We hired a local photographer in Kauai many years ago to capture our family. I obsessed about what to wear. I had an entire closet of outfits laid out on our family room couch for days. So, I get you. And unfortunately, as much as I tried, I made a mistake. The dress that was flattering in real life and hid what I wanted hidden ended up looking boxy and wide on camera. Thank goodness I’ve learned SO much since then and so I’m happy to share my expertise with you so you go into your session with confidence that you’re going to look amazing.

And, hint, if you want me to come to your closet and help you pick out what to wear, I do that. All. The. Time. It’s even included with custom sessions. But, if you’re just looking for some high level tips to get you started, here you go.

What Should Mom Wear for Family Photos?

It’s like the flight attendant announcement. Take care of yourself first, and then you can take care of everyone else. Also, since the mom is usually the one initiating the session, it makes sense to start there so whe can find something that makes her feel confident, comfortable, and fabulous. Once you have chosen your outfit, it becomes much easier to coordinate everyone else around it.

Not all clothing that looks great in person photographs well. Loose and flowy tops and dresses make just about everyone look wider in camera. Tailored and fitted garments allow me to pose you in a way that is flattering without bulky fabric getting in the way. My favorite neckline is a v-neck because it elongates the neck. Three-quarter and long sleeves are better if you don’t love your arms. And, depending on the ages of your kids, you’ll want to be wearing something that you can sit comfortably in – even on the floor.

Heels might be amazing in the studio, but reconsider wearing them if your session involves chasing toddlers in a field.

How to Coordinate Family Outfits for Photos

When I started my business everyone wore jeans and a white shirt. Thankfully, that trend has faded. Instead of matching exactly, think about coordinating colors and styles.

Choose a palette of three to five colors and build outfits around those tones. Soft neutrals, earth tones, blues, greens, creams, tans, and muted colors tend to photograph beautifully and stand the test of time.

The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together without looking like they’re wearing a uniform.

Dress to Match the Sofa

At our in home style and concept consultation, we’ll talk about where the wall art will be displayed. I’m sure we’ve all been on vacation and found a gorgeous watercolor from a local artist. It was beautiful… until you brought it home and realized the colors, while gorgeous in Italy, don’t work with your Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware family room.

Dressing for a photo session has an element of interior design to it. I’m here to help connect where your art will life and also let your family personality shine.

Avoid Large Logos and Busy Patterns

Small patterns can add interest.

A large logo, graphic tee, or large print or plaid are the first thing that people notice in a photograph.

We want your connection, love, and laughter to be the first thing you notice… not that bold and trendy print.

Let the Season Guide You

What season will your session be? Let that guide you. Families planning fall family photos in Barrington often gravitate toward warm earth tones, while summer sessions in Palatine parks tend to work beautifully with lighter neutrals and soft blues. If your background is vibrant, perhaps your clothing should be more muted, like in the portrait of this gorgeous couple in Cabo. And if you want me to travel with you for your next vacation, let’s chat!

Holiday Portraits That Become Part of Your Home

Instead of buying mass-produced holiday decor, how about creating your own. You’ll smile every time you pull it out. A holiday portrait can become a beautiful piece of art that you look forward to displaying year after year. I’m happy to collaborate and make your vision come true.

Don’t Forget the Shoes

You don’t need formal shoes, but choosing the right footwear creates a more cohesive finished image. Also, make sure the footwear works across the group. In Chicago, we have many versions of weather, and on a given day, you could wear chunky boots and springy sandals. We just don’t want to have such seasonal shifts in a single image.

Also, clean shoes matter. And make sure the shoes fit the littlest ones. It can be tricky if a little one keeps kicking off their shoes because they’re a bit too big.

Comfort Matters

Especially for children. If your child hates tights, there is no magic button that will make them instantly forget that they’re wearing awful and scratchy tights and smile and laugh for the camera.

Choose clothing that allows kids to move, sit, cuddle, and play comfortably.

Genuine expressions are always more important than the perfect outfit.

My Final Advice

Don’t overthink it. After photographing hundreds of families throughout Palatine, Barrington, Inverness, Long Grove, Arlington Heights, Deer Park, and the surrounding Northwest suburbs for nearly 20 years, I’ve learned that confidence and connection matter far more than perfectly coordinated outfits.

If you’re still feeling stressed, I am happy to shop your own closets to find outfits that you already own that will work beautifully together. We will work through it together so you can show up feeling confident and ready to enjoy the experience. However, if you do need to go out and get a new outfit, I’m happy to encourage a little retail therapy. 😉

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Palatine, Barrington, Inverness, Long Grove, Arlington Heights, or anywhere in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, I’d love to help you create portraits that feel natural, connected, and authentically you. Contact me here to start planning your session.

Visit my website here for more of my work with families.