Choosing what to wear for your family photoshoot can feel like a surprisingly big decision. You want everyone to look great, feel comfortable, and, most importantly, love the photos just as much in 10 years as you do today. As a family photographer in Belfast, I’ve helped hundreds of families choose outfits that look great, make them feel fantastic, and don't immediately date! Here’s a simple guide to help you choose outfits you’ll be proud to show off for decades.
1. Start with a Soft, Neutral Colour Palette
Neutral colours have stood the test of time for a reason. They flatter every skin tone, look beautiful in printed photos, and won’t date your portraits. I recommend soft beiges, creams, greys, dusty blues, forest greens, or muted pinks.
I’ll choose a neutral coloured backdrop to co-ordinate with your choice of outfit, and your images will look amazing.
TOP TIP: Pick one outfit you love, then build the rest of the family’s outfits around that choice.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing the same white T-shirt and jeans. Coordinated colours with varied textures and subtle patterns create a more natural, stylish look.
For example, Mum could wear a soft floral dress, Dad in a textured knit jumper, and the children in coordinating tones with simple patterns or solid colours.
3. Avoid Loud Logos or Bold, Distracting Patterns
Logos, bright, clashing colours, and busy prints can overwhelm your photos and take attention away from the most important part of the image – your connection as a family.
If patterns are your thing, choose smaller, softer prints like narrow stripes, pretty florals, or instead choose textured fabrics.
4. Think Timeless, Not Trendy
While fashions come and go, classic pieces stay beautiful forever.
Choose outfits that feel like you, but avoid anything that is very on trend this year. If you are too “of the moment”, your images will look like you belong in last week pretty immediately!
Ask yourself: “Will I still love this style in 10 years?”
If the answer is yes, you’ve found the right outfit!
5. Make sure you’re Comfortable… Especially important for Kids!
If your little one feels uncomfortable or their clothes are scratchy, it will show in their face in the photos. Make sure that you have chosen soft fabrics, they can move and play in. If you’ve chosen a brand new outfit, it’s often a good idea to wash it first to remove that “new clothes” feeling!
For parents, comfort matters too. If you’re tugging at a neckline or adjusting a dress, it’s harder to relax and enjoy the shoot.
6. Add Layers and Textures
Layers photograph beautifully. Cardigans, chunky knits, scarves, linen shirts, and soft jackets all add interest and softness to your images.
Textures such as wool, lace, linen, and denim create visual interest without being overwhelming.
7. Keep It Simple for Babies
Babies look best in soft, simple clothing instead of complicated, fussy clothes. A simple romper, onesie or dungarees are comfortable, practical and look great. Avoid stiff collars, cartoon characters that will go out of fashion, and scratchy fabrics.
10. Let Your Personalities Shine
“Timeless” doesn’t mean boring! If your family loves colour, add pops of it in accessories, or one colour running through everyone’s outfits. If Mum feels her best in a dress with movement, embrace it. If Dad prefers something casual, that’s fine too. As long as there’s something to bring you all together then it will work well.
Your images should feel like you — just the polished, well-coordinated version.
Getting the outfits fight for your family photoshoot
Choosing outfits for your family photoshoot is less about “getting it perfect” and more about choosing outfits that feel natural, comfortable, and timeless. As a family photographer in Belfast, I’m here to make the whole process easy and fun, and to help you create a look that means you’ll love your family photographs for years.
If you’d like outfit advice, feel free to send me your clothing ideas before the session. I’m always happy to help!
