What to Wear for Family Photos: Summer
One of the first questions I get asked after a family photoshoot is booked is:
"What should we wear?"
And honestly? It’s a great question.
Choosing outfits can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to coordinate multiple family members, different ages, and individual personalities.
The good news is that you don’t need matching outfits, expensive new clothes, or a perfectly curated wardrobe.
The best family photos happen when everyone feels comfortable, confident, and like themselves.
Here are my top tips for choosing outfits for your summer family photoshoot.
Start With Mum’s Outfit
It might sound strange, but I always recommend starting with Mum.
Why?
Because if Mum feels uncomfortable, self-conscious, or isn’t happy with what she’s wearing, it can affect how she feels throughout the session.
Choose something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Flowing dresses, midi skirts, linen trousers, jumpsuits, and relaxed summer outfits photograph beautifully outdoors while allowing plenty of movement for cuddles, walking, and playing with the children.
Once you’ve chosen your outfit, it’s much easier to coordinate everyone else’s around it.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Although matching could be cute, coordinating shows more personality.
Instead, aim for colours that complement each other.
Think of your family’s outfits as pieces of the same story rather than exact copies.
Beautiful summer colour palettes include:
Soft neutrals
Creams and whites
Sage greens
Dusty blues
Warm beige tones
Soft blush pinks
Light earthy colours
The goal is for everyone to look connected without looking identical.
Choose Comfortable Clothing
This is especially important for children of all ages.
If a child is constantly pulling at a scratchy dress, adjusting a shirt collar, or complaining about uncomfortable shoes, it will show.
Choose outfits that allow them to move freely, explore, run, cuddle, and simply be themselves.
The more comfortable they feel, the more relaxed and natural your photographs will be.
And this applies just as much to teenagers and adults as it does to younger children.
Avoid Large Logos and Busy Patterns
Bold logos, cartoon characters, and busy patterns can distract from what really matters in your photographs: your family.
Simple patterns can work beautifully, but generally speaking, less is more.
Timeless clothing helps keep the focus on connection, expressions, and the moments you’re sharing together.
Think About Your Location
Summer sessions often take place in beautiful outdoor settings filled with greenery, wildflowers, long grasses, and golden evening light.
Natural, soft colours tend to complement these environments beautifully.
Bright neon colours can sometimes draw attention away from faces, while softer tones help create a timeless look that won’t feel dated years from now.
Layers Can Still Be Helpful
Even during summer, British weather likes to keep us guessing.
A lightweight cardigan, linen shirt, denim jacket, or knitted layer can add texture to your photographs and provide a backup if the temperature drops.
They also allow for a little variety throughout your gallery without needing a full outfit change.
Don’t Forget the Small Details
A few little details can make a big difference:
Clean, comfortable footwear
Neutral socks if they’ll be visible
Hair styled in a way that feels natural to you
Empty pockets where possible
Phones, keys, and bulky items left in a bag
Most importantly, choose outfits that feel authentic to your family.
The Best Outfit Is One That Feels Like You
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to create the “perfect” family photos.
But the truth is that your photographs aren’t about showcasing perfect outfits.
They’re about capturing your family as you are right now.
The way your children laugh.
The way they hold your hand.
The way your family connects together.
Beautiful clothing can enhance your photographs, but it’s the love, personality, and connection within your family that truly makes them special.
So don’t stress too much.
Choose outfits you love, feel comfortable in, and let the memories take centre stage.
My Final Tip
Lay everyone’s outfits out together a few days before your session.
Seeing everything side by side makes it much easier to spot colours that clash, missing items, or last-minute changes that need to be made.
Then, once the day arrives, relax and enjoy the experience.
The best photographs happen when you’re focused on each other, not on your clothes.
