What to Wear for Family Photos
Complete outfit guide from St. Augustine photographers who've styled 600+ family sessions over a decade.
Last updated: January 2026
After styling 600+ family sessions across St. Augustine, we've learned what works—and what doesn't—when it comes to family photo outfits. The right clothing choices can make everyone feel confident and create photos you'll treasure for decades.
This isn't about following fashion trends. It's about understanding how colors, fabrics, and coordination work together to create timeless family portraits that reflect your family's personality.
Color Palettes That Photograph Beautifully
Color choice impacts everything from how flattering your photos look to how well they'll match your home decor. We've tested hundreds of color combinations in St. Augustine's unique lighting conditions.
Neutral Palettes (Always Work)
These combinations work in any season, any location, and any lighting condition:
Classic Neutral Combinations
- Cream, sage green, and soft brown - Perfect for outdoor sessions
- Soft gray, blush pink, and ivory - Beautiful for golden hour
- Tan, dusty blue, and white - Great for beach sessions
- Mushroom gray, cream, and soft olive - Sophisticated and timeless
Seasonal Color Palettes
Spring/Summer (March-August)
- Soft pastels: dusty rose, sage, cream
- Ocean-inspired: coral, seafoam, sandy beige
- Garden tones: lavender, soft yellow, sage
Pros: Complement Florida's bright light beautifully
Fall/Winter (September-February)
- Warm jewel tones: burgundy, forest green, cream
- Earthy combinations: rust, olive, tan
- Rich neutrals: chocolate brown, ivory, dusty blue
Pros: Create cozy, intimate feeling in photos
Pro Tip: The 60-30-10 Rule
Use your main color for 60% of outfits, secondary color for 30%, and accent color for 10%. This creates visual balance without overwhelming the photo.
Seasonal Outfit Guide for Florida
Florida's climate means we're thinking about comfort and breathability year-round, but each season has its own considerations for family photos.
Spring Sessions (March-May)
Perfect weather for layers and lighter fabrics. Temperatures range from 70-85°F.
Women
- Flowy maxi dresses in soft prints
- Linen pants with camisole and cardigan
- Midi skirts with fitted tops
- Light scarves for texture
Men
- Linen button-down shirts
- Chinos with polo or henley
- Light cardigan over t-shirt
- Rolled sleeves for casual feel
Kids
- Sundresses with light cardigans
- Button-down shirts with shorts
- Comfortable sandals or canvas shoes
- Hair accessories that won't fly away
Summer Sessions (June-August)
High heat and humidity require the most breathable fabrics. We typically schedule early morning or evening sessions.
Summer Considerations
Avoid synthetic fabrics that don't breathe. Stick to cotton, linen, and bamboo blends. Bring extra undershirts for men and blotting papers for touch-ups.
Fall Sessions (September-November)
Our favorite season for family photos. Comfortable temperatures allow for more variety in clothing choices.
Winter Sessions (December-February)
Mild temperatures (60-75°F) mean you can incorporate layers and richer fabrics without overheating.
Coordination vs. Matching Strategies
The days of everyone wearing identical white button-downs are over. Modern family photos look better when outfits coordinate rather than match exactly.
The Coordination Formula
Start with one family member's outfit—usually mom—then build around those colors. Here's how we approach it:
Step-by-Step Coordination
- Choose mom's outfit first (she usually cares most about how she looks)
- Pull 2-3 colors from her outfit
- Dad gets the most neutral color, usually as his main color
- Kids get the accent colors, distributed so no two are identical
- Add one pattern maximum—usually on one child
Coordination Do's
- Vary the shades of your chosen colors
- Mix textures for visual interest
- Let each person's style show through
- Consider your home decor when choosing colors
- Include one small pattern or texture
Coordination Don'ts
- Don't dress everyone identically
- Don't use more than 4 colors total
- Don't let patterns compete with each other
- Don't ignore comfort for the sake of matching
- Don't save outfit planning until the last minute
Fabric and Texture Choices
Fabric choice affects both how you look and how you feel during your session. Some fabrics photograph beautifully while others can be problematic.
Best Fabrics for Photos
Linen
Soft drape, breathes well
Cotton
Comfortable, photographs naturally
Chiffon
Beautiful movement, feminine
Jersey Knit
Flattering fit, doesn't wrinkle
Fabrics to Avoid
These materials can create problems during your session:
Problematic Fabrics
- Polyester blends - Don't breathe in Florida heat, can look shiny
- Heavy denim - Stiff, unflattering in sitting poses
- Sequins or metallic - Reflect light unpredictably
- Very thin fabrics - Can be see-through in bright light
- Scratchy wool - Kids will be uncomfortable and fidgety
Age-Specific Outfit Tips
Different ages have different needs when it comes to photo outfits. We've learned what works best for each family member.
Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years)
Comfort is everything with this age group. They need to move freely and feel comfortable.
Toddler-Friendly Choices
- Soft, stretchy fabrics that don't restrict movement
- Easy-change outfits in case of spills
- Comfortable shoes they can walk in
- Avoid buttons or ties they can pull
- Bring backup outfits in the same color palette
School Age Kids (4-12 years)
This age wants to look good but needs to feel like themselves. Let them have some input in their outfit choice.
Teenagers (13+ years)
Teens are the most self-conscious about how they look. Their comfort with their outfit directly affects their confidence in photos.
Teenager Success Tips
Let them choose between 2-3 pre-approved options that fit your color palette. When teens feel good about their outfit, it shows in their expressions and body language.
Adults
Focus on clothes that fit well and make you feel confident. Avoid anything brand new—you want to feel like yourself.
Outfits by Location Type
Your session location should influence your outfit choices. What works at the beach might not work in historic St. Augustine.
Beach Sessions
Sand, wind, and bright sun create unique considerations for beach family photos.
Beach Outfit Guidelines
Choose flowy fabrics that move beautifully in the breeze. Avoid white (washes out against sand) and very dark colors (too hot). Bare feet or sand-friendly sandals work best.
Best colors: Soft blues, corals, sandy neutrals, sage green
Historic Downtown St. Augustine
The cobblestones and historic architecture call for slightly more polished outfits.
Historic District Guidelines
Aim for "elevated casual" that complements the timeless architecture. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestones. Earth tones and rich colors photograph beautifully against historic stone.
Best colors: Burgundy, forest green, cream, warm grays
Garden and Park Settings
Natural settings allow for softer, more casual outfit choices.
Garden Session Guidelines
Soft, natural colors that won't compete with flowers and greenery. Flowy dresses and natural fabrics work beautifully. Consider the season when choosing colors.
Best colors: Pastels in spring, jewel tones in fall
What to Avoid (Common Mistakes)
After thousands of family photos, we've seen these mistakes repeatedly. Avoid them and your photos will be much stronger.
Color Mistakes
Colors That Don't Photograph Well
- Neon or electric colors - Too distracting and don't look natural
- All black everything - Can look too formal and absorbs light
- Pure white outdoors - Often overexposes in bright Florida sun
- Red and green together - Creates unwanted Christmas vibes year-round
Pattern Problems
Patterns can add interest, but they need to be used carefully:
Patterns That Work
- Small, subtle prints
- One pattern per family maximum
- Florals in muted tones
- Thin stripes or small checks
Patterns to Avoid
- Large logos or text
- Busy geometric patterns
- Multiple competing patterns
- Thin stripes (can create visual buzzing)
Comfort and Fit Issues
Nothing ruins family photos faster than uncomfortable clothing:
Comfort Mistakes to Avoid
- Brand new shoes that haven't been broken in
- Clothing that's too tight or restrictive
- Outfits that require constant adjusting
- Fabrics that show every wrinkle
- Anything that makes family members self-conscious
Final Preparation and Styling Tips
Great outfits are only part of the equation. How you prepare and style can make or break your family photos.
One Week Before Your Session
Final Outfit Check
7 Days Before
Try on all outfits together as a family. Take a mirror selfie to see how colors work together. Make any last adjustments or exchanges needed.
Day of Session Preparation
Steaming
Steam or iron all clothes the night before
Backup Plan
Bring one backup outfit per person
Comfort Items
Pack blotting papers, safety pins, stain stick
Timing
Dress 30 minutes before departure
Styling Details That Make a Difference
Professional Styling Tips
- Hair and makeup: Keep it natural and timeless
- Jewelry: Choose pieces that complement, don't compete
- Nails: Clean, neutral colors photograph best
- Undergarments: Proper-fitting bras and seamless underwear
- Shoes: Clean and comfortable—they'll show in some photos
Ready to Plan Your Family Session?
We'd love to help you create beautiful family photos that reflect your unique style. Our family sessions include outfit consultation to ensure everyone looks and feels their best.
View Family Session Information
The right outfits set the foundation for family photos you'll treasure forever. When everyone feels comfortable and confident in their clothes, it shows in their smiles and the way they interact with each other.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's authentic connection. Choose clothes that make your family feel like the best version of themselves, and let your personalities shine through.
