Kimberley Hey mama!
If you have ever booked a family photography session, you probably know the exact moment of panic that hits about a week before the big day. You stand in front of your family’s closets, look at a mountain of clothes, and think: “What on earth are we all going to wear?”
It’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed by this step. You want everyone to look cohesive, you want the outfits to look great in print, but most importantly, you want your family to feel comfortable enough to relax, laugh, and play together without worrying about a stiff collar or an itchy sweater.
As a mom and a photographer, I’ve seen it all, and I promise you: coordinating outfits doesn’t have to be a stressful marathon. Let’s walk through some simple, friendly tips and ideas to help you style your family effortlessly for your next session at the Kimberley Asante Photography Studio or out on location!
1. Start with One Anchor Outfit (Usually Mom!)
Here is my number one secret weapon for stress-free styling: Start by choosing your own outfit first.
As moms, we are usually the ones pulling everything together for everyone else while leaving ourselves for last. But when you find a dress or outfit that makes you feel confident, radiant, and completely comfortable, everything else falls into place much easier.
Once your outfit is chosen, look at its color palette and texture. From there, pick one or two statement pieces for another family member (like a patterned dress for your daughter or a textured shirt for your partner), and build the rest of the family’s wardrobe using complementary neutral or soft accent tones.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and blue jeans. While matching outfits can look cute in theory, they often end up looking a little stiff and dated in photographs.
Instead, aim for coordination. Think of your family as a team wearing a harmonious color palette rather than uniforms.
- Stick to a cohesive palette: Pick 3 to 4 colors that work well together. Earthy tones (like sage green, warm cream, rust, and beige) or soft neutrals (like oatmeal, dusty rose, slate blue, and grey) photograph beautifully in almost any setting.
- Mix textures and layers: Because cameras love depth, adding different textures is a game-changer. Think linen shirts, chunky knit sweaters, corduroy, denim, or delicate lace details. These elements catch the light and add rich visual interest to your final gallery without needing loud, distracting patterns.
3. Keep Comfort Front and Center (Especially for Little Ones)
If your toddler is wearing a scratchy collar that pinches their neck, or your baby is stuffed into an outfit with a million complicated buttons, you will see it in their expressions.
Happy, comfortable kids make for the best photos. Choose soft, breathable fabrics that allow your children to run, sit, cuddle, and giggle freely. If an outfit is too tight or uncomfortable, it’s a recipe for a meltdown before the session even truly begins. When everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, their natural, joyful personalities shine right through the lens.
4. Avoid Neon and Busy Logos
While bright neon colors or large graphic t-shirts are fun for everyday play, they tend to bounce unwanted color casts onto skin tones under studio lights and distract from what truly matters: your family’s faces and connections.
Stick away from stark neons and loud, trendy character logos. Instead, opt for timeless solids, subtle florals, or soft plaids. Timeless clothing ensures that when you look back at your framed wall art or custom album ten years from now, your portraits will still feel classic and elegant.
5. Don’t Forget the Details (Shoes and Accessories)
Shoes are often an afterthought, but they show up more than you might think when we are capturing walking, sitting, and cuddling poses! Make sure shoes are clean and fit into the overall color scheme. (And if we are doing a barefoot studio session on our gorgeous sets, you won’t even have to worry about footwear at all!)
Feel free to add simple, delicate accessories like a cute hat, a textured headband, or a simple necklace, but remember the golden rule: keep it minimal so the focus stays entirely on your family’s love.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
Choosing what to wear should feel like an exciting part of preserving your family’s story, not a chore. If you ever feel stuck while laying outfits out on the bed, snap a quick photo and send it my way—I am always more than happy to help you coordinate!
Ready to get your next session on the calendar and create some magic? Head over to kimberleyasante.com to check out our session packages and book your experience at the studio today!
