Choosing the right outfit for your photo session can be a bit of a challenge, but it's an important decision that can make or break the final images. The right clothing can help to create the perfect atmosphere for your shoot and make you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. This blog post will explore tips for choosing the right clothing for your photo session.
One of the most common questions I get before a photo session is, "What should we wear?!"
Whether you're planning family photos, maternity photos, or a couples session, choosing outfits can feel overwhelming. But don't worry! You don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe or spend hours trying to coordinate everyone.
The goal is simple: Choose outfits that complement each other, photograph beautifully, and most importantly, feel like YOU!
Here are my top 10 tips to make planning your photo session outfits a little easier!
1. Dress It Up a Little!
Photo sessions are a great excuse to dress a little nicer than you normally would! Think dresses, sweaters, button-down shirts, nice jeans, or outfits you might wear to a casual gathering. You don't need to show up in a ball gown or a suit (unless that's your thing!), but I recommend going one step above your everyday casual look.
My tip: Think polished but comfortable. You should still be able to sit, walk, hug your kids, and have fun!
2. Pick a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Gone are the days when everyone needs to wear white shirts and blue jeans! Instead, choose 3–4 coordinating colors and mix them throughout your family's outfits. Try different shades, textures, and fabrics to create variety without looking too matchy-matchy.
A Couple of Examples:
Cream, navy, dusty blue, and tan
Sage green, blush pink, ivory, and denim
Burgundy, oatmeal, navy, and warm beige
Dusty blue, soft gray, cream, and khaki
My tip: Start with one person's outfit (usually the hardest person to dress!), then coordinate everyone else around it.
3. Stick With Soft, Muted, and Neutral Colors
Colors make a HUGE difference in how your final images look, especially with my light and airy photography style!
Some of my favorite colors for photos include:
Neutral: Cream, ivory, oatmeal, and beige
Blues: Dusty blue, navy, and soft gray
Greens: Sage, olive, and muted greens
Pinks: Blush pink, mauve, and dusty rose
Reds: Burgundy, rust, and other muted earth tones
These colors tend to photograph beautifully without distracting from the people in the photos. Mixing and matching from these color categories can help with making a color palette that fits you!
My tip: Avoid neon colors, extremely bright colors, and overly saturated colors. They can reflect onto your skin or become the first thing you notice in the photo.
4. Avoid Busy Patterns, Logos, and Graphics
A little pattern is perfectly fine! In fact, I love incorporating a subtle floral dress, soft plaid, or textured sweater.
The trick is balance. If one person wears a patterned outfit, have everyone else wear coordinating solid colors. Too many patterns competing against each other can make the photo feel busy.
Try to avoid:
Large logos and graphic tees
Bold, high-contrast patterns
Tiny, tightly spaced stripes
Everyone wearing the same plaid
My tip: Limit bold patterns to one or two people. Let the focus stay on your family, not your clothing!
5. Consider Your Location and the Season
Where we're taking photos plays a big role in what colors and outfits will look best!
For example:
Fall sessions: Cream, burgundy, navy, rust, and warm neutrals look beautiful against colorful foliage.
Spring sessions: Soft blues, blush pink, sage green, and light neutrals complement the fresh greenery and flowers.
Summer and beach sessions: Light blues, whites, creams, and breathable fabrics create a relaxed, coastal feel.
Winter sessions: Cozy sweaters, textured layers, denim, burgundy, and soft winter neutrals work wonderfully.
My tip: Think about the background! If we're photographing in a very green field, you might want to avoid dressing everyone in green. A little contrast helps you stand out.
6. Add Texture and Layers
One of the easiest ways to make coordinating outfits look more interesting is by mixing textures.
Think:
Chunky knit sweaters
Denim jeans or jackets
Corduroy pants
Cotton dresses
Ribbed sweaters
Cardigans and light layers
These details add dimension without making your outfits too busy. I also recommend avoiding overly shiny or reflective fabrics, which can catch the light in distracting ways.
My tip: Layers are especially great for fall and winter sessions. They add variety and can easily be removed for a slightly different look!
7. Comfort Matters More Than You Think!
If you're constantly adjusting your outfit, pulling at your shirt, or worrying about your shoes, it can take away from enjoying your session. Choose clothing that fits comfortably and allows you to move naturally. For families with young kids, this is especially important! We'll be walking, sitting, playing, hugging, and probably chasing someone around!
My tip: Have both you and your kids try everything on before your session. Sit down, bend over, walk around, and make sure you feel good in it. If you're uncomfortable at home, you'll probably be uncomfortable during photos.
8. Don't Forget About Shoes and Accessories!
Shoes are often the last thing people think about, but they absolutely show up in photos! Choose shoes that coordinate with your outfits and make sense for our location. For example, heels might look beautiful, but they aren't always practical when we're walking through grass, dirt, or sandy beaches. Keep accessories simple. A delicate necklace, scarf, belt, or hat can add personality without becoming distracting.
My tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes if needed! You can always change into your photo shoes once we reach our location.
9. Be Mindful of All Black and Bright White
Black and white aren't completely off-limits, but I recommend using them thoughtfully.
Bright white: Can appear very bright in photos, especially in direct sunlight. Softer whites like ivory, cream, or oatmeal often photograph beautifully.
All black: Can sometimes lose detail in shadows, especially when several people are wearing it together.
If you love black or white, try breaking it up with denim, a neutral layer, or other coordinating colors.
My tip: Balance is everything! One person wearing black or white is completely fine. I just wouldn't recommend dressing the entire family in the same thing.
10. When in Doubt, Ask Me!
Seriously, this is what I'm here for! I know choosing outfits can feel like a lot, especially when you're coordinating multiple people. If you're stuck between two dresses, aren't sure which colors work together, or need help figuring out what everyone should wear, send me pictures! I offer personalized styling guidance based on your session type, location, season, and the people involved. We can chat through email, text, or even set up a quick phone call.
My biggest tip: Don't overthink it! Your outfits should complement your photos, not become the entire focus of them.
One Last Thing: Your Photos Should Feel Like YOU!
At the end of the day, the most important thing isn't whether everyone has the perfect outfit or whether every color matches exactly. It's the smiles, the laughter, the personalities, and the connections between you and the people you love. I want your photos to feel natural, relaxed, and timeless. A little outfit planning helps create a beautiful, cohesive gallery, but the real magic comes from the people in the photos. So pick a color palette, coordinate without matching, dress a little nicer than usual, and come ready to have fun!
Need help planning your outfits? I'm always happy to help!
Allison Manzella Photography | Metrowest Massachusetts Family & Senior Photographer
Serving Natick, Framingham, Sudbury, Wellesley, Ashland, Holliston, and surrounding Metrowest communities.