When it comes to creating gorgeous family portraits, what you’re wearing is just as important as all the other details such as: lighting, location, and posing. But when it comes to selecting outfits for family photos it can feel like an overwhelming experience. Should everyone match? What colors work best? How much is too much? This can be even more complicated when you’re planning outfits for an extended family session! This is why we put together these helpful tips for selecting your family portrait outfits. You will have everyone dressed and ready in no time!

 

Tips For Selecting Your Family Portrait Outfits

Begin planning your outfits in advance.

The more time you allow yourself to plan your outfits, the less stressed you’ll be. Plus, it never hurts to have options especially when you’re dressing your kids.

Coordinate, but don’t match!

Knowing what colors to wear for family photos can be tricky. I always recommend choosing at least 3-4 colors to work from and that coordinate well. As you can see above, mustard, navy, wine and gray are colors that mix and match well together.

One of the most important things to remember is that you want to coordinate without matching. It’s possible to be cohesive without everyone wearing the same thing! In fact, “matching” really dates your photos.

Instead, choosing a color scheme and using hues that complement each other results in a natural, effortless look. Pick two main colors and then add softer tones to accent!

When it comes to extended family portraits, I recommend each of the individual family-style themselves according to the same color palette. This way, you won’t need to worry about coordinating with the other families as long as you’re all working from the same palette!

Add texture and layers to your outfits.

Things like accessories (hats, scarves, and jewelry) add depth and dimension to your family’s wardrobe. Choosing outfit pieces with textured fabric, buttons, ties, belts or suspenders can also add layer and texture to your outfit for a more “complete” look.

Lay everything out together.

This way you’ll have a good idea about how the outfits coordinate and look together. It will help you see if one color is dominating the outfits or if you need more pieces to better tie in another color.

Keep location in mind.

Cle Elum and the surrounding area is known for it’s beautiful, lush foliage and rustic landscape.  Selecting a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting is important. Pick out items of clothing in colors that will complement your background and not compete with it.

Consider the season.

Each season is associated with different colors, weather, and landscapes which will be an important item to consider when picking out what everyone will be wearing.

Choose practical clothing.

This is an important item to keep in mind for every family member but, especially when dressing the younger members of your family. If your kids are not comfortable in what they’re wearing, it’s going to show! Also, be thoughtful about footwear choices, as most outdoor locations in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Suncadia require slightly more practical shoes, due to the terrain.

Avoid distracting patterns and large logos

In fact, I suggest avoiding any logos at all! They’re very distracting in portraits and can also date your family photos. Likewise, really strong patterns or small repetitive patterns can be distracting in your portraits. Small repetitive patterns are especially problematic, as they can produce an unintentional moiré pattern. Last but not least, neon colors should be avoided at all costs. Select outfits that will make for a timeless portrait.

Choosing classic family portrait outfits will help you to create timeless portraits.  Styles come and go but, your photos are forever.