Planning your family photos and wondering what everyone should wear? Before you start ordering outfits or pulling clothes from everyone’s closet, there are three common outfit mistakes I see families make again and again.

And here’s the good news: they’re all easy to avoid.

As a Kansas City newborn and family photographer, I’ve spent more than a decade photographing families, and I’ve learned that the best outfits aren’t necessarily the trendiest or most coordinated. The best outfits are the ones that allow the most important thing in your photographs—your family and your connection—to take center stage.

So, as part of my What Moms Should Know series, here are the three biggest mistakes I see families make when choosing what to wear for newborn and family photos.

1. Choosing Colors or Patterns That Are Too Bold

One of the biggest mistakes I see is arriving at a photo session with outfits that have very bold colors, large patterns, or distracting prints.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying your family needs to wear all neutrals or that you can’t have color in your wardrobe. I love thoughtfully chosen color, texture, and pattern!

The goal is simply to make sure that your clothing complements your family rather than competing with them.

When you look at your photographs, you want your eye to naturally move toward your newborn, your children, your spouse, and the connection between all of you.

If the first thing you notice is a very bold pattern or a bright color, your eye is going to be pulled away from the people in the photograph.

And your family should always be the main focus.

So, what should you wear instead?

Think about choosing colors that work together rather than colors that match exactly. Soft neutrals, muted earth tones, subtle colors, and gentle patterns tend to photograph beautifully and create a timeless look.

You can also add visual interest through:

• Textures like linen, knits, or woven fabrics
• Soft florals
• Subtle stripes
• Delicate patterns
• Layering
• Different shades of the same color family

The goal isn’t for everyone to look identical. It’s for everyone’s outfits to feel like they belong together. (Bonus! If you book with me, I have a whole closet full of dresses that moms can wear intentionally chosen because I know that they will photograph beautifully! I also create a custom outfit inspiration board tailored specifically to each family so you don’t have to worry about anything! But if you’re not in the Kansas City area….read on!)

2. Dressing Everyone in the Exact Same Outfit

This is another common one: everyone arrives wearing the same white shirt and jeans.

It might seem like the easiest way to coordinate your family, but matching isn’t necessarily the same thing as coordinating.

When everyone is dressed exactly alike, the photograph can start to feel visually flat. Instead of your eye naturally moving throughout the image, everyone blends together into one visual block.

When outfits complement one another, however, your eye naturally drifts around the photograph.

You notice your baby’s sweet little details.

Then your eye moves to your older child’s expression.

Then you notice the way your husband is looking at you.

Then you see the way your family is connected.

That’s the magic we’re trying to create.

The goal is coordination, not matching.

Instead of choosing the same outfit for everyone, think about creating a wardrobe where each person’s outfit adds something different to the overall image.

Maybe Mom wears a beautiful textured dress.

Dad wears a neutral linen shirt.

Your daughter wears a soft floral dress.

Your son wears complementary pants and a textured sweater.

Your newborn is wrapped in a simple neutral swaddle.

Everyone looks like they belong together—but no one looks exactly alike.

This creates dimension, movement, and visual interest while still keeping the focus where it belongs: on your family.

3. Choosing an Outfit That Doesn’t Make You Feel Confident

This may be the most important mistake of all.

Sometimes there’s something about ourselves that we’re already self-conscious about, and then we accidentally choose an outfit that draws even more attention to that area.

For example, if you’re uncomfortable with your arms, you might choose a sleeveless dress because you think it’s what you “should” wear for family photos.

But here’s the problem:

Even if the dress is beautiful, you may spend the entire session thinking about your arms.

And I don’t want that for you.

I want you to look at your photographs and see your beauty, your connection, and the way your family loves you.

I want you to feel confident.

I want you to feel beautiful.

I want you to look at your images years from now and be grateful that you were in them—not wishing you had chosen a different outfit.

Choose the outfit that makes you feel like yourself—but your best self.

If you’re self-conscious about your arms, choose sleeves.

If you don’t love your legs, choose a longer dress.

If you’re postpartum and don’t feel comfortable in something fitted, don’t wear something fitted.

If you love the way you feel in a flowy dress, wear one.

If you feel beautiful in a certain color, choose it.

Your outfit should work for you, not against you.

My goal as your photographer is to step in and remind you of your beauty. I want to guide you into flattering light, natural poses, and genuine moments of connection—but your confidence starts with choosing clothing that allows you to feel comfortable and beautiful.

And I promise, you’re going to love your photographs even more when you feel good in what you’re wearing.

What Should You Wear for Newborn or Family Photos?

If you’re wondering how to choose outfits for your next family photo session, start by thinking about these three things:

1. Does the outfit complement the rest of the family’s wardrobe?

You don’t need everyone to match. Instead, choose colors and textures that work beautifully together.

2. Is the outfit drawing attention away from your family?

If you immediately notice a bold pattern or bright color before you notice the people in the photograph, consider simplifying.

3. Do you feel confident and beautiful wearing it?

This one is non-negotiable.

The perfect family photo outfit isn’t the one that’s most trendy. It’s the one that makes you feel comfortable enough to forget about your clothes and focus on the people you love.

Because that’s what I want your photographs to capture.

Not perfectly coordinated outfits.

Not a perfectly styled family.

You.

Your baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around yours.

Your toddler’s laugh.

The way your husband looks at you when he thinks no one is watching.

The way your children lean into you.

The connection that exists between all of you.

That’s the part you’ll treasure.

My Favorite Family Photo Outfit Advice for Moms

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by what to wear, remember this:

Start with one person.

For many families, that’s Mom.

Find an outfit that makes you feel beautiful first. Then build the rest of the family’s wardrobe around it.

This is often much easier than trying to coordinate everyone’s outfits at the same time.

Once Mom’s outfit is chosen, you can pull colors, textures, and tones from it to create a cohesive wardrobe for everyone else.

And if you’re booking a newborn or family photography session with me, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

I love helping my clients think through their wardrobe choices so their outfits feel cohesive, timeless, and completely them.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear for Family Photos

What should my family wear for family photos?

Choose outfits that coordinate without being identical. Soft neutrals, muted colors, subtle patterns, and a mix of textures can create a cohesive and timeless look while allowing each person’s individual personality to shine.

Should everyone match for family photos?

No. In most cases, coordinating outfits look more visually interesting than having everyone wear the exact same clothing. Choose complementary colors, textures, and styles rather than identical outfits.

What colors photograph best for family pictures?

Soft neutrals, earthy tones, muted colors, creams, warm whites, soft greens, gentle blues, and subtle blush tones often photograph beautifully. The best color palette will also depend on your photography location, the season, and the overall style you’re hoping to create.

Should I avoid patterns for family photos?

Not necessarily. Subtle patterns can add beautiful visual interest and dimension to your photographs. The key is to avoid too many competing bold patterns or prints that pull attention away from your family.

What should Mom wear for family photos?

Mom should choose an outfit that makes her feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable. If you have an area you’re self-conscious about, choose clothing that makes you feel secure rather than drawing attention to it. Once Mom’s outfit is chosen, the rest of the family’s wardrobe can be coordinated around it.

How do I coordinate outfits for newborn photos?

Start with a simple color palette and choose clothing with complementary colors and textures. For newborn photography, consider how the baby’s outfit or swaddle will fit into the overall wardrobe. The goal is to create a cohesive look while keeping the focus on your baby and your family’s connection.

What should I wear for in-home newborn photos?

For an in-home newborn session, choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move naturally and interact with your baby. Soft dresses, knit textures, linen, and neutral or muted colors can create a timeless look that works beautifully with the natural surroundings of your home.

How can I look more confident in family photos?

The best place to start is with an outfit you genuinely feel good wearing. When you feel comfortable and confident, you’re more likely to relax and focus on your family instead of worrying about your appearance. Your photographer can then help guide you with flattering light, natural posing, and prompts that create genuine connection.

Planning your Kansas City newborn or family photography session?

If you’re wondering what to wear, when to schedule, or how to prepare your family for photos, I’m here to help you through the entire experience—from planning your wardrobe to creating a gallery that feels like your family.

Because you deserve photographs where you don’t just see what your family looked like.

You remember exactly how it felt to be together.