What to Wear for a Family Portrait Shoot: Seasonal Outfit Ideas for Every Season
A family portrait session is all about capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and part of making those memories shine is choosing the right outfits! What you wear can set the tone for your photos, so it’s important to choose clothing that’s both stylish and comfortable for everyone in the family.
Whether it’s a cozy winter shoot or a breezy summer session, I’ve got you covered with seasonal outfit ideas to help your family look and feel fantastic during your session.
Let’s break it down by season:
Winter: Cozy Layers & Warm Textures
Winter photoshoots are all about embracing the cozy vibes, and with the colder temperatures, you can get creative with textures and layers. Think about chunky knit sweaters, scarves, and outerwear that not only keep you warm but also look stylish in your photos.
Outfit Ideas for Winter:
Layer up: For a chic winter look, layer sweaters or long-sleeve shirts with a cardigan or stylish coat. Think warm neutrals like beige, cream, or soft gray that complement each other.
Add texture: Incorporate different textures like wool, cashmere, and corduroy to create depth in the photos. A cozy knit sweater paired with soft scarves or hats can add a playful, yet polished look.
Bold colors: If you want a pop of color against the winter landscape, rich jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, or mustard can look stunning in the snowy backdrop.
Footwear: Winter boots are perfect for outdoor shoots in the snow or cold weather. Opt for stylish, functional boots in neutral or warm tones that work well with your outfits.
Pro Tip: Be sure to bring gloves and hats for the whole family—whether you wear them during the shoot or just for the photos, they add a cute, cozy touch.
Spring: Light & Fresh with a Touch of Pastel
Spring is all about freshness and renewal—so light, airy clothing and soft colors work beautifully for family portraits in this season. Think about floral prints, pastels, and fabrics that catch the breeze as you move. Spring portraits work best with clothing that allows freedom and flow, perfect for outdoor shoots in gardens or parks.
Outfit Ideas for Spring:
Pastels & Soft Hues: Think pastel pinks, blues, soft greens, and lavender for a light and airy look. These colors pop against spring greenery and look natural in any outdoor setting.
Floral Prints: Soft floral patterns are perfect for both moms and kids, adding texture and visual interest to the images without overwhelming the frame. Dads can pair solid colors like navy, white, or gray to balance out the prints.
Layered Looks: As spring can be a little unpredictable weather-wise, bring along lightweight jackets, cardigans, or scarves. A denim jacket or a utility jacket adds a touch of casual chic while keeping things comfortable.
Footwear: For a casual, natural look, opt for comfortable sneakers, sandals, or ballet flats for everyone. If you’re headed to a more formal setting, opt for loafers or dress shoes in neutral tones.
Pro Tip: If you're shooting outdoors with flowers or blossoms in the background, try to keep the patterns and colors subtle so they don’t compete with the scenery.
Summer: Bright, Breezy, and Playful
Summer is the perfect time to capture fun, carefree moments—and what you wear should reflect that! Think bright colors, light fabrics, and casual yet stylish looks that allow everyone to move around freely. Whether you’re heading to the beach or a park, your summer family shoot should feel relaxed and joyful.
Outfit Ideas for Summer:
Bright Colors & Whites: Summer is the time to wear vibrant colors like coral, teal, mustard, and yellow. Paired with crisp white shirts or dresses, they will really pop against sunny skies or the beach backdrop.
Light Fabrics: Opt for fabrics like cotton, linen, and chambray that breathe well and look great on camera. Flowy dresses for the ladies and lightweight shirts for the gents are always a good choice.
Matching Casual Vibes: Keep it casual and fun with coordinating but not identical outfits. For example, everyone can wear denim, with one or two family members wearing bright tops, while others go for neutral tones.
Footwear: Sandals, flip-flops, or casual sneakers work great for outdoor family shoots. If you’re doing a beach session, barefoot can give a natural, carefree vibe.
Pro Tip: Avoid overly flashy or neon colors as they can be too bright for the camera and detract from the natural beauty of your family.
Autumn: Warm Hues & Cozy Layers
Autumn is one of the most popular times for family photos, and for good reason—the vibrant fall colors and crisp aircreate a warm and cozy atmosphere for your portraits. Think earth tones, layers, and cozy accessories to make the most of the season’s richness.
Outfit Ideas for Autumn:
Rich, Earthy Tones: Autumn is the perfect time for deep oranges, browns, burgundies, and olive greens. These colors complement the natural landscape beautifully and give your photos a warm, inviting feel.
Layering is Key: Think scarves, cardigans, and jackets. A cute sweater over a collared shirt for the guys or a cozy sweater dress for the ladies. You can even add hats or beanies to complete the look.
Textured Fabrics: Corduroy pants, knitted scarves, wool sweaters, and leather boots all look amazing for an autumn photoshoot. Mixing textures adds interest to the photo while keeping the look grounded and stylish.
Footwear: Opt for stylish ankle boots, leather boots, or even casual loafers. These are perfect for walking in parks or forested areas where you might do a fall session.
Pro Tip: Avoid overly bright colors (like neon) in autumn, as the warm tones in the landscape work better with earthy hues. Instead, aim for deep reds, browns, and mustard yellow.
General Tips for Any Season:
Coordinate, Don’t Match: Aim for coordinating outfits, not exact matches. Think of it as a family style that complements everyone’s personality while working well together in photos.
Comfort is Key: If your kids aren’t comfortable, they won’t smile naturally. Make sure everyone wears clothes they feel good in!
Avoid Logos: Keep outfits simple—avoid loud logos or overly busy patterns, as they can distract from your family’s beautiful faces.
Plan Ahead: Lay out the outfits in advance to make sure they’re clean and ready to go. This reduces stress on the day of the shoot.
In Conclusion:
Choosing what to wear for your family portrait shoot should be a fun and creative process! Keep it seasonal, stay comfortable, and let your family’s personality shine through. Whether it’s winter’s cozy layers, spring’s pastel florals, summer’s bright vibrancy, or autumn’s earthy warmth, the right outfits will help create timeless, beautiful memories that you’ll treasure forever.
Ready to book your family session? Let’s chat! I can’t wait to capture your family’s story in stunning portraits.
