Figuring out what to wear for an extended family photo session is one of the first questions I get once a session is booked, and I completely understand why. Coordinating outfits for grandparents, adult children, grandchildren, and cousins can feel like a big project. I’m Linda Sobolewski of Linda Sobolewski Photography, and I photograph extended family sessions all along the Connecticut shoreline, from Old Saybrook to Guilford and everywhere in between. After years of doing this, I can tell you that coordinating everyone’s outfits doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you have a simple plan, it all comes together much more easily.
Start With a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
The biggest shift you can make when planning what to wear for an extended family photo session in Connecticut is to stop thinking about matching and start thinking about coordinating. Matching outfits, where everyone wears the exact same thing, tend to feel stiff and dated.
Instead, choose two or three coordinating colors plus a neutral, and let each family dress within that palette in their own way. The result is a group that looks connected and polished without looking like a team photo.
Some color combinations I love are:
- Navy, tan, and cream
- Sage green, oatmeal, and soft gray
- Dusty blue, khaki, and cream
- Mauve, taupe, and ivory
The colors don’t need to be exact matches. In fact, different shades often look even better. The goal is for everything to work together, not match perfectly.
Have Each Family Coordinate Separately
Once you’ve chosen your overall color palette, have each individual family unit coordinate within those colors.
A good rule of thumb is to start with Mom’s outfit and build everyone else around it. This works because Mom’s clothing tends to involve the most detail, the most color, and the most thought, so it makes sense to anchor everyone else to her.
For example, if your overall color palette is navy, tan, and cream, one family may wear mostly navy and cream while another family leans more into tan and cream. Everyone coordinates, but no two families look exactly alike.
What About White for an Extended Family Photo Session?
I cannot talk about what to wear for an extended family photo session without addressing white. White shirts and khakis is the classic look, and I understand the appeal. But bright white tends to photograph much brighter than every other color, especially in large groups. It pulls the eye, and it can feel harsh in natural outdoor light along the Connecticut shoreline.
My recommendation is to think in terms of cream, ivory, oatmeal, and soft tan instead. These shades feel warm, natural, and timeless in photos.
A little white in the mix is perfectly fine. I just don’t recommend making it the dominant color for the entire group.
Add Texture, Layers, and a Little Pattern
Once your palette is set, this is where things get fun. Do not be afraid to add texture and variety within the group. Knits, linen, lace, and layered pieces photograph beautifully. Scarves, cardigans, and vests add depth. One or two people wearing a subtle pattern can add visual interest without overwhelming the group.
A Few Things To Avoid:
Large logos or graphics, neon colors, athletic wear, and matching patterns on multiple people. Also pay attention to shoes. Shoes and socks show up more often than families expect, so make sure they coordinate with the overall look. Nothing breaks the flow of a photo quite like a stray white sneaker in a sea of neutrals.
What to Wear for a Casual vs. Dressy Extended Family Session
The formality of your outfits should match the feel of your session. For a relaxed, casual look along the water or in a Connecticut park, think nice jeans or khakis, blouses, sweaters, and casual button-downs. For a dressier feel, think casual dresses and skirts for the women, khakis and fitted shirts for the men, and coordinating separates for the kids.
The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable. Uncomfortable people make uncomfortable photos. If someone spends the whole session tugging at a collar or worrying about a skirt, it shows. Comfortable, confident clothing lets everyone relax and actually enjoy themselves, and that is exactly what shows up in the photos.
Send Me Your Outfits Before the Session
Once you have coordinated everyone’s clothing for your extended family photo session in Connecticut, I am always happy to take a look before your session day. A quick snapshot of what everyone is planning to wear gives me the chance to offer feedback and make sure everything works together. This is especially helpful for large groups where it can be hard to see the full picture until everyone is standing together.
Extended family sessions along the Connecticut shoreline are some of my favorites to photograph. Grandparents with grandchildren, siblings back together, three or four generations in one place. The clothing matters, but honestly it is the least important part. The moments are what you will treasure, and those happen no matter what anyone is wearing.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear for a Family Photo Session
Q: What colors work best for an extended family photo session in Connecticut?
A: Coordinated neutrals and muted tones work best for extended family photos in Connecticut. Navy, cream, tan, sage, dusty blue, mauve, and soft gray are all strong choices. Avoid bright white as the main color for the whole group, and skip neon or very saturated colors. The goal is for everyone to look connected without looking like they are wearing uniforms.
Q: Should everyone in an extended family photo match?
A: No. Coordinating is better than matching. Choose a palette of two or three colors plus a neutral, and let each person or family dress within those colors in their own way. This creates a polished, cohesive look while still letting everyone feel like themselves. Matching outfits for adults tend to look stiff and dated.
Q: Is it okay to wear white for family photos?
A: A little white is fine, but I recommend against making bright white the dominant color for the whole group. Bright white photographs much brighter than everything else, especially outdoors, and can feel harsh. Cream, ivory, and oatmeal are warmer, more flattering alternatives that still read as light and fresh in photos.
Q: How far in advance should I plan outfits for an extended family photo session?
A: Give yourself at least two to three weeks before your session to coordinate clothing. This gives everyone time to shop, try things on, and make adjustments. I am always happy to look at outfit photos before your session and offer feedback. The earlier you start, the less stressful it is.
Q: What should kids wear for an extended family photo session?
A: Kids should wear something that coordinates with the adults in terms of color palette. Comfort matters a lot for little ones, so prioritize clothing they can move in. Layer when you can, since jackets, cardigans, and vests look great in photos and give you options. Make sure shoes coordinate too, since kids’ footwear shows up often in photos.
Q: Where do you photograph extended family sessions on the Connecticut shoreline?
A: I photograph extended family sessions all along the Connecticut shoreline, including locations in and around Old Saybrook, Madison, Guilford, Essex, and surrounding towns. Beach locations, parks, and private properties are all options depending on the size of your group and the look you want. I am happy to suggest specific locations based on what you are envisioning.
