Over the years, I have worked with a lot of beautifully dressed moms and women. Being a photographer includes hanging out with families who are dressed to the nines for their family photos. I love seeing all my clients’ beautiful outfits and drawing inspiration from their choices.

At the same time, some of my most frequently asked questions are “What do I wear to family pictures?” and “Where do I find a good dress for myself?” Unfortunately, there is a lot of pressure on moms to find the perfect outfits for themselves and their families before family photos.

 If that’s you, know two things: 1. You’re not alone in that experience, and 2. Outfit planning does not have to be something you dread!

I want to share some tips and tricks in this blog post that will hopefully ease your mind and give you some direction to follow for the next time you plan family pictures. I wholeheartedly believe that you should be able to enjoy every aspect of your photo experience (even with little ones to chase around!).

My best advice for any mom starting the search for family picture outfits is to start with yourself first. I love to recommend dresses for women because they set the tone for all the other outfits. A dress can be as casual or formal as you want, while always looking nice. You want something that will keep you comfortable while hugging, holding, and chasing kiddos. 

Before you dive too deep into outfit planning, remember that this experience can be fun! Set yourself up for success by setting aside lots of time to prep and plan out what you’re looking for in your clothing selections. If you’re ordering online, give yourself time to try things on and make returns if necessary. Or if you’re shopping in-store, maybe make a day of it and check out a few shops with some girlfriends. 

Regardless of how you’re shopping or what you’re looking for, try to think of ways to make your experience positive and it will help your family have a good time as well.

Once you’ve come up with an idea of an outfit for yourself, it’s time to get shopping! I have a long list of favorite stores that pretty reliably stock beautiful, comfortable, midi dresses that are perfect for moms. That list includes places like Piper and Scoot, Ivy City Co, Bohme, Called to Surf, Roolee, and Madewell. Some other places I would recommend are ASOS, Anthropology, Red Dress, and Hillhouse Home.

There are a few important things to keep in mind when you’re sorting through stores, whether you’re shopping online or in person. Look for a dress that you will feel good moving around in, with a neckline and length that feels comfortable to you. It’s always a good idea to go with neutrals so you don’t clash with your surroundings and can easily coordinate other outfits. 

I hope these ideas are helpful to you in your search for the perfect family photo outfit. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!