One of the biggest questions I hear before a family photography session is simple:
“What should we wear?”
The good news? Your family does not need matching outfits or an entirely new wardrobe to look beautiful in photographs.
The best family photo outfits feel like you — just a little more intentional.
Instead of trying to match everyone perfectly, think about creating a cohesive color story through complementary tones, interesting textures, subtle patterns and clothing that allows you to move, laugh, hold your children and actually enjoy your session.
To make planning easier, I’ve created several family photography style palettes designed specifically with the colors, locations and light we photograph here in Middle Tennessee. You can also read about 10 Steps to Plan Your Wardrobe as well.
Neutral Fields 🌾
Cream, oatmeal, camel, warm beige and touches of denim are beautiful for outdoor family photos.
This palette works especially well in open fields and during golden hour because the clothing complements the landscape instead of competing with it.
Think flowing dresses, linen, soft knits, textured fabrics, warm leather shoes and subtle patterns.
Best for: field sessions, golden hour, spring, late summer and families who love a timeless look.
THE GLASSHOUSE 🌿
For sessions surrounded by greenery, I love bringing some of those organic tones into the wardrobe.
Cream, taupe, olive, sage and earthy neutrals create a romantic, slightly bohemian look without feeling overly styled.
The secret is texture: linen, crochet, soft florals, knits and flowing fabrics photograph beautifully against all that glass and greenery.
Best for: Glasshouse sessions, organic family portraits and clients drawn to an earthy aesthetic.
MODERN + EDITORIAL 🖤
Family photography doesn't have to mean beige.
Black, charcoal, ivory, forest green and deep olive create a sophisticated palette that feels modern without becoming trendy.
Choose cleaner silhouettes, beautiful fabrics and minimal accessories. The contrast creates striking photographs while still keeping the attention on your family.
Best for: modern locations, urban sessions, studio portraits and families wanting a more elevated editorial look.
COLOR + PERSONALITY 🌈
Yes, you can absolutely wear color for family photos.
The trick is to coordinate color rather than compete with it.
Start with one beautiful patterned dress or statement piece and pull two or three colors from it for everyone else's clothing. Coral, teal, berry, mustard, blue and rich jewel tones can photograph incredibly well when they're intentional.
Best for: playful families, spring and summer sessions, colorful locations and anyone who wants their photographs to feel joyful and full of personality.
AUTUMN FIELDS 🍂
Fall family photos in Tennessee practically beg for warmth.
Burnt orange, rust, mustard, olive, cream, camel and rich brown complement fall foliage beautifully.
Layering also becomes your friend. Think corduroy, chunky knits, suede, linen, boots and flowing dresses.
The goal isn't for everyone to wear orange. Instead, build a palette inspired by autumn and distribute those colors throughout the family.
Best for: October and November family sessions, farms, fields and fall foliage.
SHADES OF BLUE 💙
Blue may be one of the easiest family photography palettes to wear.
Mix navy, chambray, dusty blue, soft gray-blue and cream rather than putting everyone in identical denim.
Blue photographs beautifully against greenery and neutral locations and gives family portraits a classic quality that won't feel dated five years from now.
Best for: almost any season, larger families and anyone who wants something classic and easy to coordinate.
JUST A LITTLE SPARKLE ✨
Holiday photos are the perfect excuse for a little glamour.
Champagne, rose gold, cream, camel, black and subtle metallic details create a sophisticated holiday look without screaming Christmas.
A sequined dress for your daughter, satin or metallic texture for Mom, or a little shimmer in accessories is plenty. Everyone does not need sparkle.
Best for: holiday portraits, Christmas cards and families wanting something elevated and festive.
CHRISTMAS TRADITION 🎄
If you love classic Christmas, embrace it.
Rich red, burgundy, cream, champagne, charcoal and gray create a timeless holiday palette. Satin, velvet, lace, tulle and subtle sequins add dimension and photograph beautifully.
The key is balancing those statement pieces with quieter wardrobe choices so your photographs still feel sophisticated.
Best for: formal Christmas portraits, traditional holiday sets and heirloom-style family photographs.
FALL IN LOVE AT THE FARM 🌸
For a softer approach to fall family photography, combine warm neutrals with muted florals.
Cream, beige, sage, rust, dusty blue and denim feel effortless against barns, fields and natural landscapes.
A floral dress can also become the anchor for the entire family's wardrobe. Simply pull several colors from the print and use them throughout everyone else's clothing.
Best for: farm sessions, transitional seasons and romantic outdoor family portraits.
THE MOST IMPORTANT FAMILY PHOTO STYLING RULE
Coordinate. Don't match.
Your photographs should look like your family belongs together — not like everyone was issued a uniform.
Start with the person whose outfit is hardest to choose (often Mom), then build everyone else's clothing around that piece. Mix textures, vary shades within your palette and choose clothing you can comfortably move in.
And above everything else, wear something that makes you feel good.
Because twenty years from now, you aren't going to care whether everyone's beige was exactly the same shade.
You're going to care about the people in the photograph.
READY TO PLAN YOUR MIDDLE TENNESSEE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
If you're looking for a family photographer in Columbia, Franklin, Spring Hill, Nashville or Middle Tennessee, I’ll help you plan more than the photographs themselves.
From choosing the right location to coordinating your family's wardrobe, we'll create a session that feels relaxed, intentional and unmistakably yours.
Focus on your love. I'll take care of the rest.
With the plaid shirt as a base, colors and patterns were pulled to complete the look. Mom added some boots (flat shoes) to add to the fun farm feel and be able to keep up with her two energetic boys. Photo taken at Harlinsdale Farm.
