What to Wear for Family Pictures – With Seasonal Examples!

December 18, 2017

Deciding what to wear for family photos can be a daunting task even for a fashion lover like me. My love for fashion just might be surpassed by my love for photos. There is something about them that is so special to me. I love documenting life in photos, so it is really important to me to take family photos. I’m thankful Russ obliges me and that we’ve been able to take photos as a couple, maternity announcement photos, pregnancy photos, family photos when Ivy Jean was six months old, family photos when she was one year old, and more recently family pictures with my extended family. That was a really special photo session as we hadn’t done that since my sister and I had both had kids.

Anyway, I think you get the point. I love pictures. It’s that time of year when we are all thinking about family Christmas pictures for Christmas cards, so I thought I would share a few tips I go by when planning outfits for everyone.

What to Wear for Family Pictures

  1. Pick one main print first – I start with one outfit (usually either mine or Ivy Jean’s because, let’s face it, Russ is the easy one). This outfit is the one that I will pull other colors, prints, and looks from. So start with a print! Depending on the season and look you are going for in the photos, I usually go with a floral or a plaid. These are classic prints that over time you won’t look back and regret.
  2. Pick a second, coordinating print – You don’t want the photos to only have one print. Print mix like a pro! It’s easy if you stick to similar colors and patterns that go well together. Stripes and checks are always safe. This is when men are always easy. It’s generally easy to pick a stripe, gingham, or check button up shirt for them in a coordinating color that will work well with your first print.
  3. Using your two prints pick one or two other solid colors to add in for others – Depending on how many other people you have to style, add in one or two other solid colors from your prints. Pick up colors in your prints that will be flattering and easy to add in. Think blues (even chambray), creams, greys, burgundy, browns (khaki), etc.
  4. Add interest with accessories and layers – Think how cute babies are in hats! What about a scarf for the mama? A vest for the adorable little boy. Does dad need a sweater over his button up?
  5. Mix up your neutrals – If dad is wearing jeans, should brother wear khakis? Pictures look visually better if there is some differentiation between family members who are all standing beside each other. Keep in mind you want it to all flow though. Denim and khakis are neutral but will break things up.

What to Wear for Family Photos – Warm Weather Example

what to wear for family photos warm weather example, tips on how to plan outfits for family pictures

What to Wear for Family Photos – Fall Example

what to wear for family photos fall weather example with information on outfit planning, make Christmas pictures easy with these 5 tips

What to Wear for Family Photos – Winter Example

what to wear for family photos winter example

Special thanks to Randy Yeats Photography for all these amazing photos!

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58 Comments

  • Reply thevelvetrunway December 21, 2017 at 6:04 am

    These are beautiful family photos and great tips!
    Taking family photos is always such a stressful experience for us and thinking of what to wear just adds an extra stress point, so I’m going to bookmark these tips for our next family photo occasion!
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

  • Reply Jane Fitfabfun December 20, 2017 at 1:51 am

    Your family pictures look amazing! Love all three combos!
    xo, Jane
    http://www.fitfabfunmom.com

  • Reply Kathryn December 19, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    You and your family are too cute, Amy Ann! These are all great ideas for family photos – it can be hard to coordinate without being overly matchy-matchy. Great tips.

    Kathryn • simplykk.com

  • Reply Rach December 19, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    You guys take the cutest family photos! And I love the tips! They’re super helpful!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  • Reply Ruth from My Little Nest December 19, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    You have amazing pictures! Look at how much Ivy Jean has grown already?!? Hope you have a great week Amy!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

  • Reply Nevena Krstic December 19, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    Beautiful photos! I love all 3 combinations! 🙂 xx

    http://www.nevenakrstic.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply Ashley White December 19, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    Such great family photo styling tips! You guys look amazing, of course!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  • Reply Ira December 19, 2017 at 12:29 pm

    Amazing pictures! Thanks for your tips:)

    irinathayer.com

  • Reply Girl Meets Gold December 19, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    Oh my goodness what great tips and gorgeous family photos! I love how easily you laid it all out. Great post, beauty!
    x, Tyler
    http://www.girlmeetsgold.com

  • Reply Jacquard Flower December 19, 2017 at 11:45 am

    I never really thought about this before but loved the tips. Have a great day! Gemma x
    http://www.jacquardflower.uk

  • Reply hena tayeb December 19, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Great tips and ideas. Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family.

    http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

  • Reply Elise Ward Joyce December 19, 2017 at 9:37 am

    Ok, first of all , all of these photos are gorgeous. I would have never known there was a formula to patterns for photos! Ivy’s jacket is the absolute cutest. Beautiful family Amy!

    xx, Elise
    http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

  • Reply Jessica December 19, 2017 at 9:26 am

    These are really handy tips dear. Learned a lot. Thanks for sharing!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  • Reply Carly December 19, 2017 at 8:46 am

    Great tips, Amy Ann! You guys always look great in your family photos. For some reason I get nervous about having prints in family pictures because sometimes prints photograph so weird. Clearly I shouldn’t be worried though because your pics always look great!

    Carly at A Modern Mom Blog

  • Reply Sheryl Segura December 19, 2017 at 2:38 am

    Adorable family pictures and those are great tips.
    Love the print coordination.

    xx Sheryl | http://www.SeguraAndCo.com

  • Reply The Bandwagon Chic December 19, 2017 at 2:25 am

    That’s a great family picture tips.
    I never knew it would work amazing.
    I should try it next time.

    Much Love,
    Jane | The Bandwagon Chic

  • Reply Jackie December 19, 2017 at 12:24 am

    Amy your family photos are beautiful! You did such a great job of styling each look for you family. And by the way, how cute is Ivy’s band jacket. So adorable. Thanks for sharing these great tips with us.
    Have a great week ahead!

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

  • Reply Narhee December 19, 2017 at 12:16 am

    Such cute photos!

    Narhee | Made in Mauve

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