Family Picture Outfits
When someone says the words “family pictures,” do you instantly cringe? Finding the perfect family picture outfits can cause anxiety, stress, and dread if you’re not prepared. The pressure is on for every woman to wrangle the kids and hubby together into trendy, coordinating (but not too matchy) outfits – in an attempt to capture (ever elusive) natural smiles for a “picture perfect” holiday card. It is not easy! BUT, The Dating Divas are here to rescue you because WE GET IT. No one wants to be scrounging last minute to find matching outfits for their whole family! We’ve taken care of that for you by providing the BEST family picture outfit ideas for you all in one place. Simply find the style you like below, duplicate it for your family, and voila! No more stress! Ready to tackle family photos now?
Before we dive in, we must say that we’re pretty confident you’re going to find a perfect set of carefully matching outfits for your family pictures below. BUT, if not, don’t fear! There is nothing wrong with going totally casual and un-matched for a family photo! We just know that some people really love the little details of each outfit going together. If that’s you, this list is actually going to make you excited for family photos! Now, lets check out these tips for endless outfit and color inspiration…
Tips on What to Wear for Family Photos
By the way, we understand that your purpose for taking a family photo may range from holiday cards to celebrations to pictures hangings in your home. No matter! These ideas should work for almost all family photoshoots, but adapt to them how you think best for your individual purpose. Regardless of what it’s for, we are confident that you and your family will look fantastic in any of these family photo outfits!
- Coordinate the style and color of your clothing with your location in mind.
- When choosing a color palette, consider what will go well with the colors of your home. Â After all, most people plan to hang their pictures up!
- Try to avoid clothing that is super seasonal. Unless you’re planning on using them only for Christmas cards, red and green scarfs may not be the best choice. Pick a style, color, and location that you don’t mind displaying in your home year-round.
- Don’t be afraid of color and pattern. While you may not want everyone to wear a bold color or a busy pattern, a pop or two of color and design adds interest to the picture.  Check out some great examples at Click it Up a Notch and Kristen Duke photography.
- Layer! Adding layers to your outfit not only adds texture to the picture but also allows you to shed layers later on for different looks in different pictures.
- For a photo that stands the test of time, opt for clothes that are classic rather than super trendy. The perfect family picture outfits should be timeless!
- While a little bit of pattern can be a good thing, it’s best to avoid clothing with large graphics and logos.
- Gone are the days of identical blue jeans and white shirts! Instead of matching colors, coordinate them. Stick to a color palette, but don’t feel like you have to match color values exactly.
- For color palette inspiration, try these online tools:  Design Seeds, Big Huge Labs, and DeGrave.
- For more outfit inspiration for your next family picture, do a simple Image Search on Google for “What to Wear Photography” and you will get more outfits and color combinations than you know what to do with!
Our Favorite Family Picture Outfit Ideas
You could literally spend HOURS browsing family picture outfits online. No shame in that! But for your convenience, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. Using the tips above and these inspirational photos below, we think you’ll land on the PERFECT family photo!
- Grey With a Pop of Red – This cool-temperatured color combination gives us all the heart eyes! Classic and bold! We love it!
- All the Blues – This blue-based family (and maternity) shoot is so bright and beautiful! We love how the tones of the blue don’t match perfectly but go together!
- Plaid – I’ve never seen plaid look so adorable!! This family accented their outfits with black and red plaid and it worked 100%!
- Coats – Due to rain and colder weather, this family photoshoot required coats and umbrellas! Lucky for them, the extra layers and props made this shoot turn out amazing!
- Yellow and Navy – This gorgeous color combination made for perfect family photo! I love the added touch of the baby’s hat!
- Cream and Grey – We’ll take one of each outfit, please! This gorgeous family pulled off a light cream and grey combo and we’re obsessed! They nailed their family picture outfits!
- Light Blue and Lace – Oh my lanta. This is just stunning beyond belief. The delicate lace with the light and airy blues go so perfectly. This would be ideal to recreate!
- Jeans and Cream – Jeans for a family photo? Yes you can! This family makes it look casual AND put together, especially with the pops of cream on everyone!
- Pink and Blue – This family of boys and girls looks so good in their gender-appropriate clothing!
- Chambray with Pink – The cutest little boys in chambray button-ups plus a mother in a full-length pink dress. Could you get any cuter?
On top of all these family picture outfit ideas and tips, we just KNEW you’d be looking for any way to make this entire process easier. We’ve created for you the ultimate “Family Picture Planner” Printable to help keep everything organized! And did we mention it’s FREE? Carisa from Messes to Memories designed this gorgeous printable to help you plan ahead and make your picture day a success! Thanks so much, Carisa!
And last but not least, we highly recommend checking out our Family Photo Date which makes the picture taking process a full-on family date!
Happy picture taking!
We love your comments
Glad to visit your site Becca. Keep up doing these amazing works
Thanks so much David!
Wow, you truly did cover everything! I am amazed with this post.
So glad you found it helpful!
Wow, I happen to be a professional photographer and your tips are dead on. Thank you for sharing them. I try to educate my clients what to do, I should just have them read this. Lol. I can tell you value photography and the investment they require, thank you. 🙂
That means a lot coming from a professional! Thanks Shannon! 🙂
The link on #82 isn’t working, and I’d love to see what the idea is. 🙂 Where can I find it?
It looks like she’s taken down her blog. But this pin has the directions in the description. https://pinterest.com/pin/199847302185994028/
Love the post and will be using some of those ideas in the future. Right now I’m focussed on our 10th Christmas photo as a family. Way back when I decided for a bit of fun we woudl theme it on the “12 days of Christmas”, so we’ve had partridges and pear trees, turtle doves, golden right, swans-a-swimming etc. Totally stuck, though, on pipers piping. There’s 4 of us – Mum, dad and 2 sons, 7 and 10. I suppose we just all hold flutes / recorders / pan pipes? (Oh, there’s an idea – all 4 of us blowing an enormous pan pipe!)
I welcome any other brilliant ideas on capturing that theme.
Oh what a FUN idea!!! I love the idea of the 4 of you blowing an enormous pan pipe!!! You should email us a picture of your Christmas photo when it’s done! We’d love to see it.
Please give me some cute ideas and poses for 5th generation pictures. We have had several different ones taken, but just haven’t like them very much. Would love yo get one perfect one done before anything happens to one of us! My Nanny just turned 90!
Here are some ideas for inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233553930649550989/, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/141370875777240256/, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/346214290078084680/. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/403494447838085030/, and https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169940585915107618/
Hi! I really like the family picture divided into 4 posters on #93. Do you know how I can do that? Is there a specific website? We just had our family pictures done and we have a pose similar to this one.
Thanks!
Hi Sarah! Check out this post by Sarina: https://www.thedatingdivas.com/craft-tutorial/diy-family-photo-poster/ It has instructions for a similar picture poster. Hope that helps!
Loved this post!!! You had tips for How to look good and lots of poses, but any poses especially more flattering for a “fluffier” mum?
Great question, Heidi! You should totally check out these posts: https://www.katepeaseblog.com/2013/06/how-to-be-photogenic/ and https://www.maskcara.com/2013/10/16/my-tips-on-looking-your-thinnest-in-photos/. They have some great tips!
GREAT POST! LOVE IT! THANK YOU!
Thank you , thank you, thank you. What a great source of inspiration, ideas and creativity. I am doing an engagement shoot this weekend and this has given me some great inspiration. Keep up the great job.
I’m hooked!!!! Thank you datingdivas.com!
You are SO welcome!!! If you’re doing an engagement shoot you might also want to check out our 101 Tips and Ideas for Couples Photography: https://www.thedatingdivas.com/just-the-two-of-us/101-tips-and-ideas-for-couples-photography/ 🙂 Happy photo shoot!!
Im a professional photographer and I LOVE this!!! So may come to me not knowing anything about what to do for our session. I try and educate them, but youve put everything all here together. Im totally going to share this with my clients. Thank you! 🙂
Shannon, we LOVE hearing that- especially from a professional! And thank you for sharing!! 🙂
Brilliant post! So comprehensive. Thanks for helping elevate my anxiety with the family photo shoot!
So glad you found it helpful! Hope you get some great pics!!
I found this so helpful and inspiring for our family pictures this year. I also shared it on my blog here: https://organizinglifewithlittles.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/fridays-favorite-finds/ Thanks for putting it together!
So glad that it was helpful, Kelsey! Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
I have been into photography for awhile now and my coworker asked me
Take some family photos. I have to admit I was super excited
But at the sametime nerves cause this is my frist paying
Photoshoot, but after viewing your page I now have the
Confidence I can pull this off with pure awesomeness lol.
My friends always tell me I am good at it so its time I start
Beleving myself. Thank you for giving me a little more confidence.
Oh we LOVE hearing that- you are so welcome! Good luck- I’m sure it will be fabulous! 🙂
Great tips, but your “pin it” buttons are a bit much. Maybe it’s my screen, but they are covering up parts of all the pictures and are really distracting. Just thought I’d share. I had a hard time actually being able to read through everything.
Thanks for the feedback, Elizabeth. The pin it button will appear when your mouse is hovering over a picture, but it will disappear when you move the mouse off of the picture. That may help when reading future posts! 🙂
Wow! What an awesome article!!! Lots of ideas and inspiration! Angela Butler
I LOVE what you have put together. I plan on sharing this with my clients. It’s what I preach for an organized shoot. Thank you for educating everyone on great portraits.
Thanks Tracy!!! We love hearing that- especially from a professional. 🙂
Is there a printale version of this?
There is not a printable version available right now. But feel free to copy and paste, as long as it is just for your own personal use. 🙂
Wonderful ideas for family photo shoot. I have 2 days to prepare for a photo shoot that will be published! This is wonderful and helpful! Thanks!
So glad you found it helpful, Hope!!! Good luck with the shoot!
my client actually used this to show me some ideas of what she’d like. i’ve done lot of them but am behind on blogging. i agree with this and thank you for crediting the sources!
We love hearing that! Thanks, Tiffany!
Is there a way to print this post? I’m an inspiring photographer and would love to have this information!
There is not a printable version available right now. But feel free to copy and paste, as long as it is just for your own personal use. 🙂
Hi every one ! What a nice blog. I like it very much. It is very informative.Carry on.Thanks for giving such a use full information.
What fantatstic advice! I am so thankful for this wonderful website! It was incredibly helpful and I know for sure I will be using these tips!
Awww…thanks Heidi! Happy picture taking!
Great post!! Love all the ideas. Totally pinning for future use. Thank you!
You’re Welcome!
I LOVED this post! I do photography as a hobby and shared this with my family and friends because so many of them have so many questions and this answered them all!
Thanks for sharing Adrienne- so glad it was helpful!
Wow! What a great, all-encompassing resource! Thank you!
You are SO welcome!
Wow, this is fantastic and well written. Thank you for taking the time to compile all this information in an easy to understand and fun manner. This is the best summary I have ever seen.
Thanks so much Janet! 🙂
I am sooooooooooooooo in LOVE with this idea! I can’t wait to build our own picture poses…I love you guys for sharing this! – Blessed Day Divas!
Thanks Flora- have so much fun picture taking!
loved it!!!!!….specially the last comments about enjoying the moment rather than looking for the perfect picture…. =) thank you.. we are having a family photo session next week to celebrate my parents 40 aniversary!!!
What a fun way to celebrate- happy picture taking!
When I have seen the title 101 family picture tips and ideas I though it looks like more tips that will help a starter to become a best photographer. Yes I am right what I though was right your tips are really exciting and it covers all areas of photography to be the best.
So glad you found it helpful! 🙂
I find your website very interesting and great ideas but I have something to throw at you. We will have all our family together right after CHRISTmas and I want a family photo and also candid shots ofcourse. There will be 28 people rangeing from 1 mo to 77 yrs. Two parents, five adult kids w/four spouses, Thirteen grandkids, two spouses, three great grand kids (1 mo – 3 yrs) I chosen jeans for all. White tees for parents,adult kids & spouses, dark teal (Jaguar) for grandkids & spouses, vertical blue/blk stripe for great grands. I don’t want the typical straight line grouping. do you have suggestions for this many people?
Thanks for any help you can give
Thelma
Wow- how fun that you’ll be able to get all of your family together! That IS a big group. For some tips and suggestions, you might want to check out these two links: (https://clickitupanotch.com/2012/05/photograph-large-groups/) AND (https://portrait-photographer.blogspot.com/2009/07/really-large-groups.html) Hope that helps and happy picture taking!!
My family is having a group photo taken tomorrow – by a friend who is a very accomplished photographer doing it as a favour – and this was really helpful: I would like us to use her time effectively and also have fun, and I think all your suggestions are great! There will be my twin brother and his girlfriend, our sister, and me and my husband and our two sons, 9 and 13. This is for my Mom (age 81) for Christmas – she has been wanting an updated photo for a while, so while I know she would be happy with a grainy photo where half of us have our eyes closed, but this will make for a happier shoot and a much better outcome. Thanks. I will be back to your site again for more good advice!
What a WONDERFUL Christmas present for your mom!! So glad that our tips were able to help. Merry Christmas!!! 🙂
Thanks so much! Love this!
I am very happy I came across this during my search for something concerning this. Interesting post . Thanks for sharing 🙂
WOW – love this guide! Beautiful – thank you.
You are welcome!
Do you know where you can get any ideas for a single mom and teenagers family photos?
Here’s a photo shoot with a single mom and her teenagers that might give you some inspiration for posing… https://chellenicole.com/WP/2011/11/21/gannett-family-tacoma-family-photography/
wow… literally the best advice ive ever read … amazing post!!!!
SO glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to stop and comment! 🙂
LOVED this guide! thanks for putting it all together for us less creative. So I am a single mom and have 4 kids. I feel like I’ve done it all…. Close-ups, hugs work fantastic, and also some naturals. My concern now is that I have 3 daughters and just one son. I’m struggling with what to wear. If it was the opposite, it’d be easy to make the girl look super cute and trendy, but four of us? Any outfit ideas? I’d like pics a little more formal and with layers, but still keeping it simple and casual. Suggestions? I’ll greatly appreciate them. 🙂 thanks ladies! love your stuff
Hmmm… you’re right- it is easier to accessorize girls with all of the frilly headbands, bows, necklaces, etc. But there are also options for boys! For your son you could try a vest, bow tie, sweater, suspenders, or hat to add some fun layers. Here’s a pic of three little girls and just one boy that might give you some inspiration: https://pinterest.com/pin/230035493437556706/
What a fantastic resource! Absolutely love all the ideas and tips!
So many great tips and examples. Thank you!
You’re welcome!!! 🙂
Wonderful post! It was just what I needed. Thanks! : )
You’re sure welcome!
Wow!! This is a terrific post!! I can’t thank you enought for taking the time to compile all this info!!
You are welcome!!! So glad you found it helpful. Enjoy your photo shoot!
My s-i-l just referred me here, I love this! I am a photographer & mom of 3 boys, so I’ve been on both sides of the lens and I’ve gotta say you’ve got it all covered! I go over a lot of this during my consultations but may use this as another source. Thanks for not only taking the time to compile this but to share it with us! 🙂
You are certainly welcome!! Thanks for taking the time to comment- we love hearing from our readers!! And feel free to use it as a source for your clients. 🙂
I loved this post! I have a 1 year old and 3 year old and they’re getting so big so fast! I would love to take some real family photos. Not so posed…in our yard, even. thank you for all the tips and ideas! I would like to keep this on file somehow too. Thanks again 🙂
You are welcome! Do you have Pinterest? I LOVE using it to keep all sorts of good ideas “on file.” (If you don’t- we’d be glad to send you an invite and you can pin this post away for whenever you need it.) 🙂
Any way to print this post? Thank you for putting it all together.
You’re welcome!! You can, of course, copy and paste the post into word for printing for your own personal use.
I love this! Most comprehensive list I’ve ever seen on this topic. Photos especially helpful.
Thank you! We’re so glad you found it helpful!! Have fun taking those pictures. 🙂
Do you have a PDF file of this somewhere? This is great an would like to have this as some point of reference on some shoots.
Jennifer, we don’t have a PDF version. But that is a good idea. You’re welcome to use our tips to make your own for personal use.
Thank you for the great ideas! I am very excited to do my first shoot this weekend! This guide helped me and my clients!
You’re so welcome! Good luck!!
Thanks for including me in this list!! So honored!!
Thank YOU for sharing your beautiful talent!!!
p.s. I see you sourced in the hug it out #26, but you sourced the family I took (house of hepworth) not the photog–sorry if I’m annoying!!!
Not annoying at all! Thanks for letting me know. I’m at the hospital with my little girl right now but I’ll fix it as soon as I get home. Thanks for the gorgeous photo inspiration. 🙂
The link should be updated now! Thanks for letting us know. We adore your photos!!!
Thank you!!! This is a great resource!
Wow, this is a major list!!! Love it! I’d love a photo credit from the image you used of mine in the very first collage–family of 4 hugging in the grass. You did a great job of sourcing the rest, I can tell this was a lot of work!
WOW, what a fabulous post! I think you covered every single thought that a mom has when she’s getting ready for family portraits, from the beginning planning stages all the way through to displaying the resulting photographs. Thanks for such a thoughtful read…I can’t wait to share it with my clients!
Thanks Christy! 🙂
This is one of the most amazing and helpful things on the internet. I’ve been looking for family photo pose ideas on pinterest and internet and had trouble, but I have to look no further…you have anything I could possible need for ideas right here! Seriously, this is wonderful. Thank you so much.
You are SO welcome!! Thank you- your comment made my night. 🙂
WHOA!!!!!! BECCA!!!! I seriously adore this post!! Love, love, LOVE it!! I thought you were just going to post fabulous posing ideas – I cannot believe this amazing post you put together! This truly IS the Ultimate Planning Guide to taking photos!! Fabulous job! This makes me want to start planning ours right now! lol
Thank you!! I started gathering posing ideas- and then I just kept finding more and more adorable pictures of locations and props and… well, it just kinda morphed into one massive post. lol.
Wow. You thought of EVERYTHING! This most have taken you a LOT of time! Thanks so much!
Ha ha- yea, I almost had a heart-attack when I accidentally deleted the entire post. Thank goodness for auto save. You’re welcome! 🙂
Getting pictures made in our backyard this weekend and you have given me some super ideas! Thank you!!
You’re welcome! Have so much fun capturing memories.
All I can say is HOLY!!! You have thought of everything and have so many examples of great family pictures! I can hardly wait to get them done now:) Thanks so much Becca!
You’re welcome! Can’t wait to see all the fun family pictures now. Love this time of year.
You’re right! I love this post!!
Thank you!