What to Wear To Your Family Photo Session (and what to avoid)

Trying to decide what to wear for your family or newborn photo session? I’ve got you. After photographing thousands of families (and wrangling my fair share of toddlers), I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to outfits. These tips will help you feel confident, look great, and keep the focus on what matters most: the love and connection between you and your people.

When it comes to choosing outfits for your photo session, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t worry about dressing how you think you’re “supposed to” for photos—just dress like you. If you feel best in jeans and a tee, wear that! If you love a flowy dress, go for it. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your photos—authenticity always looks best.

Let’s break it down!

1. Start with you

Choosing your own outfit first makes everything else easier. Find something you feel amazing in—comfortable, flattering, and true to your style. Once you've got that locked in, you can build the rest of the family's outfits around yours.

2. Don’t match—coordinate

Matching outfits (everyone in jeans and white tees, we’re looking at you) can look dated and stiff…and cheesy if we’re being honest here. Instead, aim for coordinated colors, textures, and patterns that complement each other. Think cozy knits, flowy fabrics, and a mix of solids and subtle prints. Try to avoid too many bold patterns at once—balance is key!

3. Skip the neon (unless you're heading to an 80s dance party)

Neon colors reflect onto skin (hello, highlighter-green chin), and logos or graphic tees can be distracting. Pops of color? Yes, please. Just make them tasteful—think mustard yellow instead of electric lime, or deep red instead of hot pink.

4. Build a palette

Choose 2–3 colors you love and create your outfits around that palette. Or pick one color you want to shine, like a soft rust or deep teal, and use neutrals and complementary tones to balance it out. Consider the vibe of your tones too—warm, cool, pastel, moody, or earthy—and keep everyone in the same tonal family.

5. Be cautious with black and white

Black can feel heavy and white can be tricky to photograph next to darker tones. If you’re doing a maternity session, skip all-black outfits—it can hide that gorgeous bump we want to highlight.

6. Dress for the weather (and real life)

Let’s keep things real—if it’s 90º and humid, your partner will not be happy sweating through a thick long sleeve button-down…and I will not be happy editing out sweat stains for hours! Yes I have done it before…and I’m not a fan, lol. Dress in breathable fabrics for summer and layer up in cozy sweaters, jackets, and accessories for fall. Layers add visual interest and warmth. Win-win.

7. Fit matters

Clothing that’s too tight or baggy can be unflattering. Make sure clothes fit well, especially for kiddos (no one wants to spend the whole session adjusting saggy pants or itchy collars). And skip the oversized vests or bulky collars for babies and toddlers—they love to hide tiny faces.

8. Yes, your shoes matter

Assume your feet will be in the photos! Choose shoes that go with your outfit and the setting. (Old sneakers or bright light-up shoes might steal the spotlight.) For in-home sessions, barefoot is totally fine—whatever feels natural.

9. Dresses are great—but not required

Dresses photograph beautifully, especially long ones with movement. If you're doing a maternity session, I definitely recommend them! But if you’re a jeans-and-a-tee kind of person, rock that. You’ll look best when you feel like you.

10. Watch for wardrobe malfunctions

Keep an eye out for slipping straps, visible bras, or clothes that need constant adjusting. I don’t retouch bra straps—so if you don’t want to see them in your photos, make sure they’re tucked away.

11. Pet hair is not a vibe

If your furry family members are joining (yay!), give everyone a quick once-over with a lint roller before we start. Dark clothes especially love to show off those fluffy souvenirs.

12. Park sessions? Say no to green-on-green

If your session is at a park or somewhere with lots of greenery, steer clear of green clothing. You’ll blend into the background. Instead, choose warm or bold tones to stand out beautifully against all that lushness.

Click to browse my "what to wear" Pinterest board.

What to Wear for a Newborn Photo Session

Newborn sessions are a whole different vibe—in the best way. These sessions happen in your home, where everyone (including pets!) feels most comfortable. The focus is on connection, cuddles, and capturing this tender time in a real, authentic way.

If you are on the hunt for a cute newborn outfit click HERE to view my list of top baby boutiques in Chicago.

Here’s what works best:

Keep it cozy and casual.
Think cotton tees, soft sweaters, comfy jeans or leggings, and neutral tones. You don’t need to dress up—this is real life with a new baby, and that’s what we’re celebrating.

Neutral colors are your friend.
Earthy tones, creams, soft grays, or muted pastels all photograph beautifully. They won’t compete with your baby and help keep the mood calm and timeless.

For baby: less is more.
A simple onesie, a snug swaddle, or a soft knit outfit is perfect. We want to see those tiny fingers and toes, and oversized clothes or bulky accessories can hide their sweet features.

Avoid stiff collars and tight headbands.
If something seems uncomfortable or keeps slipping, it’ll be distracting for both of us. Comfort is key for everyone involved—especially baby.

Bonus tip: Newborns tend to get cozy near protective pups—if your dog is likely to snuggle up nearby, that’s totally okay (and makes for some truly heart-melting shots).

Still Unsure?

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry! I’m always happy to help you plan outfits or give feedback. You can even send me photos of your options—think of me as your personal photo stylist.

Just reach out anytime and we’ll make sure everyone feels good and looks great.