10 Family Photo Outfit Ideas That Keep It Real (and Stylish!)
Let’s be real - dressing the whole family for a photo shoot can feel like a major feat. Between chasing toddlers, navigating everyone’s moods, and trying to find outfits that actually match (but not too much), it’s a lot. That’s why we’ve put together this guide filled with real-life inspiration from families we’ve photographed - outfits that look great and work in real life.
From breezy neutrals to coordinated color palettes, we’ve curated some of our favourite family photo sessions to spark ideas for your own. You’ll also find helpful tips on how to coordinate outfits (without being matchy-matchy), pick the right shoes and accessories, and add texture and depth to your looks. Let’s dive into the outfit ideas that make magic and memories!
Family Photo Outfit Idea #1: Neutrals with Texture
Creams, beiges, soft greys, and whites are a classic choice that never dates. Pairing these shades with textured fabrics like linen, cosy knits, or waffle cotton adds warmth and depth without distracting from your family’s connection. The palette feels calm and effortless, letting natural smiles and genuine moments take the spotlight. Neutrals work beautifully in almost any setting—from the beach to your own home—blending seamlessly with the surroundings. By keeping colours soft and fabrics tactile, you create a timeless backdrop for the love and laughter that make your photos truly yours.
See More of Erna & Family Beach Photoshoot
Erna & Family: Neutral Tones at the Beach
Erna’s family outfits were the perfect reflection of the calm, connected energy they brought to the session. Erna looked effortlessly radiant in a flowing white dress that moved beautifully with the ocean breeze. Her husband kept things laid-back yet refined with a white linen shirt and burnt brown shorts, adding a touch of earthy warmth. Their little one was all smiles in a white cotton top and khaki shorts, completing the look with the kind of charm only a toddler can bring.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #2: Monochrome Family
Picking one colour—like dusty rose, classic navy, or calming sage—instantly makes your family photos feel harmonious. Let each person wear a different tone or texture in that shade, and mix in a neutral like cream or white to keep things bright and timeless. It’s coordinated without being overly matchy, and still lets everyone’s personality shine through. Monochrome works beautifully anywhere—sage in a leafy park, navy in the city, or dusty rose in a blooming garden. By keeping the palette simple, the focus stays on what matters most: the warmth, connection, and joy you share as a family.
See more of Geraldine’s Family Trip Photo Session in Perth
Geraldine’s Family Trip: Monochrome in Dusty Rose
A stunning family shoot with a monochrome twist - Geraldine’s family chose dusty rose as their colour palette. Mom wore a white linen top paired with dusty rose pants, while Dad coordinated with a dusty rose top and black shorts. Their two boys each wore varying tones, with one in white and dusty rose pants, and the younger in dusty rose pants and a white top. The result is a cohesive, yet natural look without the need for perfectly matching outfits.
See more of Baby H's First Birthday Photo Session
Baby H’s First Birthday: Monochrome in Blue
To celebrate Baby H’s first birthday, the family embraced a monochrome blue palette. Mom wore a light blue striped linen top with blue jeans, while Dad coordinated in a denim light blue shirt and navy shorts. Baby H was dressed in a sweet white top paired with blue pants, completing the harmonious family look with ease.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #3: Earthy Tones
Earthy tones like olive green, terracotta, rust, and mustard yellow bring natural warmth and richness to family photos, perfectly complementing outdoor settings like parks, beaches, or rustic trails. These muted yet vibrant hues create a grounded, harmonious feel, and pair beautifully with golden hour lighting to enhance the emotional depth of your images. Ideal for families who love an organic, timeless aesthetic, earthy palettes can be mixed and matched across family members, with added texture from fabrics like denim, knits, or linen for a cohesive and cosy look.
See more of Pam’s Family Trip in Perth Photo Session
Pam’s Family Trip: Earthy Tones in Olive Green
Pam’s family embraced earthy tones for their photoshoot, with olive green jackets for Mom and toddler, while Dad coordinated in a navy blue jacket. Set in a picturesque playground surrounded by nature, the warm tones of olive green complemented the vibrant scenery, creating a harmonious and timeless look.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #4: Autumn Palette
Looking for something seasonal? Embrace the warmth of the season with rich tones like deep burgundy, burnt orange, forest green, and mustard yellow. These autumnal colors not only complement the golden hues of sunset and fallen leaves but also bring a sense of coziness and depth to your images.
Layer knits, textured fabrics, and warm neutrals to create a look that feels both timeless and true to the season—perfect for telling a new chapter in your family's story.
See more of Baby C's 100th Day Photo Session
Baby C's 100th Day: Cosy Autumn Vibes
For Baby C’s 100th-day celebration, the family embraced the rich hues of autumn. Surrounded by orange leaves, Dad wore a deep burgundy top, while Mom coordinated with a printed skirt featuring orange and burgundy tones paired with a white sweater. Baby C looked adorable in a pumpkin orange dress, perfectly complementing the fall atmosphere.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #5: Denim Classics
You can’t go wrong with denim - it’s a timeless staple that adds a casual, effortless vibe to your family photos. Perfect for relaxed storytelling sessions, denim works especially well when paired with simple tops in neutral tones.
See more of Carolyn's Family Trip Photo Session in Perth
Carolyn's Family Trip: Casual Moments in Denim
This family embraced the denim look with ease—both boys wore classic denim jackets, while mom and dad kept it cohesive in dark jeans. The result? A laid-back, modern look that still feels pulled together.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #6: Classic Black & White
Sleek, minimal, and effortlessly chic - black and white outfits never go out of style. Whether you're capturing intimate indoor moments or celebrating a new addition, this timeless palette keeps the focus on your family's connection and love. Add interest with subtle layering, textures, or small accessories without overwhelming the frame.
The Mullally Family: Welcoming Baby S in Black & White
The Mullally Family welcomed their newest member, Baby S, with a cozy at-home session styled in timeless black and white. Mom wore a checkered dress, while Dad and their toddler son kept it simple in black tops. Baby S stole the show in a white sleepsuit with delicate prints—proof that even minimal styling can feel warm, intimate, and deeply personal.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #7: Floral & Solids
Looking for a way to add a soft, romantic touch to your family photos without everyone matching exactly? Try the floral and solid approach. Have one family member wear a subtle floral print, while the rest of the family dresses in solid colours that pull from the tones in the floral piece. It’s a beautiful way to create a sense of harmony and flow in your outfits, while allowing one standout print to anchor the look.
Florals add a gentle pop of interest without overwhelming the photo, and the coordinating solids help keep the overall vibe cohesive. This idea works especially well for sessions in gardens, parks, or anywhere with lush surroundings, as the patterns tend to blend beautifully with natural backdrops.
See more of Glenn’s Family Trip Photo Session in Perth
Glenn’s Family Trip: Coordinated in Earthy Tones and Florals
For their family trip session, Glenn’s family embraced the floral and solids combo effortlessly. The two daughters wore matching floral dresses, creating a sweet and cohesive focal point. To complement the look, Mom and Dad kept it grounded in earthy-toned outerwear, pulling from the colors in the girls’ dresses.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #8: Linen Lovers
Linen is a dream to photograph—light, breathable, and effortlessly stylish, it moves beautifully in the breeze and softens every frame. For a laid-back, organic vibe, opt for whites, creams, and muted earthy tones that suit almost any location. On the beach, linen catches the light in the most magical way, flowing gently as you walk along the shoreline. It’s equally at home in open fields, rustic gardens, or sunlit verandas, where its natural texture adds depth without feeling heavy. The beauty of linen is that it suits every season—cool and airy in summer, layered with knits in cooler months. Whether you choose matching linen shirts or a mix of dresses, pants, and relaxed tops, this timeless fabric creates a sense of ease, connection, and understated elegance in your family photos.
Ting Ai’s family photo session: Sunset Play in Linen Whites
Ting Ai’s family embraced the relaxed elegance of linen for their beach session, choosing crisp whites that caught the golden sunset light. As the siblings splashed and ran along the shoreline, the airy fabric moved beautifully, adding a sense of freedom and joy to every frame. The simple palette kept the focus on their laughter and connection, perfectly matching the laid-back, coastal setting.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #9: Soft Pastels
Soft pastels bring a gentle, airy feel to family photos, perfect for creating images that feel calm, light, and full of warmth. Think blush pinks, muted sage, dusty lavender, powder blue, and buttery creams—colours that complement each other without competing. Pastels work beautifully in open, sunlit locations like gardens, fields, or beaches, where the soft tones echo the natural surroundings. Layering textures such as linen, cotton, or lightweight knits can add depth while keeping the overall look effortless. For families, pastels photograph especially well in spring and summer, and they tend to flatter all skin tones. The result is a timeless, romantic palette that lets your family’s connection shine while adding a dreamy touch to the scene.
Wensi’s family photo session: A Garden Stroll in Soft Pastels
Wensi’s family embraced the beauty of soft pastels for their garden session, with powder blue, cream, and gentle beige creating a light, airy palette. Surrounded by flowering paths and soft greenery, the colours felt effortless and perfectly in tune with the natural setting. The result was a warm, cohesive look that let their family connection shine while adding a dreamy, romantic touch to the images.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #10: Beachy Blues
If you're planning a shoot by the sea, consider layering different shades of blue with whites and light tans. This palette blends beautifully with coastal surroundings.
Karen’s extended family photo session: A Coastal Reunion in Blue and White
Karen’s extended family chose the beach for their session - a setting that felt relaxed and meaningful. They coordinated beautifully in various shades of blue and white, each person wearing different textures like linen, denim, and cotton. The result was a cohesive look that felt natural and timeless, letting the ocean breeze and family connection shine through.
Family Photo Outfit Idea #11: CLASSIC Navy
Navy is timeless for a reason—it’s flattering on everyone, works year-round, and pairs beautifully with both natural and urban backdrops. For family photos, it brings a sense of quiet sophistication without feeling too formal. Imagine soft knits and flowing dresses in deep navy tones, mixed with lighter accents like cream, beige, or dusty blue to keep the look fresh. This colour also photographs wonderfully in golden hour light, creating a warm contrast that makes skin tones glow. You might choose matching navy blazers for a polished look, or let each family member wear their own style in the same colour family for a coordinated yet relaxed vibe. Best of all, navy layers well—so you can mix textures like denim, linen, and wool for depth without overpowering the moment.
Earnest’s extended family photo session: A Heritage Stroll in Classic Navy
Earnest’ extended family session shows how navy can be both timeless and relaxed. The family coordinated in deep navy, denim, and crisp white, mixing textures like knits, denim, and cotton for a look that felt polished yet natural. Against the heritage streets, the palette worked beautifully across generations, creating images that were warm, cohesive, and full of connection.
Family photo outfit FAQs
Now that you’ve got some inspiration from real family photo sessions that we’ve taken, let’s talk about how to bring those looks to life for your own shoot. From choosing the right color palette to avoiding common styling pitfalls, we’ve gathered some tried-and-tested tips to help you feel confident and camera-ready. Here’s everything you need to know to plan outfits that not only look beautiful, but also feel like you.
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Start by thinking about your session’s location, season, and the overall vibe you want to remember. If you're shooting at the beach, breezy outfits in soft blues and whites complement the natural setting. For a park or forest, earthy tones like olive, rust, and mustard add warmth.
Also consider the season - pastels feel fresh in spring, while rich tones shine in autumn. And of course, think about your family’s personality: are you relaxed and playful or more classic and refined? Let that guide your outfit choices to reflect who you are in this season of life.
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While it’s fun to get dressed up, there are a few things that tend to take away from your photos rather than add to them. Avoid busy logos, neon colors, and clashing patterns, which can draw attention away from the connection between your family members.
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Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit (think white tee + jeans)! Instead, opt for coordinating outfits - think of a cohesive color palette where each family member wears different shades or textures that tie together.
For example, if your palette includes sage, cream, and tan, one person can wear a sage top, another in a tan dress, and another in a cream shirt with beige pants. This method allows each personality to shine through while keeping your family looking unified and natural.
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Footwear can make or break a look—especially in full-body shots. Stick to neutral-toned shoes (tan, white, brown, black) that don’t distract. For beach sessions or at-home shoots, barefoot is often best, creating a relaxed, intimate feel.
Accessories like delicate jewelry, hair bows, textured hats, or light scarves can add depth without stealing focus. Just avoid anything too loud or sparkly, which can catch light awkwardly or date your photos later.
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Texture is the secret sauce for making outfits pop on camera. Instead of relying on loud patterns, use fabrics like linen, knitwear, corduroy, denim, or waffle cotton to create visual interest.
Layering is another great way to add depth - think cardigans, overalls, pinafore dresses, or textured jackets in coordinating tones. Texture brings warmth and dimension to your photos, making them feel richer and more emotionally engaging without overwhelming the frame.
Quick Tips for Choosing the Perfect Family Photo Outfits
Start with a colour palette: Choose 2–3 complementary tones (neutrals, earthy tones, or soft pastels) that reflect your setting and season. Need more ideas? Check out our guide on Best Colour Combinations for Outdoor Family Pictures.
Coordinate, don’t match: Vary tones and textures within your palette for a natural, cohesive look.
Consider your setting: Beach, forest, home, or urban? Let your location inspire your outfit mood and colors.
Add texture for visual interest: Linen, knits, denim, waffle cotton, or layering helps bring photos to life.
Avoid distractions: Say no to neon, big logos, overly bold patterns, or super trendy pieces that may not age well.
Shoes matter: Neutral tones work best. Barefoot works beautifully for relaxed beach or at-home sessions.
Accessorise mindfully: Think subtle—delicate jewelry, textured hats, or props that add to the story without stealing the show.
Dress comfortably: Choose outfits that you can move, cuddle, and play in—especially with little ones!
Mom first, then build around: Start with one outfit you love (usually mom’s!) and coordinate the rest of the family around it.
Reflect your family’s vibe: Whether you’re playful, elegant, minimal, or bold—your outfits should feel like you.
If you’re ever in doubt, we’re here to help guide you through the planning process. With the right outfits and a relaxed mindset, your family session will be a beautiful chapter in your story.
Ready to tell your family story? Let’s make it happen!
Whether it’s a cosy day at home, an outdoor adventure, or a special milestone, we’re here to capture the love and connection that make your family unique. Get in touch to book your family photography session.
Explore our portfolio to see the magic we create: Family, In-home, Newborn, Maternity, Family Trips, Celebrations, and Extended Family.
