How To Choose Outfits For Your Session

Let’s be honest — figuring out what to wear for family photos is one of the most overwhelming parts of the process.

It sounds simple until you're standing in your closet two days before your session wondering if you should wear the dress you sort of like, the jeans that fit weird, or the outfit you panic-bought online at midnight. Meanwhile, your toddler insists on wearing a Bluey hoodie, and your partner is asking if this means they have to wear “real pants.”

I get it.

As a Utah lifestyle photographer who works with families all the time, I can tell you this: what you wear actually does matter — not because I want everyone to be dressed up, but because clothing plays a huge role in how your photos feel.

Styling sets the tone. It affects how comfortable you are, how you move, and how the images come together visually. But it doesn't have to be stressful or overly curated. In fact, the best outfits are the ones that feel like you, with a little intentionality behind them.



Here’s exactly how to choose what to wear for your family photos — with practical tips that will make a real difference in how your session looks and feels.

Match The Vibe Of Your Session, Not Each Other

The most important thing you can do is plan around the mood and location of your session — not just coordinating colors.

Ask yourself:

• Are we running barefoot through a sunlit field?
• Snuggling up for a cozy in-home session?
• Exploring the mountains as the sun goes down?



Your outfits should reflect the energy of the shoot. A flowy dress might work beautifully in an open meadow, while soft knits and loose linen are perfect for an in-home session. Once you know the feeling you’re going for, the rest comes easier.

Start With One Outfit You Love

Instead of planning everyone's look all at once, start with one outfit — usually mom’s (because let’s be honest, we tend to care the most) — and build around it.



Pick something you feel amazing in. It should move with you, flatter your favorite features, and let you breathe. If you’re uncomfortable, you’ll be thinking about it the whole time — and that shows in photos.



Once you’ve nailed your outfit, pull color inspiration, texture, and tone for the rest of the family from there.

Choose Colors That Work With Your Environment

Colors aren’t just about matching each other — they’re about complimenting the light, tones, and textures in the space around you.

For outdoor sessions, warm neutrals and earth tones (think: olive, rust, mustard, tan, cream, soft browns) tend to blend beautifully with natural surroundings. For in-home shoots, dusty blues, warm whites, soft grays, and cozy textures help elevate the intimate feel.



Avoid overly saturated or cool-toned colors (like neon or bright primary shades), as they can throw off skin tones and distract from emotion.

Use Texture To Add Interest, Not Busy Patterns

Not every outfit needs a pattern — in fact, too many patterns can clash or feel chaotic in photos. But texture? Texture is gold.



Think chunky knits, woven linen, gauzy sleeves, corduroy, and layered fabrics. These elements add visual depth without demanding attention. They also create movement — which is key in storytelling family photography.



If you do want a pattern, stick to one (maybe two max) and make sure they’re subtle — small-scale florals, muted plaid, or soft stripes tend to work best.

Keep Accessories Minimal And Intentional

Accessories are a great way to finish an outfit, but they should never steal focus from the emotion in your images.

Things like a wide-brim hat, layered necklace, or cozy shawl can add dimension and variety to your gallery — but avoid anything too loud, flashy, or branded. Less is more.

And if your child insists on bringing a special lovey or blanket? Embrace it. It’s part of the story.

Comfort Is Key (Especially For Kids)

Let’s be real. If your toddler is in something stiff or itchy, they’re not going to last long. Choose pieces they can run, play, and snuggle in. Soft fabrics, stretch waistbands, and layers they can move around in are all wins.

Same goes for your partner. Don’t force them into something they’d never normally wear. A relaxed button-up or a neutral pullover paired with jeans or chinos they feel good in will go way further than something trendy they’ll tug at all evening.



Bonus tip: always bring backup clothes for the kids. Accidents happen, and sometimes outfit #2 ends up being everyone’s favorite.

Shoes Matter (But Not As Much As You Think)

For outdoor sessions, choose shoes that make sense for the terrain — boots, sandals, neutral sneakers, or even going barefoot depending on the location and season.



Avoid bright white shoes, anything with logos, or super bulky sneakers unless they really fit the vibe. That said, don’t overthink it. Comfort and safety come first, always.

I'm Here To Help!

Every single one of my clients gets my full styling guide, and I’ll never leave you to figure this out alone. If you want a second opinion, send me your outfit photos. I’ll give honest, kind feedback that helps you feel confident in your choices — and make sure everything flows with your session location, light, and story.



This is part of what makes your experience with me different — and it’s so worth it.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a style expert. You don’t have to go out and buy brand new outfits. And you definitely don’t have to match head to toe.

You just have to choose clothing that feels like you — relaxed, intentional, and real — so you can show up, love on your people, and let me do the rest.



If you’re looking for a Utah family photographer who helps make this entire process easier (and more meaningful), I’d love to work with you. Together, we’ll create a session that feels true to your family — and a gallery you’ll treasure forever.