Choosing what to wear for your family photoshoot can feel like a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to be! Your outfits set the tone for your photos and can enhance the overall light and airy aesthetic. The good news? With a few simple styling tips and a clear color palette, you can create a cohesive look that photographs beautifully and feels like "you."

This family photoshoot outfit guide walks you through everything you need to know, from color schemes to outfit ideas for every family member, ensuring your session is polished, effortless, and timeless.

Why Outfits Matter: The Family Photoshoot Guide

Outfits are one of the most impactful ways to shape the mood and aesthetic of your images. In a light and airy style, clothing choices should reflect softness, natural tones, and intentional coordination. The goal is to complement your surroundings and each other—without distracting patterns or clashing colors.

Well-chosen outfits:

• Enhance your final gallery's cohesiveness

• Reflect your family's personality while staying timeless

• Help create balance and harmony in composition

A flat lay of coordinated neutral and pastel clothing laid out on a bed with accessories and shoes.

For more general planning tips, check out Family Photoshoot Preparation: How to Get the Best Results.

Best Colors for a Light & Airy Look

Stick to light, muted, and natural tones. These colors reflect light better and photograph beautifully in outdoor settings.

Popular choices include:

• Cream

• Soft white

• Dusty blue

• Sage green

• Pale blush

• Light gray

Avoid colors that are overly dark, neon, or saturated, as these can throw off the light balance in photos and feel out of place in soft, natural light.

Tips for Coordinating (Not Matching)

A family in whites and pastels standing in front of some saguaro cactus.

A common mistake is trying to match everyone in the same outfit or color. Instead, choose a palette of 3-4 complementary colors and mix them naturally among your family members.

For example:

• Cream + sage + dusty blue + beige

• Blush + ivory + gray + soft tan

Add variation by playing with:

• Textures (linen, cotton, lace, knits)

• Layers (cardigans, vests, scarves)

• Small accessories in coordinating colors

Want to see how these color palettes look in different settings? Check out 5 Best Family Photoshoot Locations in Phoenix for inspiration.

Outfit Ideas for Each Family Member

A young girl in a simple blue dress looks out over a lake.

Mom

Go for something feminine and flowy that allows movement—like a maxi dress or skirt. Dresses work especially well for light and airy photography because they catch the light and movement beautifully.

• Flowy maxi or midi dress

• Soft fabrics like chiffon, cotton, or linen

• Subtle prints or textures (think eyelet lace or soft floral)

Dad

Keep it simple and clean with neutrals. Chinos or dress pants paired with a button-up or henley shirt work perfectly.

• Beige, gray, or light khaki pants

• Neutral shirt or subtle pattern

• Leather shoes or simple sneakers in coordinating colors

Kids

Comfort is key. Choose clothes they can move in easily and that won’t itch, pull, or ride up during the session.

• Rompers, overalls, simple dresses

• Knit cardigans or suspenders for extra detail

• Avoid graphic tees and sports logos

Babies & Toddlers

• One-piece rompers or soft cotton outfits

• Simple headbands or knit bonnets

• Barefoot or soft neutral booties

What to Avoid

Even the most beautiful location and golden light can be overshadowed by the wrong outfit choices. Here’s what to skip:

• Logos and Graphics: They date photos and draw the eye away from your faces.

• Neon Colors: These reflect harshly and clash with natural tones.

• All-black or all-white: Pure white can blow out in the light; black can feel too heavy.

• Busy Patterns: Stripes, plaids, or bold floral prints can distract from the overall aesthetic.

Accessories & Shoes

Simple accessories can elevate your look—just don’t overdo it.

Jewelry

• Stick to one or two subtle pieces

• Avoid shiny metals that reflect light too brightly

Shoes

• Neutral-toned flats, sandals, or boots

• Avoid bright sneakers, high heels, or brand logos

Hair & Makeup

• Soft, natural makeup enhances the light and airy vibe

• Hair down in soft waves, a braid, or a low bun works well

A woman with soft, natural makeup, a floral hat, and pearl jewelry posing in front of a pale green wooden wall.

How to Prep Before the Session

• Try On Everything: Make sure it fits, feels comfortable, and looks flattering in advance.

• Steam or Iron: Wrinkles can be distracting in close-up shots.

• Lay Everything Out the Night Before: Include shoes, accessories, hair supplies, and snacks.

Need a full checklist? Don’t miss What to Bring to a Family Photoshoot.

Bonus Tips for Seasonal Styling

Spring & Summer

• Stick to breezy fabrics and soft pastels

• Sundresses, sandals, and lightweight layers

Fall

• Earth tones like rust, olive, cream, and taupe

• Add scarves, boots, and chunky knits for texture

Winter (in Phoenix)

• Layer with light sweaters or jackets

• Stick to soft light colors and avoid heavy outerwear if possible

Conclusion

Dressing for a light and airy family session doesn’t have to be stressful. Stick with soft, neutral tones, mix textures, and focus on coordinating rather than matching. With just a little prep, your wardrobe will complement the setting, the light, and your family’s unique personality—resulting in a gallery of timeless, beautiful images.

Need help planning your wardrobe? Contact me for personal styling advice or browse Family Photoshoot Preparation: How to Get the Best Results for more tips!

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• How to Pose for Natural Family Photos