Choosing what to wear for family photos can feel overwhelming, especially when you want everything to look beautiful without feeling too “put together.”
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you're planning a family session here in Murfreesboro, I’ll walk you through exactly what photographs well, what to avoid, and how to choose outfits that feel like you.
Start with a color palette, not matching outfits
There are NUMEROUS colors that one could choose from in this regard. So, you might say to yourself… Great! But which color palette should I start with?!! A simple way to begin is by choosing one main color as your foundation, then building around it with two or three complementary tones. This keeps things cohesive without feeling overly matched or forced.
Instead of putting everyone in the exact same shade, aim for variation within your palette so each person can feel like themselves while still fitting beautifully together. Think of your colors as working in layers rather than duplicates. When you approach it this way, your images will feel balanced, natural, and visually connected from the very start.
Neutrals
If you're totally stuck, and absolutely cannot decide, neutrals are a GREAT place to start. They create a soft, timeless foundation that photographs beautifully in just about any setting, whether you’re indoors or out. This can include creamy whites, warm beiges, soft grays, and muted earth tones that won’t compete for attention. From there, you can keep everything simple and cohesive or add in a subtle pop of color through small details like a dress, a layer, or accessories. Neutrals take the pressure off trying to perfectly coordinate while still giving your images that elevated, effortless feel where the focus stays right where it should be… on you and your connection.
Soft Colors
You absolutely CANNOT go wrong with a soft pop of color. This tends to bring everything together when coordinating outfits, because it adds a little bit of separation without feeling overwhelming or distracting. Instead of everyone blending into the exact same tones, that gentle hint of color creates depth and dimension, helping each person stand out while still feeling connected as a whole. Examples of some beautiful colors are dusty blues, muted sage, soft blush, mauve shades, or warm rust. Nothing too bold, just enough to add interest. It’s a simple way to keep your palette cohesive while giving your images that extra layer of visual warmth and personality.
Loud Colors
Loud colors can quickly become the focal point of your images, often pulling attention away from the connection and emotion you actually want to remember. Bright, highly saturated tones tend to draw the eye first, which can make the moment itself feel secondary. They can also cast unwanted color onto skin, affecting the natural, warm look of your photos. Choosing softer, more muted tones allows the image to feel balanced and intentional, so the focus stays where it belongs… on the people, the moments, and the story you’re telling.
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Coordinate Instead of Matching
Coordinating your wardrobe gives more of a sense of realness to your photos, while matching completely often gives off that “awkward 90’s styled JCPenney photos” feel. When everyone wears the exact same color and outfit, it can come across as stiff and overly staged instead of natural and connected. Coordinating, on the other hand, allows each person’s personality to show through while still keeping everything visually cohesive. By working within a shared color palette rather than duplicating it, your images feel more relaxed, more modern, and much closer to how your family actually looks and moves together in real life.
Dress Mom FIRST ( This Changes Everything! )
Moms are at the center of the family, she’s the glue that holds everything together. By making her the starting point for the overall look, everything else can naturally fall into place. Choosing her outfit first allows the rest of the family’s wardrobe to be built around her colors, tones, and style, creating a cohesive feel without the guesswork. It also ensures she feels confident and seen, rather than piecing something together last minute. When mom feels good, it sets the tone for the entire session, and that ease and confidence carries through into every image.
Some great ideas for Mom’s outfits are flowy dresses and soft, breathable textures like linen, lace, or sheer fabrics that create natural movement. These types of pieces photograph beautifully because they add a sense of softness and motion without feeling forced or overly styled. A dress that moves with you can bring life into your images, especially during candid moments like walking, holding your babies, or simply shifting naturally. Soft textures also add depth without distraction, giving your photos that effortless, elevated feel while still feeling comfortable and true to you.
Not to mention Movement = Emotion
Think About Your Location In Murfreesboro
Location… location… location. This is THE most important variable in your session and often the defining factor of your wardrobe. Why, you may ask? Because your surroundings set the entire tone for your images. The colors, textures, and light in your location all interact with what you wear, either working together in harmony or competing for attention. A soft, open field calls for different tones than an in-home session or an urban setting.
Soft neutrals work beautifully in Murfreesboro’s open fields, where the natural light and earthy tones create a calm, airy backdrop that pairs effortlessly with creams, beiges, and muted shades. On the other hand, cozy textures truly shine during at-home sessions, especially in the cooler months, where layers like knits, soft fabrics, and warm tones add depth and a sense of comfort to your images. When your wardrobe reflects the feel of your environment, your photos naturally take on that same warmth and atmosphere, making them feel more lived-in, genuine, and true to the moment.
What To Avoid
Neon Colors
Busy Patterns
Logos & Graphics
Everyone wearing the same thing
A helpful way to think about it is removing anything that might compete with the moment itself. Neon colors, bold graphics, large logos, and overly busy patterns tend to demand attention, which can take away from the moments you actually want to remember. The same goes for everyone wearing identical outfits, it can feel more stiff and staged. When you keep things a little more understated and varied within a shared palette, your photos feel easier, more genuine, and much more focused on the people in them rather than what they’re wearing.
Dress For Connection, Not Perfection
The goal isn’t to look perfect. It’s to feel like yourselves. When you’re comfortable, relaxed, and connected, that’s what shows up in your images. When you’re not worried about adjusting outfits or looking a certain way, you’re free to just be present with your people. And that’s where the magic happens, creating images that feel honest, meaningful, and something you’ll truly recognize as your life, just as it is.
Outfit Ideas For The Whole Family
Mom
Dad
kids
kids
Need Help Choosing? I've Got You!
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. I’ll walk you through what works and help you pull everything together in a way that feels effortless and true to your family, so you can feel confident going into your session without second guessing your choices.
Every session includes styling guidance, so you’re never left struggling on what to wear.
Book a session with me