What to Wear for Large Family Photos || Milwaukee Family Photographer

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.

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.

I personally start with myself because as a Mom I am the most difficult to dress. Then I move to an easier family member such as my husband, and finally my kids.

Here is a link to my What to Wear for Your Family Pictures blog post more ideas on dressing each individual family group.

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.