As your local Salt Lake City Family Photographer, “What do we even wear?!” is a phrase that I’ve heard over and over again in my own family.

And if you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times.

And you’re not alone! This is the #1 thing people stress about before their session. 

You want everyone to look coordinated but not overly styled. 

You want timeless, not trendy.

There’s a simple way to put together outfits that feel natural, effortless, and uniquely YOU—without the stress. 

I’m breaking it all down so you can stop overthinking and start feeling excited about your session. 

Mom Picks First!

Here’s the deal—if Mom doesn’t feel confident, the whole session is going to feel off.

So instead of stressing over coordinating the entire family first, start with what makes YOU feel amazing!

Maybe it’s that flowy midi dress that makes you feel effortlessly put together, or a cozy oversized sweater that keeps you comfy but still polished. Whatever it is, pick your outfit first. Then, use it as the anchor for everyone else.

Once you’ve got your outfit, look at its colors, textures, and overall vibe.

If your dress is a soft floral, your family can pull from those colors—maybe your partner wears a muted blue shirt, and your kids wear solid neutrals with a tiny pop of a matching color in their accessories.

This way, everyone looks coordinated without looking like they came in a matching set from a catalog.

I have a dress that I’ve used in three family photo sessions … everyone else is wearing different outfits, but it’s a dress that I adore and so I wore a jean jacket over it one year, I changed up the shoes I wore another year, but that dress remained the same and I just changed everyone elses outfits because I couldn’t find a dress I loved more! (It’s an Ivy City Co dress! And if you haven’t checked out their dresses – you need to!).

Start with a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits

Super matchy outfits can quickly make your family look like an awkward 90s holiday card.

Instead of dressing everyone in the same color, pick 3-4 colors that work well together and spread them out among family members.

Here’s a trick: It’s one that until I became a Salt Lake City Family Photographer, I never really thought much of. Look at your home décor. The colors you naturally gravitate toward in your home are likely the ones you’ll love in your photos!

A good balance of solids and subtle patterns is key. 

If Dad wears a plaid shirt, let Mom go for a solid dress, and have the kids in a mix of soft textures and layers to add depth. 

Dress for Your Location & Season

Your background plays a huge role in how your outfits look.

If you’re shooting in a green park, avoid wearing too much green or you’ll blend right into the scenery. Instead, earth tones, soft blues, or warm rust colors will help your family stand out beautifully.

One mistake people make? Dressing for the “look” instead of the weather. If it’s 95 degrees in the summer, ditch the heavy layers. And for winter sessions, layer in a way that still looks put together—think chic wool coats, scarves, and cute boots rather than giant puffy jackets.

Avoid Distracting Logos & Graphics

Your toddler’s favorite superhero shirt? Adorable. Just maybe not for the family photo. 😂

Anything with big logos, text, or neon colors is going to pull attention away from what really matters—your faces and connection.

If a kid insists on wearing a character shirt, maybe try this “swap” strategy! Try a ‘bribe shirt’—let them wear their favorite top in the car, then do a quick swap before the session. This can be the trickiest thing. but I promise something solid and simple will look cleaner – and is more timeless – than something with a logo.

Consider Movement & Comfort

Family photos aren’t about standing stiffly and posing like statues anymore. They’re about movement, playfulness, and real moments. That means your outfits need to move with you!

For moms, dresses with a little flow photograph beautifully. 

For kids, avoid anything too tight, stiff, or itchy—they’ll be uncomfortable, which means less patience and more meltdowns.

For dads/partners, layers always look good. A lightweight jacket or open button-up shirt over a solid tee adds depth without bulk. Avoid stiff dress shirts that wrinkle easily or make movement feel awkward.

Here’s the thing—your family photos aren’t about the outfits. 

They’re about your people, your love, and the little moments in between. 

But when you feel comfortable, confident, and put together, it makes the entire experience smoother and more fun.

So if you’ve been stressing about what to wear, take a deep breath. Start with Mom’s outfit, pick a simple color palette, dress for the setting, and focus on comfort. 

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing your family’s connection in a way that feels natural and true to you!

Need some outfit ideas?

Here are four great online shops to find stylish, photo-friendly pieces:

• Baltic Born – Flowy, flattering dresses that photograph beautifully for moms.
• H&M – Affordable, neutral basics for kids and adults that mix and match easily.
• Jamie Kay – High-quality, soft fabrics for babies and toddlers in muted, timeless colors.
• Abercrombie & Fitch – Elevated casual wear with great layering pieces for dads.

Wherever you shop, keep it simple, comfortable, and true to your style.

Ready to book your Salt Lake family session? With your all time favorite Salt Lake City Family Photographer? 😉 Let’s make it happen! I would love to work with you! Contact me here!