Wondering what to wear for family photos? I’m Linda Sobolewski, a family and senior portrait photographer based on the Connecticut shoreline. I photograph families, newborns, and seniors up and down the CT shoreline, from Guilford to Old Saybrook, and this is the most common question families ask me. So I’ve put everything I tell my clients into this guide.
Here’s the short answer:
Choose 2–3 complementary colors for the whole family, dress Mom first, add layers and texture, and skip bright white, neon shades, and big logos. Now let’s break it down.
Moms, Dress Yourself First!
Don’t like showing off your arms? Skip the tank top, even if it matches the color palette perfectly. Your comfort matters more than any color scheme.
I always tell moms the same thing: pick your outfit before anyone else’s. We are the hardest on ourselves about how we look, so choose something you feel beautiful in. When you feel beautiful, it shows on camera.
What to Wear for Family Photos: Pick 2 to 3 Colors
Plain white t-shirts with jeans look outdated in photos. Instead, select two main colors, then add a third as an accent or pop of color. Everyone wears a variation of those colors, and layers and accessories are a great way to work them in.
Also, don’t be afraid of patterns. Guys look great in stripes or plaid. Just steer clear of large logos, text on clothing, and bright colors. Bright colors reflect light and can cast that color onto your skin.
Layers, Textures, and Accessories Make the Difference
Layers and texture are the difference between family photos that look great and photos that look wow. A scarf, a vest, a knit cardigan, a fun hat, or stylish jewelry adds color, individuality, and interest to your pictures.
And remember to dress head to toe. Shoes are the best place to get creative. Think leather boots, red ballet slippers, or sequined Toms. All of them look better than sneakers and add loads of personality.
What to Wear for Family Photos by Season and Location
Both the time of year and your session location matter when deciding what to wear for family photos. Kids who are too hot or too cold cooperate less. Even the beach can be chilly here on the Connecticut shoreline, so cardigans are always smart. In the fall, make sure your children’s arms and legs aren’t bare.
What to Wear for Family Photos:
Be You!
You’re investing in family photos to capture who you are, so show that in what you wear. If your daughter loves twirly dresses, wonderful. If she hates dresses, let her wear pants or shorts. Happy kids are more cooperative kids!
For Little Girls
Add tights, leggings, shorts, or bloomers to dresses, because young kids rarely sit with their legs closed.
For Boys
Start with dark khakis, corduroys, or jeans, then add henleys, golf shirts, or button-downs. And for everyone, fitted photographs better than baggy, so shop your own closet before buying anything new.
My Favorite Trick: The Flat Lay
Clear the bed and lay everyone’s outfits out together. Then snap a photo with your phone. You’ll notice right away if anything stands out, clashes, or blends in too much.
I encourage my families to send me that photo before their session. I can spot the one shirt that will stick out in every image and help you adjust, so you’ll love how everyone looks.
What NOT to Wear for Family Photos
A few things I ask every family to avoid, because they never photograph well:
Shorts on dads and older boys.
They can be unflattering in photos. Jeans, slacks, khakis look better!
Neon and super bright colors.
These reflect light onto your skin and cause it to look that color. Muted colors and jewel tones are far more flattering.
Short, fitted dresses and skirts.
Seated poses become tricky. If you love a short dress, choose a fuller skirt with drape-y fabric.
Turtlenecks and tightly wrapped scarves.
Open necklines flatter everyone. In colder months, wear a loosely draped scarf instead.
Can You Wear White for Family Photos?
White deserves its own section, because so o many people think white is the color to wear for photos, especially at the beach. White shirts and jeans have been the classic beach photo formula for years. But here’s the truth: white photographs very bright, and it washes you out.
White reflects every bit of light around it. In photos, that means blown-out shirts with no detail and a white cast bouncing onto your skin. Even worse, the camera exposes for that bright white, which leaves everyone’s faces looking darker than they should. Instead of glowing, you look pale and washed out.
Now, a little bit of white is okay. One person in white works beautifully as part of your color palette. The problem comes when the whole family wears it, because all that white competes with your faces, and your faces should always win.
So what do you wear instead? Soft creams, ivory, and oatmeal tones give you that light, airy look without the glare. They photograph beautifully against the Connecticut shoreline and flatter every skin tone. If you love the look of white, warm it up by one shade and you’ll love your photos even more. I dive deeper into this in my post on getting ready for a family beach photoshoot.
Family Photo Outfit FAQ
What colors look best in family photos?
Muted tones and jewel tones photograph beautifully. Pick 2–3 complementary colors and have everyone wear a variation of them.
Should everyone match in family photos?
No, matching outfits look dated. Coordinate around a shared color palette instead, and use layers and accessories to tie everyone together.
What should you avoid wearing in family photos?
Avoid bright white, neon colors, large logos, text on clothing, shorts on dads, turtlenecks, and anything baggy or ill-fitting.
Can my photographer help me choose outfits?
Yes! I review outfit flat-lay photos for every family I photograph, so no one clashes or blends into the background.
Where is Linda Sobolewski Photography located?
I’m based on the Connecticut shoreline and photograph families, newborns, and high school seniors up and down the CT shoreline, from Guilford to Old Saybrook.
Your Session Will Be Amazing!
Still have questions about what to wear for family photos? Send me your flat-lay photo, or reach out anytime. I’m happy to help you plan. Ready to book your family session? Contact me or call 203-843-3193.
Linda Sobolewski is a family and senior portrait photographer serving the Connecticut shoreline from Guilford to Old Saybrook. She photographs families, newborns, and high school seniors at Connecticut’s most beautiful coastal locations
To get in touch with me about a CT Beach Session of your own,
click below. I’d love to chat!
Linda Sobolewski is an on-location, natural-light, professional photographer specializing in seniors, baby, family & children photography.
Linda Sobolewski Photography is based out of Old Saybrook, CT and serves the Connecticut shoreline and surrounding areas.
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