What Not to Wear for Family Photos | A Family Photographer’s Honest Advice

One of the most common questions I get before a session is, “What should we wear?” Understanding what not to wear for family photos can greatly impact the final outcome of your images.

But just as important — and honestly sometimes more helpful — is knowing what not to wear for family photos. When considering what not to wear for family photos, think about how colors interact with each other.

After photographing families for over 17 years, I can tell you this: outfits can either elevate your images beautifully or unintentionally distract from what actually matters — your connection.

So if you’re planning your session and want timeless, natural images that won’t feel dated in five years, here’s my honest advice on what to avoid (and what to do instead).

Avoid Neon Colors and Extremely Bright Shades

These choices relate closely to what not to wear for family photos to keep your images timeless. I know bright colors can feel fun and bold, but they rarely photograph the way you hope they will.

Neon pinks, bright oranges, lime greens, and electric blues do two things:

1. They pull attention away from your faces.
2. They reflect color back onto your skin.

That reflection can create odd color casts — especially under golden hour light — and it’s not something you want in timeless family photos.

Instead, opt for softened versions of colors. Think muted sage instead of bright green. Rust instead of orange. Dusty blue instead of royal blue. When colors are softened, your faces stay the focus — and that’s always the goal.

Skip Large Logos, Graphics, and Busy Patterns

By avoiding logos, you’ll follow the guideline of what not to wear for family photos effectively. Logos date photos faster than almost anything else.

A giant brand name across a shirt immediately pulls the eye. Instead of seeing your family connection, the viewer sees the logo first.

Busy patterns can do the same thing. When multiple family members wear bold prints, stripes, florals, and graphics all at once, the image feels chaotic instead of cohesive.

Here’s the balance I recommend:
If one person wears a subtle pattern, keep the rest in solids. Small, soft prints can photograph beautifully — especially in dresses — but they should complement, not compete.

Your family photos should feel timeless, not like a snapshot of whatever trend was popular that year.

Don’t Match Exactly (Coordination Over Matching)

This is a big, important tip! Keep in mind what not to wear for family photos can often make the difference in how natural you look. Gone are the days when everyone needs to wear identical white shirts and blue jeans. We don’t live in the 90’s anymore.

Matching outfits flatten an image visually and remove personality. It also makes the photo feel more staged than natural.

Instead, coordinate within a color palette.

Choose 2–3 complementary colors and layer in neutrals. For example:
Cream, tan, and soft blue.
Olive, beige, and muted rust.
Gray, soft pink, and denim.

When outfits coordinate but aren’t identical, the image has depth and movement. It feels intentional without feeling forced.

Avoid Uncomfortable Clothing

It’s essential to avoid discomfort, which ties back to what not to wear for family photos. If you’re adjusting your shirt constantly or tugging at your dress, that discomfort will show in your photos.

Family sessions involve movement. You’ll sit, kneel, walk, hug, pick up your kids, maybe even twirl. If your outfit doesn’t allow for that, it limits natural interaction.

For moms especially, choose something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you feel good, you will look good. That energy translates directly into your images.

For kids, avoid stiff, itchy fabrics or brand-new shoes that haven’t been broken in. Happy kids photograph better — it’s that simple.

Be Careful With Harsh Black or Stark White

These tones are important in understanding what not to wear for family photos to achieve the best results. Black isn’t “bad,” but it can feel heavy in outdoor sessions, especially in spring or summer. Stark white can also blow out easily in bright sunlight.

If you love neutrals (which I do too), lean into softer versions:
Cream instead of bright white.
Charcoal instead of jet black.
Warm taupe instead of flat gray.

These tones feel richer and photograph beautifully in Utah’s natural light.

Avoid Last-Minute Outfit Decisions

Taking time to prepare can help you avoid what not to wear for family photos. One of the biggest stressors before family photos is scrambling the night before trying to figure out what everyone will wear.

Lay everything out ahead of time. See how the outfits look together. Try them on. Make sure everything fits well and is wrinkle-free.

Preparation leads to relaxed parents.
Relaxed parents lead to relaxed kids.
Relaxed kids lead to beautiful, natural images.

It’s all connected.

The Goal: Timeless, Not Trendy

The goal is to create images that reflect what not to wear for family photos as you capture your family’s essence. Trends change quickly. Editing styles change. Fashion changes.

But connection? That never goes out of style.

When you avoid what not to wear for family photos, your images maintain their classic feel over time.

And that’s always my goal.

If you’re ever unsure about what to wear (or what not to wear for family photos), I guide every family through outfit planning before their session. I want you to feel confident, coordinated, and completely prepared so your session feels easy and natural.

It’s crucial to discuss what not to wear for family photos to enhance your overall experience. Because the truth is, what matters most isn’t the outfit — it’s the way you hold your child’s hand, the way you laugh together, and the way this season of life feels right now.

And I would be honored to document it beautifully for you.

For ideas on what to wear for the season you are going to book, I’ve created some helpful advice on what looks best for every season.

What to wear for summer family photos

What to wear for spring family photos

What to wear for fall family photos

What to wear for winter family photos

Where to Shop for Elevated Family Photo Outfits

Once you know what not to wear, the next question is usually: Okay… so where should we actually shop?

If you’re wanting outfits that feel timeless, elevated, and cohesive (without looking overly trendy), here are some of my favorite go-to stores for family photo styling.

Nordstrom is one of my favorites for polished, flattering pieces that photograph beautifully. Their dresses, soft sweaters, and neutral-toned blouses are often perfect for sessions. I love Nordy’s because they have a great section for not just adults, but for the entire family.

Anthropologie is wonderful for flowy dresses, subtle prints, and soft textures. If you love movement and a slightly romantic feel, this is a great place to start.

Madewell and Everlane are excellent for clean lines, high-quality basics, and elevated neutrals.

J.Crew and Banana Republic offer polished but relaxed pieces that feel timeless and photograph well.

Gap and Gap Kids consistently carry soft, neutral basics that coordinate beautifully without being busy.

Zara and Zara Kids can have beautiful elevated pieces with a European feel — especially for fall and winter textures.

H&M sometimes has surprisingly great neutral options at affordable price points — just focus on simple silhouettes.

If you’re shopping for a cohesive look, I recommend starting with one outfit you absolutely love (usually mom’s), then building the rest of the family around those tones and textures.

Lay everything out together on a bed before the session. Seeing it as a full palette helps you catch anything that feels too bold or out of place.

And remember — quality over quantity. You don’t need brand new outfits for everyone. A few well-chosen, well-fitting pieces in complementary tones will always photograph beautifully.

If you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to look at outfit options and give guidance. Styling is one of the easiest ways to elevate your final gallery — and I want you to feel completely confident walking into your session.