FOR HIM

FOR HER

NEWBORN + TODDLER + KIDS

What to Wear for Family Photos: Shop My Curated Outfit Picks

SHOP My photo-friendly Outfits

coordinating family photo outfits

ORGANIC OPTIONS 

Photography-Friendly Fashion

I've curated a selection of adorable outfit ideas to help Studio 29 Photography clients look their best and feel confident during their session.

You're in good hands...

HANDPICKED WITH YOU IN MIND

Dusty Pink + Olive

Blue & White

Coordinating Family Outfits

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When it comes to helping my clients choose outfits for their photo sessions I believe styling should serve the photograph’s purpose, not just the client’s closet.

Q. Why does what I wear matter so much for a photoshoot?

Your session was scheduled for a reason, so your wardrobe should have a reason too. Photos mark a specific moment in time, document an event, celebrate a season of life, or help tell the story of your brand. The right outfit supports that purpose instead of distracting from it. Clothing helps shape the mood, message, and overall feeling of your final images.

Q. Why do colors matter so much in photos?

Color is one of the first things people notice in an image. It affects the mood of the photo, how the group looks together, how your skin tone photographs, and where the viewer’s eye goes first. The right color palette can make your images feel soft, warm, polished, playful, bold, or timeless.

Q. Should my family wear matching outfits?

Coordinating usually photographs better than matching. When everyone wears the exact same outfit, the image can feel flat or dated. Coordinating means choosing colors, textures, and styles that work well together without being identical. This creates a more natural, elevated, and visually interesting result.

Q. What colors usually photograph well for family, maternity, and newborn sessions? 

Soft neutrals, earth tones, and muted colors are often beautiful choices. Cream, ivory, camel, taupe, soft gray, sage, dusty blue, blush, rust, olive, and warm brown can photograph especially well depending on the location and season. These colors to keep the focus on people and connection rather than on the clothing itself.

Q. Will you help us choose our outfits?

Yes, and this is exactly why this page exists! Styling guidance is part of every Studio 29 session because my clients are busy and would rather not spend a weekend researching what photographs well! Shop for outfits, find styling tips, text me fitting room photos - - I love supporting and confirming everything works together before your session.

Q. Are there certain styles and fabrics that photograph better if I want more shape?

Yes. Wrap dresses, empire waists, high-rise bottoms, tucked tops, belts, tailored jackets, and pieces with a defined waist can help create shape on camera. Fabrics with a little structure often photograph better than very thin or clingy materials.
Read More About This: Fitted vs Loose Clothing for Photos

family photo outfit checklist: A few things to keep in mind while you’re shopping:

Over and over, clients tell me the hardest part of getting ready for family photos is figuring out what everyone should wear. 

So let me make this easier; the outfits you choose should first and foremost feel like you. The key is choosing pieces your eyes are not immediately drawn to the clothes… it’s drawn to you and your family’s faces and laughter. 

• Start with one anchor outfit first. Usually your dress, baby’s romper, or the piece you already love. Do not try to shop for everyone at once. That is how we end up spiraling.

• Pull 3–5 colors from that anchor outfit and use those colors for everyone else.

• Choose colors that complement each other and your season/backdrop. A fall field, beach session, in-home newborn session, and downtown shoot will not all call for the same palette.

• Lighter, softer colors usually make skin tones look fab because they don’t reflect weird colors onto you or your family. Please, with love, no neons.

• One pattern can add interest without competing. Five patterns usually want to fight each other.

• You don’t need a fitted outfit from head to toe. Instead, look for one detail that gives shape: a defined waist, open neckline, structured shoulder, tucked top, cropped jacket over a dress, or belted jumpsuit.

• Texture is your friend. Lace, ribbing, knits, linens, buttons, eyelet, gauze, denim, and corduroy all add depth without needing a ton of styling.

• I LOVE layers. They can add shape, movement, warmth, and a little interest. 

• Before you commit, film a quick phone video of yourself walking, sitting, turning, and holding your kiddos. If it rides up, clings, pulls, or needs constant adjusting on camera in your bedroom, it will do the same thing in front of mine. 😉

Contact me

EXPLORE Sessions

Ready to Fill Your Walls With Precious Memories?

Wisconsin family photographer

newsletter sign up