Family photos are a great way to commemorate special occasions and capture memories with your loved ones. However, figuring out what to wear can be tricky. You want to coordinate outfits that look nice together without being overly matchy-matchy. The key is finding pieces that are cohesive but still allow each family member’s individual style to shine through.
When planning your family photoshoot attire, consider the season and location of the shoot as well as your family’s style preferences. This article covers tips for picking the perfect family photo outfit no matter your family size, color scheme preferences, or style aesthetic.
Match Colors and Patterns
Start by selecting a color palette and pattern scheme that complements all family members. Earth tones like navy, olive green, cream, and denim are versatile neutral options. You can also pick one metallic like gold or silver as an accent shade. As for patterns, select one print like florals, stripes, or polka dots in varying scales.
Complimentary Color Schemes
Some complementary color combination ideas include:
- Navy blue, white, and denim
- Shades of green with cream and tan
- Burgundy, light pink, and blush
- Red, black, and gray
Pattern Mixing Tips
When mixing prints, vary their scale and contrast levels. Pair small florals with big buffalo check prints or thin stripes with wide polka dots. Just make sure to use the same color family so patterns don’t clash.
Coordinate Styles
The next step is to coordinate everyone’s personal style into one cohesive, yet varied look. Start with the style your family wears most – classic, bohemian, preppy, etc. Then incorporate unique touches that represent each member’s individual aesthetic. This allows diverse tastes to harmonize without compromising personal preferences.
Style Formula
Follow this formula when selecting pieces:
- Base: Choose a style that most family members feel comfortable in like casual, business casual, dressy casual, etc.
- Accents: Add accent pieces that represent individual personalities – a band tee for the teen, a fun blazer for dad, a floral kimono for mom.
- Polish: Elevate everyone’s look with tailored pieces, luxe fabrics, shined shoes, elegant jewelry etc.
Individual Touches
Some unique style flourishes family members could incorporate:
- Statement glasses
- A colorful beanie or scarf
- A bow tie
- Suspenders
- Custom sneakers
- Initial or monogram jewelry
- A novelty printed sock
Dress For The Occasion
Consider the vibe of the photoshoot when selecting outfits. Certain events and locations call for more formal attire than others. Here are some common family photo themes and what to wear:
Casual Family Portraits
These are taken outdoors or in an informal setting. Wear nice jeans, khakis, casual skirts/dresses with simple tops and lightweight layers like cardigans, jean jackets and flannels.
Beach Family Vacation Photos
Choose lightweight fabrics like breezy button-downs, linen pants, and sundresses. Wear sandals and hats to shield from sun. Bring some color with tropical prints.
Family Holiday Photos
Match festive colors like red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween. Don holiday sweaters or accessories like reindeer antlers. Dress is nice layers like wool peacoats, chunky scarves and knit beanies.
Family Wedding Party Photos
Formal wedding guest attire applies here for a cohesive wedding party look. Men wear suits with ties matching bridesmaid dresses. Ladies wear formal gowns or dressy cocktail dresses and heels.
Pick Versatile Pieces
The key to coordinating multiple outfits is selecting versatile core pieces that work for both adults and kids. Build complete looks around these staple items everyone can wear:
- Denim jackets – Worn open or closed over dresses, button-downs, graphic tees, etc.
- White button-downs – Crisp with suit pants or jeans; casual open with tanks/camis.
- Tan/khaki pants – Worn dressy with loafers and sweaters or casual with sneakers and tees.
- Simple dresses – Feminine solid color fit-and-flare or A-line dresses pair with various light layers.
- Cardigans – Essential lightweight layer over tees, tanks, and blouses.
- Vests – Refined look over button-downs and tees for all ages.
Accessorize Cohesively
Tie everyone’s style together with matching accessories in your color scheme. Some ideas:
- Hair accessories – headbands, barrettes, bow ties
- Statement jewelry – matching necklace, earring, and bracelet sets
- Scarves, gloves, beanies
- Ties and bow ties
- Suspenders and sock garters
- Pocket squares
Just don’t over-accessorize. Keep it simple with one or two accent pieces per person for a polished look.
Nail The Family Photo Outfit
Coordinating family photos outfits takes a bit of effort but pays off with timeless images you’ll cherish. The secret lies in finding balance between cohesion and individuality. Start with a color scheme everyone can work with. Choose a style most are comfortable in then incorporate small personalized touches. Accessorize minimally for perfect harmony without overdoing the matchiness. Follow these guidelines and you’ll have family photo outfits as close-knit as the loving bonds they represent.
