September 6th, 2025

Planning outfits for family photos can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. The right fabrics, layers, and patterns can take your portraits from stressful to stunning. That’s why I wanted to share our go-to strategies for making sure your whole crew looks coordinated, comfortable, and camera-ready.

Whether you’re planning for fall minis, milestone portraits, or a holiday card session, here’s how to mix and match like a pro.

👑Fabrics That Photograph Beautifully

Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to photos. Some reflect light in unflattering ways, while others add cozy texture and depth.

Here are our favorites:

• Linen → Soft, breathable, and gorgeous in natural light.
• Cotton & Knits → Timeless and comfortable, especially for kids.
• Denim → Structured, versatile, and season-proof.
• Tulle or Lace → Adds romance and texture without being overpowering.

💡 Tip: If one person is wearing a statement fabric like velvet or lace, keep the others in more subtle materials so the look feels balanced.

👔How to Handle Patterns

Patterns can elevate your outfits — or distract from your faces. The trick is to keep them subtle and coordinated.

Patterns we love:

• Soft florals in muted tones.
• Wide, soft stripes.
• Plaid — on one person, anchored by solids on everyone else.

Patterns to avoid:

• Tiny pinstripes (they can distort on camera).
• Loud logos or graphics.
• Everyone in a different busy print.

💡 Tip: Choose one patterned outfit, then pull colors from it for the rest of the family’s solids.

👕👗Mixing & Matching for Families

The easiest way to style a group is to start with a hero outfit — usually Mom’s. Once that anchor piece is chosen, build everyone else’s looks around it.

Example:

• Mom in a cream floral dress.
• Dad in khakis and a muted green button-down.
• Kids in soft knits or denim with touches of blush or sage.

The result? A palette that feels natural, timeless, and perfectly coordinated.

🎀Accessories & Final Polish

Small details make a big difference:

• Jewelry → keep it simple and elegant.
• Shoes → stick with neutral tones that blend in, not neon sneakers.
• Hair bows, scarves, or hats → add personality and polish without distracting.

💡 Tip: Think of accessories as the finishing touch that ties the look together, not the star of the show.

👞 Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Shoes are often the last thing families think about — but they can make or break a look.

• Stick to neutrals. Tan, brown, gray, navy, or muted leather blend beautifully.
• Dress for the vibe. A flowy dress pairs better with boots or flats than running sneakers.
• Avoid bright white socks and neon shoes. They pull the eye down instead of keeping focus on faces.
• Keep it cohesive. Shoes don’t all need to match, but they should feel like they belong in the same story.

💡 Tip: If you’re on the fence, go simple. Neutral leather sandals, loafers, or boots are timeless and photograph cleanly.

🚫 Style Don’ts for Family Photos

Even with the best intentions, some outfit choices can throw off your whole gallery. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Don’t match head-to-toe. Everyone in the exact same shirt or jeans can look flat on camera. Instead, aim for coordinating tones.
• Don’t wear neon or highlighter colors. Bright colors reflect on skin and create unflattering color casts.
• Don’t choose clothes with logos or words. These distract the eye and can feel dated quickly.
• Don’t pick overly busy patterns for everyone. One statement pattern is great — five competing ones is chaos.
• Don’t forget comfort. If your toddler hates tights or Dad can’t move in his shirt, it’ll show in the photos.

🛍 Where to Shop for Coordinated Looks

Many stores now make it easy with “family matching” or coordinating sections, especially in fall:

• J.Crew / J.Crew Factory – polished staples in seasonal color palettes; often mom + kids matching.
• Old Navy – affordable, family matching outfits for every season.
• Target (Cat & Jack for kids, A New Day and Universal Thread for adults) – great basics and soft textures.
• H&M – trendy but affordable, with Conscious basics and kid-friendly fabrics.
• Gap – classic denim, knits, and coordinating neutrals for the whole family.
• Zara / Zara Kids – stylish, European-inspired outfits that photograph beautifully.
• Carter’s / OshKosh – simple kids’ looks that can coordinate with adult outfits.
• Amazon “Family Matching” section – convenient, especially for last-minute finds.
• And of course, Ruth and Naomi – Roswell based clothing shop teen and tween girls. Click here for 10$ off your first order!

💡 Tip: If you’re shopping online, search “family matching outfits” or “coordinated family looks” on these sites — many now have whole landing pages dedicated to photo-perfect outfits.

Dressing your family for photos doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little thought about fabrics, patterns, and color stories, you can create a look that feels polished and timeless without being fussy. Remember — one hero outfit, layers and textures for depth, and shoes that keep the focus on faces.