Planning a family reunion is a special kind of magic—bringing generations together, catching up on stories, and watching little ones bond with their cousins. Whether it's the first time in years or an annual tradition, capturing those moments in photos is something you'll treasure forever.

Coordinated family reunion outfits bring visual harmony to your photos and make your memories feel even more meaningful. This guide is here to help you feel confident and inspired as you plan what to wear. From colour palette ideas to location-specific styling tips, everything here is drawn from real-life sessions with real families by The Story of Us.

How to Choose Family Reunion Outfits

Choosing what to wear for a family reunion shoot doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here’s how to approach it with confidence:

Coordinate, don’t match. Avoid identical outfits and instead opt for a shared colour palette or style. This keeps things cohesive without feeling rigid.
Pick colours that complement your setting. Soft neutrals work well in nature, while bold hues can pop against city backdrops. Blues and whites are classic choices for coastal shoots.
Think about the season. Summer calls for breezy fabrics and lighter tones, while autumn and winter lend themselves to layers and richer colours.
Consider everyone’s comfort. Make sure kids can move freely, grandparents feel at ease, and no one’s outfit steals the spotlight unintentionally.
Break it down by group. Outfit planning is easier when you think in small units—immediate families, cousins, grandparents—and then tie them all together with colour or texture.

Styling a large group doesn’t mean everyone has to wear the same thing. Here are some tried-and-true ideas that photograph beautifully:

Family Reunion Outfit Idea #1: Soft neutrals with texture

Creams, tans, and greys in linens, knits, and subtle patterns create warmth and depth without visual clutter.

See more of Jannita’s extended family photo session

jannita’s Family reunion outfit: Neutral Tones for a nature-inspired family reunion

Jannita and her extended family embraced a timeless look, wearing layers of white in varied textures, softened with touches of sand and nude to beautifully echo the natural surroundings.

Explore our extended family photos

See more of Fiona’s extended family photo session

fiona’s family reunion outfit: layered neutrals with a subtle pop of dusty pink

Fiona and her extended family styled their session in beautifully coordinated neutral tones—sand, khaki, nude, beige, and white—creating a natural, earthy palette. Grandma’s dusty pink top added a gentle, personal touch that blended seamlessly with the overall look, highlighting her presence while keeping harmony across generations.

Family Reunion Outfit Idea #2: Blue and White Pairing

Fresh and crisp, this combo works beautifully across generations. Think chambray, cotton, or striped accents.

Karen’s family reunion outfit: 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.

Explore our family trip photos

jeff’s family reunion outfit: elegant coordination in dusty blue, cream and sand

Jeff’s extended family found the perfect balance between cohesion and individuality. The women and girls wore dusty blue tops or dresses paired with cream or white outer layers for a soft, layered look. The men and boys kept it simple with white shirts and khaki or sand trousers—coordinated without being too matchy, and beautifully suited to the setting.

Family Photo Outfit Idea #3: classic white

A timeless look—especially striking at the beach or in green outdoor settings. Keep it interesting with layers, buttons, and lace.

danielle’s family reunion outfit: all-white with texture for a fresh, unified look

Danielle and her extended family embraced an all-white theme, adding depth and interest through thoughtful fabric choices. From delicate lace to airy chiffon, crisp cotton to relaxed linen, each piece brought texture and personality—creating a cohesive yet visually rich look that photographed beautifully.

Family reunion Outfit Idea #4: Navy and White Elegance

A polished yet relaxed combination—perfect for city streets or manicured garden settings. Layer navy through denim, trousers, or lightweight jackets, and use white tops or dresses to keep the look fresh and balanced. It’s a timeless palette that complements the backdrop without overpowering it.

ernest’s family reunion outfit: Classic Navy and White with a Modern, Relaxed Twist

Ernest’s family reunion look combined timeless navy and white in a way that felt both cohesive and effortlessly cool. The family anchored their outfits with darker denim bottoms and added touches of navy through outerwear and subtle stripes on white tops. Balanced with crisp white shirts and light outer layers, the overall effect was clean, coordinated, and perfect for a relaxed family gathering.

Family Reunion Photoshoot Ideas

Each family is unique, and your setting should reflect the spirit of your reunion. Here are some of our favourite session ideas, drawn from real-life gatherings we’ve photographed:

Beach Session

Relaxed, barefoot, and sun-kissed—perfect for light neutrals and flowy fabrics that move with the breeze. Great for candid play and quiet walks. Inspired to do family beach family photo session? Head over to our guide “Beach Family Photos in Perth – Tips for Outfits, Spots and Poses” for more inspiration!

Urban City Backdrop

Think bold colours, modern textures, and coordinated casual wear that pops against concrete or brick. Ideal for families with a creative edge.

Nature Walk Adventure

Earthy tones and comfortable shoes make this perfect for candid, interactive shots along forest trails or bushland. Great for kids who love to explore.

Real Tips from Real family reunion photo Sessions

After photographing many extended families, we’ve gathered a few truths:

People always worry about clashing. Creating a shared colour guide in advance helps everyone plan without overthinking it.
The weather doesn’t always cooperate. Flexible outfits (and an extra layer or two) make a big difference.
It’s okay if not everyone looks at the camera. The most powerful images often come from connection, not perfection.

Final Prep Tips for a Stress-Free family reunion Shoot

Create an outfit mood board to share with the group (Pinterest or a simple PDF works wonders)
Confirm everyone’s arrival time and location well in advance
Pack backups: wet wipes, hair ties, snacks for kids, and a brush
Relax on the day. Let the photographer guide the session—your job is simply to be present with your people

Ready to capture your family reunion photo? Let’s make it happen!

The best family reunion outfits are the ones that reflect your people—whether that’s barefoot on the beach in soft neutrals or dressed up in navy and white against the city skyline. Coordinating for a big group doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and a lot of heart, your photos will tell a story that spans generations.

Get in touch to book your extended family photography session, and explore our portfolio to see the magic we create: Family, In-home, Newborn, Maternity, Family Trips, Celebrations, and Extended Family.

We can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.

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Family Reunion Outfits FAQ

Neutral tones like cream, beige, and soft greys are always flattering and easy to coordinate. Blue and white or navy and white are also timeless pairings. Consider your location—warmer tones work beautifully in nature, while cooler hues pop in urban settings.
Pick a colour palette (e.g., “neutrals + denim” or “shades of blue + white”) and allow each family to express it in their own way. Encourage texture and layers—linen, knits, buttons, and accessories all add depth to photos.
Comfort is key. Choose classic pieces in soft colours that reflect their personality—think button-down shirts, cardigans, or flowy dresses. Encourage them to avoid bold prints or large logos that may date the photo.
Start early with a shared outfit guide or Pinterest board. Divide the group into smaller family units and choose a cohesive palette to tie them together. Keep the mood light—if everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, the photos will shine.
Yes—especially for younger kids. Bring a spare shirt, wipes, and perhaps an accessory like a hat or scarf that can add variety. Coordinated blankets, baskets, or heirloom items also add meaning to your photos.
At The Story of Us, our extended family sessions typically last 75 minutes. This allows ample time for full group portraits, smaller family combinations, and candid storytelling moments. The relaxed pace ensures everyone feels comfortable, resulting in authentic and heartfelt images.
Explore our extended family photography portfolio for more details and inspiration!

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Family Reunion Outfits: What to Wear for a Picture-Perfect Gathering