One of the questions I get asked most often before a photography session is, “What should we wear?”
And honestly, I get it. Choosing outfits for photos can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to coordinate an entire family without everyone looking overly matching.
The good news? You don't need a perfect Pinterest-worthy wardrobe to get beautiful photos.
My goal is for your photos to feel natural, comfortable, and like you. So instead of giving you a strict list of rules, here are a few simple tips to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and still feel like you.
Start With One Outfit You Love
If you're coordinating outfits for a family or couple, start with one person's outfit that you really love.
Maybe it's a dress with a pretty texture, your favorite pair of jeans, or a neutral sweater. From there, build everyone else's outfits around it.
You don't need every outfit to match. In fact, I usually recommend the opposite.
Think coordinating rather than matching.
Choose a Color Palette
Instead of everyone wearing the exact same color, choose a few colors that work well together.
For outdoor sessions, especially here in Northwest Arkansas, I love earthy, neutral tones.
Some great combinations include:
Cream + tan + brown
Beige + rust + olive
Soft blue + cream + denim
Terracotta + ivory + brown
Sage + cream + tan
Dusty pink + beige + brown
You can also add a subtle pop of color through a dress, sweater, shoes, or accessories.
Neutrals Photograph Beautifully
Neutrals are one of my favorite choices for photography sessions because they keep the focus where it belongs — on you.
Cream, beige, tan, brown, soft gray, muted green, and other earthy tones work especially well for outdoor photos.
That doesn't mean you have to avoid color! Just try to stay away from extremely bright or neon colors that can become distracting in photos.
Don't Be Afraid of Texture
Texture adds so much dimension to photographs.
Think:
- Knits
- Linen
- Denim
- Corduroy
- Sweaters
- Lace
- Flowy dresses
- Leather
- Woven accessories
Layering different textures can make a simple outfit feel much more intentional without being overly dressed up.
Avoid Everyone Wearing the Same Thing
White shirts and jeans for the entire family are a classic for a reason, but you definitely don't have to do it.
When everyone wears the same colors and styles, the outfits can sometimes blend together.
Instead, mix things up.
For example:
Mom: Flowy cream dress
Dad: Brown or tan pants + neutral button-down
Child: Rust sweater + jeans
Child: Cream dress + brown boots
Everything coordinates without looking identical.
Think About Your Location
Your outfits should make sense for the location and season of your session.
For an outdoor fall session in Northwest Arkansas, warm earthy tones, layers, boots, sweaters, and textured fabrics can look beautiful against the changing leaves.
For a spring session, lighter colors, soft pastels, linen, and floral patterns can complement the fresh greenery and flowers.
For a studio session, you have a little more freedom since your outfits don't have to coordinate with an outdoor environment.
Wear Something You Can Move In
This is especially important for families with little kids!
Your session doesn't have to be perfectly posed the entire time. I love capturing movement, cuddles, walking, playing, and all the little moments that happen naturally.
Choose clothing that lets you move comfortably.
And if you're wearing a dress or skirt, make sure you're comfortable sitting, walking, and interacting with your family.
Keep Patterns Simple
Patterns aren't completely off-limits!
Small or subtle patterns can add visual interest to your photos. The key is balance.
If one person is wearing a patterned outfit, consider keeping the other outfits more simple.
I'd avoid having multiple people wearing large, bold patterns at the same time. It can make the final images feel visually busy.
Consider Your Shoes
Shoes are easy to forget about until they're showing in half your photos!
Choose shoes that fit the overall style of your outfits and that you're comfortable walking in.
For outdoor sessions, boots, loafers, simple sneakers, sandals, or other comfortable shoes can work beautifully depending on the season.
And if we're photographing somewhere with grass, dirt, or uneven ground, you may want to leave the brand-new white shoes at home
What About Kids?
Don't stress if your child doesn't want to wear the outfit you picked out.
Seriously.
I'd rather photograph a happy, comfortable kid in an outfit they love than a miserable kid in something they can't stand.
Let them have a little input when possible. If they love their outfit, they're much more likely to feel comfortable and have fun during the session.
And yes — kids can get a little messy. That's okay. Some of my favorite photos happen when everyone stops worrying about keeping their clothes perfectly clean.
What If I Still Can't Decide?
Don't panic!
If you're stuck between a few outfits, send me photos of your options. I'm always happy to help you decide what will coordinate best with your session and location.
And remember: there is no single “perfect” outfit.
The best outfits are the ones that make you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
The Most Important Rule: Be Yourself
At the end of the day, your photos aren't really about your outfits.
They're about you.
Your family laughing together. Your kids running around. The way you look at your partner. The little moments you don't want to forget.
So choose something that feels like you, coordinate your colors, add some texture, and then forget about the outfits once your session starts.
I'll take care of the rest!
Ready to Book Your Session?
Whether you're planning family photos, couples photos, maternity portraits, engagement photos, or another special session, I'd love to help you create photos that feel natural, relaxed, and true to you.
Based in Northwest Arkansas and serving Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Springdale, and surrounding areas.
