What to Wear for Family Photos

10 Tips from a Belton Texas Family Photographer


One of the most common questions I get before a session is:

“What should we wear for family photos?”

And honestly, what you wear matters more than most people think.

The right outfits can make your photos feel timeless, cohesive, and beautiful in your home. The wrong ones can be distracting or take away from what really matters — your connection as a family.

After photographing families all across Bell County, here are my top 10 tips to help you feel confident and look your best.

1. Start With Mom (or Grandma)


Always begin with the oldest woman in the group.

She is usually the hardest to dress, so once her outfit is chosen, everything else becomes much easier.

From there, build in this order:

  • Mom or grandma
  • Girls
  • Boys and men

Men are typically the easiest to coordinate once the overall color palette is set.

2. Choose Light, Neutral ColorsAlways begin with the oldest woman in the group.


If you want soft, timeless photos, stick with light, neutral tones.

Some of my favorites are:

  • Cream
  • Tan
  • Soft brown
  • Khaki
  • Dusty blue
  • Muted green
  • Rust tones

These colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family.

Avoid bright, saturated colors like red, purple, or neon tones. They can reflect onto skin and pull attention away from the people in the image.

3. Think About Where Your Photos Will Live


If you plan to print your photos (which I always recommend), think about your home’s color palette.

Your photos should feel like they belong in your space.

This small step makes a huge difference when it comes to creating wall art that actually gets displayed instead of staying on your phone.

4. Coordinate — Don’t Match


Matching outfits are a thing of the past.

Instead, aim for a cohesive color palette.

Everyone should look like they belong together without wearing the exact same thing.

A beautiful example of this was an extended family session I photographed with 12 people. Their palette included:

  • Browns
  • Tans
  • Navy
  • Green
  • Rusty orange

Everything worked together without feeling repetitive or forced.

5. Choose Flowy, Flattering Dresses for Women


For moms and women, I almost always recommend midi or maxi dresses.

They:

  • create movement
  • photograph softly
  • flatter most body types

Dresses that come in under the bust are especially flattering.

Try to avoid anything that adds bulk or creates unflattering lines. Simple and flowy almost always wins.

6. Keep Men’s Outfits Simple and Neutral


Men don’t need anything complicated to look great.

Some easy, go-to options:

  • Button-down shirts
  • Neutral sweaters
  • Solid tees with a layered shirt or jacket

Light neutrals work best, and I typically avoid black since it can feel heavy in light and airy photos.

7. Limit Patterns (and Keep Them Subtle)


Patterns can be beautiful, but balance is key.

A good rule:

Limit patterns to one person (unless you have a larger group).

Florals are my favorite, but subtle stripes or small checkered patterns can also work.

Whatever you choose, avoid anything too busy or distracting.

8. Add Texture Instead of More Pattern


If you want visual interest without overwhelming the photo, choose texture over pattern.

Some great options include:

  • Linen
  • Knit
  • Lace
  • Soft cotton

Texture adds depth while keeping everything soft and cohesive.

9. Don’t Skip Shoes and Accessories


Details matter more than you think.

For women:

  • A small heel is flattering
  • Jewelry completes the look

For men:

  • Add a watch or belt

And one of my biggest tips:

Accessorize.

Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets help outfits feel finished.

Try to avoid athletic sneakers or hats that hide faces, as they can distract from the overall image.

10. Plan Around Your Location and Lighting


Most sessions around Temple, Belton, and the surrounding Bell County area are outdoors with lots of greenery.

Your outfits should complement your surroundings.

  • Spring/summer → soft neutrals and light tones
  • Fall → warmer tones like browns and rust
  • Sunset sessions → warm neutrals photograph beautifully

I also help my clients plan based on the time of day and lighting, which makes a big difference in the final look.

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone


One of the best parts of working with a full-service photographer is that you don’t have to guess. During your design consultation, I help guide outfit choices and provide a style guide with outfit inspiration, color palettes, and recommended stores. this level of guidance is all part of my full-service family photography experience.



Some of my go-to recommendations include:

I’m always here to answer questions and help you feel confident in your choices.

Final Thoughts

The goal isn’t perfect outfits.

The goal is creating photos that feel like your family — and that you’ll actually want to see on your walls every day.

When outfits are simple, coordinated, and thoughtfully chosen, your photos will feel timeless for years to come.