Coordinating what to wear for extended family photos can be difficult because you are planning multiple families wardrobes at the same time. Everyone has their own sense of style and cloth of options to choose from. Here are a few tips to make the process as stress-free as possible!
AVOID BEING TOO MATCHY
While photos with the entire family in jeans and the same colored top (usually white) were popular in the past, this trend is long gone. We want each family member’s personality to show through with their outfit choice, while still being overall coordinated. So avoid completely matching outfits for everyone!
CHOOSE 3 COLORS
It’s easiest if you start by choosing a color pallet that everyone can work with. The time of year and location should be considered when you are picking these colors. Pinterest has a TON of great ideas when it comes to color combos. If you don’t know where to start here is my own personal What to Wear Pinterest Board.
When planning your three colors at least one of them needs to be a neutral that can be easily pulled in outfits. Often neutrals work well as the color for your pants or a jacket. Examples of a few neutral colors include white, black, khaki, grey, or blue.
Maintaining the exact shade of your three chosen colors across all of the family members isn’t necessary. Just as long as the basic colors are consistent.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
In general, it is a good idea for all family members to avoid anything with noticeable logos, graphics, neon colors, and bold prints. Also, avoid bold patterns if possible! Too many patterns will make your family portraits too busy.
I also recommend avoiding light-colored or ripped jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and tank-tops as they tend to not photograph as seamlessly.
PLAN EACH INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SEPARATELY
Once you have an overall color scheme everyone is able to stick to, each family can plan their outfits accordingly. Consider your family members’ skin tone and hair colors when picking out their outfits.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR MOM
Start with Mom’s outfit first! A light, flowy dress that is able to catch the breeze can bring extra movement to the photos. Wearing layers and textured clothing such as knits photograph beautifully.
Choosing clothing that fits you correctly is key! Clothing that is too tight is uncomfortable, doesn’t allow you to move, and rides up or bunches during your session. However, outfits that are too baggy won’t let us show off your figure, and make you look wider than you actually are!
Coordinating, simple jewelry, and colors that are muted (think soft pastels if you want that romantic, airy look) or go BOLD and get a bold red or yellow dress for that punch of color against a blue sky. As for your shoes, just keep the location in mind when deciding between heels, wedges, or sandals.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR DAD
Move on to Dad next! Men look best wearing a complementary solid colored top. Button-down shirts and sweaters are perfect. If you want to buy a new shirt, just make sure that it’s all ironed or steamed to get out all those wrinkles. For pants, go for some chinos/dressy slacks/dark jeans. For shoes, a pair of brown dress shoes (unless the outfit is black).
WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE KIDS
Children’s outfits are a great way to bring in a pop of color. I recommend choosing at most three family outfit colors. So it’s easiest to pull a color from the outfits you already have picked for you and your spouse. That way your kids will coordinate!
Also, make sure your younger kids are comfortable in their outfits. If you chose something they absolutely hate, this will show in your family pictures.
PLAN ONE AMAZING OUTFIT
Most families choose to only have one outfit planned for their family photos. You are more than welcome to plan additional, and I never limit the number of outfits. However, please remember that the more time you spend changing is less time we are able to be shooting.
CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT
When planning outfits make sure to consider the location of your engagement portraits. Choosing outfits with colors that clash with those of the existing environment will fail to make a cohesive looking portrait.
Think about the time of year. The light yellow-green of spring, deep greens of summer, and red-oranges of fall make for very different color pallets. Consider the season your family session is taking place when you are picking your outfits.
BEFORE YOUR FAMILY SESSION
- Try on your outfits to make sure everything fits, you feel comfortable, and have everything you need ready to go. Make sure your bra straps aren’t showing with any of your chosen tops.
- Iron and hang your clothes to prevent wrinkles.
- Don’t wear a hat or headband on the way to your family portraits. No one loves hat hair!
- Hairspray the part of your hair to prevent flyaways. Sounds silly, but this simple trick makes a HUGE difference for longer hair.
- Check your nail polish for chips, and do a last-minute touch up.
OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Still sure where to start? When in doubt check out my What to Wear Pinterest board for inspiration!
