Family Portrait Outfit Ideas

What should we wear?

Right after a family session is booked, this is the very first question everyone asks. It’s confusing! You know you don’t want to do that 80’s thing where everyone was in jeans and white shirts, but oh my gosh where do you even start?!? Well, first off, if you’re a Fairyography client, you can just ask me to build your wardrobe for you. You tell me sizes for everyone, I’ll send you links on what to buy. If you want to have a bit more control, then here’s a guide for you.

So as a photographer, I want to show off your family and your children’s faces, not their clothes. I find that solid colors are best near faces, with a minimal pattern or print being okay elsewhere. Do not dress your kids in their favorite cartoon character’s shirt. You want timeless portraits, not an homage to SpongeBob.

Pick two colors

For families, you’ll want to stick to outfits with the same tone or pair of tones; blue and brown for example. In any session, layer, layer, layer! Layers of clothing (weather permitting) add depth and texture to your images. You want to go for two to three colors and then dress everyone in layers and shades of those colors. Grey/Plum, Brown/Blue/Cream, Black/White, Grey/Blue, Green/Brown/Blue.. etc Too many colors just looks a hot mess, and one person that doesn’t have them all just looks like an afterthought. This is easier to manage in cooler seasons than it is in mid summer.

I usually pick the toddler girl outfit first and build everyone else around those colors because you never know what’ll be in season when you’re buying, and it’s easier to buy adult clothes in odd colors than trying to find a black shirt for a toddler in summertime. Also make sure you remember to include the shoes. It’s hard to see a great wardrobe where everyone has on grey and plum, except for the boy who has neon yellow shoes. See my helpful pinterest board for a quick and easy visual: https://www.pinterest.com/heatherannl/what-to-wear-families/

Favorite brands or stores:

Rainey’s Closet – RENT gorgeous dresses instead of buying! My absolute first go-to for clients. She carries girls and boys items as well as accessories!

Chasing Fireflies – carries adorable girls dresses for spring and fall sessions. Usually has similar dresses that go together for sisters.They also have the best halloween costumes anywhere!

Gap – Modern older boys and girls, stay away from characters and words though.

Joyfolie – a more boho brand for girls and women, this is good for textured flowing skirts and tops, also has fun shoes.

Jak and Peppar – Great for tweens with a more modern look, but stay away from the words on the tops.

Mustard Pie – mostly girls (some boy vests and ties) clothing with fun patterns. Can get very busy very fast, so only use this brand if you have one or two girls to dress. Really gorgeous jackets!

Persnickety Clothing – very limited editions and quantities, but if you can manage to buy, it’s one of my favorite brands because of the colors. Girls only, and possibly discontinued.

Tutu du monde – girls only, short sweet light dresses with lots of layers. Hard to match colors though, and not really suitable for fall.

Tea collection – babies and toddlers super soft and adorable. Girls and boys, especially cute for ages 2 and under.

Ele Story – stinking adorable girls and moms. Best for toddlers.

You can see more examples and a lot of these brands in the Family Portraits – Families Gallery

Baby and Child Portrait Outfit Ideas

What should they wear?

Babies look cute in any outfit, but how do you know what’s best for pictures? Or what if your kid has a closetful of sparkles and you worry that it’s overmuch for the photos session? Well, first off, if you’re a Fairyography client, you can just ask me to build your wardrobe for you. You tell me sizes for everyone, I’ll send you links on what to buy. If you want to have a bit more control, then here’s a guide for you.

So as a photographer, I want to show off your family and your children’s faces, not their clothes. I find that solid colors are best near faces, with a minimal pattern or print being okay elsewhere. Do not dress your kids in their favorite cartoon character’s shirt. You want timeless portraits, not an homage to SpongeBob.

Babies alone or inside

I find that much less is much more for babies. Use texture to add interest but otherwise keep things super simple with clean neutrals.

Pick two colors for siblings

For families, you’ll want to stick to outfits with the same tone or pair of tones; blue and brown for example. In any session, layer, layer, layer! Layers of clothing (weather permitting) add depth and texture to your images without being overwhelming.

I will usually pick the youngest girl’s outfit and then go from those colors. If you have no girls to dress, then pick the top for the youngest boy.