If you’ve ever stared at your closet the week before your family session and thought, “I have nothing to wear” — you are not alone. What to wear for family photos is, hands down, the question I get asked most.
And honestly? It makes sense. Getting dressed for yourself is one thing. Getting an entire family — including that one kid who only wants to wear their soccer uniform — to look cohesive, comfortable, and camera-ready is a whole different challenge.
After 15+ years photographing families across Chicago, I’ve developed a pretty clear sense of what works and what doesn’t — and Chicago specifically throws some interesting curveballs. We’re not shooting in one predictable climate or setting. We’re navigating golden October light filtering through Lincoln Park’s tree canopy, the wide-open reflective brightness along the lakefront in July, the moody grey skies of a November morning in Wicker Park, and the warm, controlled light of an indoor studio session at Le Loft. What you wear looks different in each of those environments — and this guide will help you dress for all of them.
Whether you’re booked with me or just starting to plan, I hope it helps you walk into your session feeling confident and ready.
For links to my Pinterest Boards with more visuals, scroll to the bottom.
Start with one person’s outfit, then build everyone else around it.
Before we get into colors, textures, and where to shop, there’s one guiding principle that makes all the difference:
Most families make the mistake of dressing everyone independently and hoping it works. Instead, pick your anchor piece — usually Mom’s outfit, or whoever has the hardest wardrobe to find — and use that as your starting point. Pull colors from it, echo its mood, and let everyone else complement (not match) it.
This one shift makes the whole process dramatically easier and almost always produces better results in photos.
The Big Picture: Coordinated, Not Matching
Gone are the days of everyone in matching white shirts and khakis. (Unless that’s genuinely your vibe — in which case, own it.) The modern approach is coordinated but not identical: a cohesive color palette where each person wears something slightly different, but it all feels intentional together, like this family who used a color palette with navy, teal, white, and cream, with accent patterns on the boys’ sweaters for extra contrast.
Think of it like a room you’d see in an interior design magazine. Every piece is different, but they all belong in the same space. That’s the goal.
How to Build a Coordinated Palette
- Choose 2–3 main colors and work within that range
- Vary the shades — one person in dusty blue, another in navy, another in cream works beautifully
- Mix textures and patterns — a solid, a subtle texture, and a soft print can all coexist
- Include at least one neutral (cream, white, tan, grey) to keep the palette grounded
Not sure where to start? My Neutral + Simple Pinterest board is a great jumping-off point for families who want a timeless, easy-to-coordinate look.
What colors to wear for family photos
Colors That Work Well
Certain colors just come alive on camera — they feel warm, rich, and timeless in photos.
- Earthy tones: rust, terracotta, camel, warm brown
- Muted neutrals: cream, oatmeal, ivory, stone, warm grey
- Soft, dusty hues: sage green, dusty blue, mauve, blush
- Deep, saturated tones: forest green, burgundy, navy, eggplant
If you’re planning a fall session specifically, I’ve also put together a full guide on how to prepare for a fall family photo shoot.”
Colors to Approach with Caution
- Neon or very bright colors — they draw the eye away from faces and can cast color onto skin
- Pure, bright white — this can blow out in bright light; ivory or cream photographs much more beautifully
- Very dark black — can work, especially for a modern/sleek look (see my Modern + Sleek board), but can feel heavy if everyone is in it
- Busy, large-scale prints — small subtle patterns are fine; large graphic prints tend to distract
Season-by-Season Color Guidance
The season and setting of your shoot should influence your palette. A color scheme that sings in a golden October forest might feel out of place on a bright summer beach.
- Spring: Soft blush, lavender, sage, light neutrals — fresh without being too bright
- Summer: Crisp whites, ocean blues, coral, linen tones — light and airy feels right. Browse my Summer Simple board for ideas.
- Fall: The richest season for color — rust, burgundy, forest green, mustard, warm cream. My Fall board is full of gorgeous options.
- Winter: Deep jewel tones, warm greys, ivory, plaid. A cozy Ski Lodge palette translates beautifully even outside the mountains.
Fit, Fabric, and the Details That Matter
Color is important — but fit and fabric can make or break an outfit on camera. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Fit
Clothes that fit well photograph well. It’s really that simple. Avoid anything that pulls, bunches, or feels uncomfortable — because if you’re uncomfortable in it at home, you’ll be uncomfortable in it during your session, and that tension shows up in photos.
For women, consider silhouettes that are flowy but not shapeless — a midi skirt, a wrap dress, or a fitted-but-comfortable top often photograph beautifully. For men, a well-fitted shirt (tucked or untucked) and clean trousers or dark jeans typically work. Skip the polo.
Fabric & Texture
Texture adds visual interest that flat, smooth fabrics don’t. Some great options:
- Linen — relaxed, editorial, photographs beautifully in natural light
- Knit & sweater fabrics — cozy and dimensional, especially for fall/winter
- Flowing chiffon or rayon — movement-forward, great for women’s tops and dresses
- Denim — casual and grounding, great as a layer or bottom
- Velvet or corduroy (in small doses) — rich texture that photographs with depth
For kids especially, layering adds a lot of visual interest — a cardigan over a simple tee, a vest, or a flannel over a solid can pull a kid’s outfit from simple to intentional.
What to Skip
- Wrinkle-prone fabrics you haven’t steamed
- Anything with large logos or graphics
- Shiny synthetic fabrics that can look cheap in photos
- Clothes you’ve never worn before (comfort matters!)
Dressing the Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let me be real with you: kids are the hardest part of family outfit coordination. Here’s my honest advice.
Prioritize Comfort Above All
A kid who is itchy, too hot, or unhappy in their outfit will spend the entire session pulling at their clothes. If your child hates dresses, don’t put them in one just for photos. A comfortable, happy kid in simple, coordinated clothes will photograph far better than a miserable kid in the “perfect” outfit.
Simple on Kids, More Layered on Adults
Kids are naturally the most visually interesting subjects — they’re full of movement and expression. You don’t need to overdress them. A simple, solid-colored top and clean pants or a simple dress in your family’s palette is often all you need. Save the pattern and the layering for the adults.
Shop for Kids Last
Kids’ clothing is abundant and affordable. Once you’ve nailed the adult outfits, finding kids’ pieces to match is much easier than the other way around. Zara Kids, H&M Kids, and Target are great for affordable, simple pieces in neutral and muted tones.
Accessories: The Finishing Touch
Accessories can elevate a simple outfit — or clutter a beautiful one. A few guidelines:
- Simple jewelry is almost always better — delicate gold or silver, small earrings, a meaningful necklace
- Hair accessories for kids are sweet and add personality, but keep them simple and age-appropriate
- Hats can be a beautiful prop, especially for fall or outdoor sessions — just make sure they don’t shade faces
- Shoes do matter — they appear in photos more than you’d think. Keep them clean, simple, and in the color family of your palette. White sneakers, simple sandals, and leather boots all work well depending on the season.
- Avoid chunky or distracting statement pieces — your faces should be the focal point, not the jewelry
Bringing It All Together: A Simple Outfit-Planning Process
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple step-by-step process I recommend to every family before their session:
- Browse the Pinterest boards below and save any looks that speak to you — even if you’re not sure exactly why yet
- Pick your anchor outfit — usually Mom’s, or whoever is hardest to dress
- Identify 2–3 colors in that outfit — this is your palette
- Shop or pull from your closet for everyone else, working within those colors
- Do a living room try-on — put everyone in their outfits at the same time and take a photo on your phone. You’ll spot immediately if something doesn’t work.
- Steam everything the night before — wrinkled clothes are the #1 avoidable outfit issue I see
Still unsure? When you book a session with me, outfit guidance is part of what we do together. I’m happy to look at photos of what you’re thinking and weigh in before your session day.
Style Inspiration: Browse by Vibe
Not every family wants the same look — and that’s exactly as it should be. Here are the themed Pinterest boards I’ve put together to help you find your family’s style:
Where to Shop for Family Photo Outfits
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Here are some of my favorite places to find family photo-ready outfits across different price points:
Women
- Anthropologie — Flowy dresses, textured tops, beautiful fall styles
- Free People — Bohemian, earthy, movement-forward pieces
- Nordstrom — Great range of styles and price points
- Amazon — Surprisingly great for affordable maxi dresses and layering pieces
Men
- Bonobos — Well-fitted basics that look polished
- J.Crew — Linen shirts, chinos, and layering pieces in great colors
- Target — Affordable and better than you’d expect
Kids
- Zara Kids
- H&M Kids
- Primary — Simple, solid colors in every shade; perfect for building a coordinated look
- Target Cat & Jack
One Last Thing: Don’t Overthink It
I know this post is long, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed — take a breath. The truth is, your photos are going to be beautiful because of you — your family, your connection, your genuine moments together. The outfits are just the frame.
When in doubt, go simpler. Muted tones. Clothes you love and feel good in. Comfortable enough that you can chase your kids, crouch down for a hug, and laugh without thinking twice about it.
That’s the real AND the pretty. And that’s exactly what we’re going for.
Ready to book your Chicago family photo session? I’d love to chat. Reach out here or book directly online — and yes, I’m always happy to answer outfit questions before your session day.
Maggie Rife Ponce is a Chicago-based family and portrait photographer specializing in warm, story-driven images for families, expecting mothers, and personal brands. Her studio, Le Loft, is located in Wicker Park. Learn more at rifeponcephotography.com.
Looking for visual inspiration? I’ve put together themed Pinterest boards you can browse: Coastal, Countryside, Fall, Modern + Sleek, Neutral + Simple, Ski Lodge, and Summer Simple.
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Wear for Family Photos
What colors photograph best for family photos?
Earthy tones like rust, terracotta, and camel come alive on camera, as do muted neutrals like cream, ivory, and warm grey. Soft dusty hues — sage green, dusty blue, mauve, and blush — are also reliable. Avoid neon or very bright colors (they cast color onto skin and pull focus from faces), and swap pure bright white for ivory or cream, which handles direct sunlight much better.
Should everyone wear the same color for family photos?
No — coordinated is far better than matching. Choose 2–3 colors as your palette and have each person wear a different piece within that range, varying shades and mixing textures. One person in dusty blue, another in navy, another in cream all belong together without looking identical. Matching outfits tend to read flat and dated; coordination looks intentional and adds visual depth.
What should kids wear for family photos?
Comfort first, always. A child who’s itchy or unhappy in their outfit will show it in every single frame. Simple solids within your family’s color palette usually work best — save the layering and patterns for the adults. Shop for kids last: once you’ve nailed the adult outfits, affordable kids’ pieces that coordinate are easy to find at Zara Kids, H&M Kids, Primary, and Target.
What should you avoid wearing for family photos?
Skip large-scale busy prints, neon or very bright colors, pure white in outdoor light, shiny synthetic fabrics, and anything with large logos or graphics. Clothes you’ve never worn before are also a risk — if you’re not sure how something fits or feels in motion, your session is not the time to find out. And steam everything the night before; wrinkled clothes are the most common avoidable outfit issue.
When should I decide what to wear for my family session?
At least a week out. This gives you time to shop for anything missing, get clothes steamed or cleaned, and do a living room try-on — everyone in their full outfit at once, with a phone photo to check it. You’ll immediately see if something clashes or doesn’t work. Waiting until the night before creates unnecessary stress and closes off your options.
What’s the best outfit for a Chicago family photo session specifically?
It depends on where and when you’re shooting. For a fall session in Lincoln Park or along the north side, earthy tones — rust, burgundy, forest green — photograph beautifully against the foliage. For a bright summer lakefront session, soft linen tones, ocean blues, and coral read light and airy in the reflective open light. For an indoor session at Le Loft, our Wicker Park studio, rich jewel tones and layered textures add real depth in the controlled light. Dressing for your specific setting always produces better results than reaching for a generic “family photo palette.”