What Do We Even Wear?!
The Complete Family Photo Outfit Guide from a Grand Junction, CO Photographer
If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times:
“What do we even wear?!” 😩
And trust me, you’re not alone—this is the number one thing families stress about before a session. You want everyone to look coordinated but not overly styled. You want timeless, not trendy. And most of all, you want to feel good in what you're wearing.
When I first started planning my own family photos, I didn’t realize how quickly outfits could derail the entire mood. I’d picked out this dreamy, flowy, moody-toned dress I loved… only to realize it totally clashed with the outfit my husband had picked. That night ended in a frantic online shopping spree and a vow to create an easier way for my clients.
So here it is—a photographer-approved guide to planning family photo outfits that feel natural, effortless, and uniquely you, without the stress.
1. Mom Picks First (Trust Me)
Here’s the deal—if Mom doesn’t feel confident, the whole session will feel off. And I say that as both a photographer and a mom myself.
Start with what makes YOU feel amazing. Maybe it’s that flowy neutral dress that gives you movement and shape, or your go-to cozy oversized knit sweater in the fall. Once you’ve picked your outfit, everything else becomes easier.
For example, I once had a client wear this blush-toned midi dress with delicate florals. Her husband wore a slate-blue linen shirt and khakis, while their toddler son wore soft beige overalls with a floral headband that echoed Mom’s print. The whole look felt cohesive, casual, and effortless—not a forced match in sight.
✨ Photographer tip: Lay everyone’s clothes out on the bed or floor to see how they look together before the day of the session.
2. Pick a Palette, Not a Uniform
Remember those 90s family photos where everyone wore white shirts and jeans? We’ve come a long way.
Instead of dressing everyone in the same outfit, choose a soft, coordinating color palette of 3–4 shades. Think muted greens, creams, rust, navy, dusty rose—colors that mix well and reflect the mood of the season.
📍 As a Grand Junction family photographer, I often guide clients toward warm neutrals and soft earth tones for fall sessions. These tones pair beautifully with our Colorado Monument backdrops, golden fields, or orchard locations.
One of my favorite sessions was with a family who chose dusty plum, cream, olive, and soft gray. Each person wore a different shade, with subtle textures like knits, linen, and corduroy that added depth without clashing.
3. Dress for Your Location (and Season)
Your location matters more than you think. You don’t want to wear a deep forest green dress in a lush green park—you’ll disappear!
Here are a few of my favorite Grand Junction session spots and what works well:
- Colorado National Monument (red rocks & golden light): Try rust, cream, navy, soft florals
- Connected Lakes (greenery & water): Think dusty blue, oatmeal, beige, rust
- Downtown Grand Junction (urban textures): Elevate with charcoal, olive, denim, linen
- Orchards in fall: Mustard, plum, cream, faded rose
- Studio (Aesthetic Collective): Soft layers in neutral tones—this space photographs beautifully with whites, taupes, and warm browns
And don’t forget the weather! If it’s hot, skip heavy layers. If it’s chilly, layer with intention—wool coats, scarves, knit cardigans, and stylish boots work wonders.
4. Say No to Logos & Loud Prints
I know—your toddler loves that Paw Patrol shirt. But trust me, you don’t want that bright blue dog staring at you every time you look at your framed prints. 😂
Anything with logos, loud prints, or neon will pull attention away from the people—and we want the focus on your connection.
📸 Swap strategy: I always tell parents to bring their child’s favorite shirt and let them wear it in the car or after the session as a “reward.” For the shoot? Choose something soft, solid, and timeless.
5. Comfort = Confidence
Modern family photography is all about movement and real moments—laughing, playing, cuddling, walking together.
For moms: Flowy dresses are flattering and allow for natural movement.
For kids: Think softness and layers—avoid anything itchy, stiff, or overly fancy.
For dads/partners: Layers like vests, casual jackets, or button-ups over tees add dimension without discomfort.
The more comfortable you feel, the more confident you’ll look—and that always shows in the photos.
Bonus: Where to Shop for Photo-Ready Outfits
Here are four online favorites I recommend often:
Baltic Born – Elegant dresses that flatter all body types (perfect for fall minis!)
Jamie Kay – High-quality kidswear in soft, muted hues
Abercrombie – Yes, it’s back—and their men’s layering game is strong
H&M – Budget-friendly, neutral basics for the whole family
You can even shop your closet first. Start with your favorite piece and build around it. Less stress, more YOU.
Final Thoughts
Your family photo session should be a joy, not a chore. And the clothes you wear can set the tone for the whole experience.
So here’s your game plan:
✅ Start with Mom’s outfit
✅ Choose a complementary color palette
✅ Dress for your setting and the season
✅ Keep it simple, comfortable, and true to YOU
If you're still feeling stuck, don’t worry—I include style guides and direct outfit help for every one of my clients. It’s all part of the experience when you book with Preserved Photography, Grand Junction’s go-to for timeless, love-soaked family imagery.
Ready to book your fall mini session?
Spots are filling quickly for:
🍁 Sept 28 – Downtown Grand Junction (9–12)
🍁 Oct 4 – Monument Views (9–5)
🍁 Oct 5 – Aesthetic Collective Studio (9:30–6)
Click here to book your session now ➝
Or just reply to this blog post or DM me with any questions. I'm always here to help you feel confident and excited about capturing your family this fall.
With gratitude and light,
Mackenzie | Preserved Photography
Grand Junction, Colorado Family Photographer
Capturing love, connection, and the little in-between moments that make your family story unforgettable.
✨ Let’s make magic together this season. ✨