What your family wears for photos can completely change the look and feel of your session, so it’s worth putting some thought into! When planning your family photo shoot in beautiful Colorado Springs, location is just one piece of the puzzle—knowing how to choose outfits for your family photos matter just as much.
Not sure where to start when picking outfits for family photos? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of choosing coordinated outfits that photograph beautifully. Looking for visual outfit ideas? Check out my What to Wear for Family Photos guide for real examples!
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are my best tips for choosing outfits that look natural, feel comfortable, and photograph beautifully.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Coordinating colors, rather than matching exactly, creates a more natural and timeless look.
- Pick a Color Palette: Start with 2-3 colors that complement each other.
- Build Around a Key Outfit: I always recommend starting with one main piece—for example, if mom wears a floral dress, pull colors from that pattern for the rest of the family.
- Mix Textures & Tones: Adding different fabrics (denim, knits, linen) makes photos feel rich and natural.
2. Choose Colors That Work with Nature
Colorado Springs has a variety of backdrops, from tree-lined paths to red rock formations. The best outfit colors will blend beautifully with these settings.
- Earthy Tones Always Work – Think greens, blues, browns, greys, deep reds, and rust.
- Avoid Neon or Super Bright Colors – They can create color casts on skin and feel distracting.
- Think of the Season – Cozy, warm layers work well in fall and winter, while light layers and breathable fabrics are best in spring and summer.
3. Keep Patterns Subtle & Skip Logos
Patterns can add personality, but they should be soft and subtle rather than bold or busy.
- Good choices: Small florals, soft plaids, delicate textures.
- Avoid: Large stripes, bold geometric prints, and logos, which can steal attention from faces.
4. Layering Adds Interest
Layers make photos more dynamic and give you more variety in your session.
- Think cardigans, vests, scarves, or light jackets that can be added or removed.
- Layers also work great for unexpected weather changes—a must in Colorado!
5. Comfort is Key
If someone is uncomfortable in what they’re wearing, it will show in the photos.
- Choose breathable fabrics and non-restrictive fits (especially for little ones).
- If you plan to wear heels, I recommend bringing a comfortable pair of shoes for walking to the location (heels on a rocky trail = not fun).
- If a piece needs adjusting constantly, it’s probably not the best choice.
6. Details Make a Difference
The little things can make a big impact!
- Shoes Matter – Make sure they complement the outfit (no neon sneakers!).
- Nails & Hands – A fresh manicure looks great in close-ups (especially for those snuggly shots). Keep your hands moisturized so they are photo-ready.
- No Dry Lips– Colorado’s dry air can lead to chapped lips, which are noticeable in photos. I recommend applying lip balm regularly in the weeks leading up to your session to keep lips soft and smooth. Aquaphor is a lifesaver!
Need Help? I’ve Got You Covered!
Knowing how to choose the right outfits for family photos can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help! Every session includes personalized styling to make things easy.
Want a custom look? I’ll create a style board with shoppable links.
Need outfits for mom & little ones? I have a client closet with beautiful options!
Want to keep it simple? I’ll help you refine your choices and make sure everything works together beautifully.
Ready to Book Your Family Session?
Click below to schedule your session, and let’s create something beautiful together!
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