Looking back at all the years of family photos I can say while it was such a pain to coordinate calendars, purchase outfits and attempt for everyone to look at the camera at the same time (yeah right) I don’t regret doing them. Having these moments in time captured of our family is precious so let me help you with what I find the most stressful… OUTFITS!
Every year we have had a bit different locations and vibes to our family photos. From last year’s more formal Christmas look to a couple years in CO where we could take full advantage of the changing leaves! Since every family fits in pictures whenever they can from early September through the holidays (hello New Year’s cards) I’ve tried this year to give a wider variety of outfit themes and color palettes.
See outfit ideas from 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2021 | 2020
To help take off some of the stress I have once again put together 9 color schemes with outfits for mom, dad and kids of all ages. Also if you have an older teen/ young adult I don’t do a ton of those separate for males because they can easily dip into the “guys” options, teen girls tend to have a bit different style than mom. This year not only was I able to make the outfits but I used a little of the AI magic to envision the outfits on an actual family (with various ages of kids).
Now, onto those outfit ideas!!
I love this neutral color scheme if you are doing your family photos in the fall, but maybe on a beach or an open field. Playing off the colors of the tan grass or even like my kids did a few years ago in a studio, these all look so lovely together then, with some pops of orange and browns.
Plaid Shirt | Beige Chino Pants | Loafer | Beige Sweater | Brown Carpenter Pants | Beige Sneakers | Flannel Shirt | Crew Neck Sweater | Athletic Chinos | Slip On Sneakers | Floral Dress | Heeled Boots | Faux Suede Dress | Suede Western Boots
It’s funny in all these years I don’t think I’ve done a full holiday red and green theme and while I know many of us take photos in the fall – let’s be real it’s for the holiday cards! This year Boden and The Children’s Place have some great festive family matching plaids. I always add in a few family members in solids to balance out the picture.
Plaid Shirt | Green Velvet Pants | Kids Derby Shoes | Red Plaid Shirt | Forest Green Quarter Zip Sweater | Black Chinos | Black Oxford | Red Dress | Pearl Necklace | Suede Bow Pumps | Green Shimmer Dress | Gold Hair Bow | Gold Bow Shoes | Red Bow Sweater | Plaid Ruffle Skirt | Red Shoes
While we have done a few colors schemes in fall I LOVE all the deep rich tones of caramel, greens and browns that look amazing surrounded by turning leaves (if you have that in your area). This year we are seeing a ton of rich burgundy paired with chocolate so I leaned hard into these colors!
Plaid Shirt | Brown Jeans | Brown Suede Sneakers | Brown Henley Sweater | Corduroy Pants | Kids Sneaker | Burgundy Sweater | Plaid Twill Shirt | Green Trouser | Camel Satin Top | Burgundy Crepe Pants | Burgundy Dot Girl Dress | Mary Janes | Off the Shoulder Sweater | Corduroy Mini Skirt
I always love a classic pumpkin theme and these colors are great for pumpkin patches or any fall festivities. I have this blouse and wear it a ton.
Plaid Shirt | Khaki Pants | Slip On Sneakers | Pumpkin Sweater | Cargo Pants | Boys Sneakers | Brown Button Up | Brown Pants | Mens Sneakers | Rust Blouse | Skirt | Boots | Bow | Dress | Bow Shoes | Cream Sweater | Brown Pleated Skirt | Riding Boots
Since half my family has green eyes I always love a green option! I got this dress from quince and LOVE it so much I immediately went looking for family options. The little boys shirt is the exact same green as the dress and adding in some chocolate brown and tan makes this color scheme feel high end.
Plaid Shirt | Brown Pants | Slip On Sneaker | Brown Half Zip | Brown Loafers | Olive Dress | Brown Heeled Boots | Headband | Ruffle Sweater | Brown Skirt | Girls Riding Boots | Brown Dress | Brown Riding Boots
I saw a few photographers recommend this color combo because while it feels a little springy if you take outdoor photos with open fields or grasses the colors look so pretty with the tan. This year J.Crew Factory has a couple of the family matching in the pretty floral print – great for bigger families. Then mix in some greens & blues!
Polo Shirt | Jeans | Sneakers | Plaid Shirt | Blue Sweater | Khaki Chinos | Suede Sneakers | Floral Shirt | Jeans | Suede Booties | Bow | Floral Dress | Bow Shoes | Striped Shirt | Jean Skirt | Girls Booties
No matter the season or location one of the easiest color combos plays on navy & cream! It’s an easy color palette to pull from your closet then grab a few items for those kiddos that outgrew whatever they had in their closet. This year I added some cream and greys more moody blue palette.
Navy Plaid Shirt | Tan Pants | Navy Sneakers | Cream Shirt | Jeans | Navy Adidas | Navy Quarter Zip Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Gray Pants | Navy Floral Dress | Navy Heels | Cream Bow Shirt | Jean Skirt | Blue Converse
Plaid Shirt | Brown Pants | Suede Sneakers | Thankful Sweater | Tan Pants | Sneakers | Sweater Polo | Brown Chinos | Leather Sneakers | Satin Lace Top | Black Trousers | Ballet Flats | Flutter Sleeve Dress | Gold Ballet Flats | Brown Dress | Brown Ballet Flats
Every year I also like to give a more “dressy” option it’s especially great if you are doing photos in a studio or home where dressing up is a little easier.
Plaid Shirt | Black Pants | Black Derby Shoes | Black Sweater | Charcoal Pants | Black Derby Shoes | Bow Shirt | Black Pants | Black Mesh Heels | Sequin Dress | Bow Shoes | Black Dress | Black Heels
Hope you love these outfit pairings and a few last tips!
Bring snacks (like the excellent candy kinds for when kids meltdown…Smarties that melt but don’t get everywhere are great). Remember to take individual photos of each family member; these are great for work headshots or when you need that pic of just one kid. Then just wing it! Last year we ended up doing a few “casual” unplanned pics and they ended up being my favorites.
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