrobe planning that takes the stress out of the decision. Here is everything you need to know.
The Golden Rule: Coordinate, Don’t Match
The days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans are behind us. Matching outfits can look rigid and unnatural in photographs. Instead, aim for a coordinated colour palette — a family of tones that work together without being identical.
Choose two or three colours that complement each other and distribute them across the family. For example, a palette of navy, cream, and dusty rose gives enough variety to look interesting while maintaining visual harmony. One parent might wear navy, the other cream, and the children could mix elements of all three.
Think of it as dressing for a family dinner at a nice restaurant. Everyone looks polished and put-together, but nobody planned to match.
Colours That Photograph Well
Certain colours consistently produce beautiful results in photographs, regardless of skin tone or location.
Excellent choices:
- Earth tones: olive, rust, camel, terracotta, warm brown
- Soft neutrals: cream, oatmeal, grey, stone, sage
- Muted jewel tones: dusty rose, slate blue, forest green, burgundy
- Denim: a universal connector that pairs with almost everything
Colours to approach with caution:
- Bright white: can blow out in photographs and draw the eye away from faces
- All black: loses detail and can look heavy in outdoor settings
- Neon or very bright colours: overpower the composition and reflect onto skin
- Busy patterns: large logos, cartoon characters, bold stripes, or novelty prints
The goal is for the viewer’s eye to go straight to your faces and expressions, not to a bright yellow t-shirt or a large brand logo.
Texture and Layers Add Interest
Flat, plain clothing can sometimes look a bit lifeless in photographs. Adding layers and texture creates visual depth and makes images feel more dynamic.
Consider incorporating:
- A knitted cardigan or chunky scarf
- A denim jacket thrown over a dress
- Linen or cotton with natural creasing
- Corduroy or tweed for autumn sessions
- A lightweight blanket or wrap for newborn and family sessions
Layers also serve a practical purpose. British weather is unpredictable, and an outdoor session can shift from warm sunshine to chilly wind in minutes. Having a jacket or cardigan to throw on means you stay comfortable — and comfortable subjects always photograph better.
Season-Specific Advice
Spring Sessions
Spring in Southampton brings fresh green backgrounds and soft, diffused light. Lean into lighter, airy palettes — think pastels, soft florals, and light layers. A light cotton dress for mum, chinos and a soft linen shirt for dad, and simple, comfortable clothes for the children works beautifully against the spring foliage.
Footwear note: spring ground can be damp. Opt for boots or sturdy shoes rather than sandals, especially in parks like Southampton Common.
Summer Sessions
Summer offers the widest range of options. Light fabrics, short sleeves, and bare feet on the beach are all fair game. Earth tones and soft neutrals look stunning against sun-drenched backgrounds. Avoid very dark colours that absorb heat and make everyone uncomfortable.
For beach sessions at Weston Shore or along the Solent, consider rolling up trousers and going barefoot. It looks natural and relaxed, which is exactly the feel we want.
Autumn Sessions
Autumn is a photographer’s favourite season, and your wardrobe can reflect the rich, warm colours of the landscape. Rust, burgundy, mustard, forest green, and camel are all stunning choices. Layer up with scarves, knitted jumpers, and boots. The textures and tones will harmonise beautifully with fallen leaves and golden light.
Winter Sessions
Winter sessions can produce some of the most striking images, but comfort is paramount. Warm coats, woollen hats, and scarves become part of the visual story. Choose outerwear in neutral or complementary tones rather than high-visibility colours.
Indoor sessions at your home can work wonderfully in winter — cosy lighting, natural interactions, and no concerns about weather. I am happy to discuss home session options if winter weather feels daunting.
Practical Tips for Children
Children’s comfort directly determines the success of a family session. An uncomfortable child will show it on their face, and no amount of editing can fix genuine discomfort.
- Comfort first: Choose soft fabrics with no scratchy labels or tight waistbands
- Let them move: Avoid clothes that restrict running, climbing, or playing
- Avoid brand new outfits: A new pair of shoes can cause blisters and tears
- Bring a change of clothes: Especially for toddlers who may encounter mud, food, or other adventures
- Skip the hairbows if they hate them: Forced accessories lead to forced expressions
The best family photographs capture genuine interaction and joy. That happens when everyone is comfortable.
Grooming and Details
A few small details can make a significant difference:
- Nails: If hands will be visible (engagement, newborn, detail shots), consider a fresh manicure in a neutral shade
- Hair: Style it how you normally wear it — a session is not the time for a dramatically different look
- Jewellery: Simple and minimal works best. Statement pieces can date photographs
- Glasses: Anti-reflective lenses prevent glare. If you wear glasses daily, keep them on
- Makeup: A little more than usual photographs well, as the camera tends to flatten and soften makeup. Avoid anything glittery or heavily shimmery
What to Bring
I always recommend bringing the following to your session:
- A lint roller for last-minute pet hair removal
- A small mirror for quick checks
- A spare outfit for children
- Snacks and water (especially for younger children)
- Comfortable shoes for walking to the location, with your photoshoot shoes to change into
A Final Word on Overthinking
Here is the truth: I have never had a family session ruined by clothing. I have had sessions made more challenging by subjects who are stressed about their outfits. If choosing what to wear is causing anxiety, reach out to me. I offer a complimentary wardrobe consultation before every session, and I am happy to review outfit photos and offer suggestions.
The most important thing is that you feel like yourselves. Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and the photographs will reflect that.
Ready to book your family session? Get in touch or view examples in my family photography portfolio.