Hey Mama!

I know outfit planning for family photos can be a source of STRESS. Let me relieve some of that stress for you! I created a curated selection of outfit ideas for the whole family and put it in a guide for you!

So you’ve booked a family photo session…

now what are you going to wear???

Great question!! I absolutely love helping families plan and find outfits for their family sessions!! It is not a perfect formula either. Every family, style, and budget is so different so what works for one family may not work for you! Below are a few tips I share with families to help them get started with outfit planning!

1. Mama First!

What do you want to wear mom?? Because here’s the thing, for most families, mama cares the most about what she wears and how she looks in pictures! So start with something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable and yourself! Build everyone else’s outfits from there!21. Mama First!

2. Choose a Color Scheme

Okay if you started with yourself, or even if you started with someone else, let that outfit kick off your color scheme! If the first outfit has a pattern, you can pull colors from that pattern to build your color scheme. If it’s a solid color you can pair it with one additional color and some neutrals! And if the first outfit is a neutral, you can choose what pops of color you’d like to throw in there based on outfits your family already has or colors that you like!

Important Tip: Consider the background at your location when you are deciding on colors! For example: if there is going to be a lot of green, let’s say you’re at a Christmas tree farm, I would avoid most shades of green so you don’t blend in with your environment! Also, if you’re interested in Christmas Tree Farm mini sessions, you can book yours here!

3. Coordinate > Matching

Look, there is nothing wrong with matching if that is what you’d like to do! Seriously! I’ve taken some beautiful photos with matching outfits! But if you’re asking me for my preference, I’d recommend coordinating your outfits over matching them! A lot of times when kids are wearing the exact same shirt/pattern it draws your eyes right to their clothes first. But, if you’re outfits are coordinating with a mix of solids and patterns, you’re going to get a more cohesive look that allows your eyes to go towards everyone’s faces instead.

4. Don’t Overlook Accessories

I don’t just mean earrings, I’m talking socks and shoes and even cardigans and undershirts! I always forget to plan out shoes until the day of my own family session, but a pair of dirty sneakers or bright, colorful socks can throw off a whole look!

The use of tall socks, tights/stockings, and cardigans/sweaters/undershirts can help transition your family outfits from a 70 degree fall day to a 50 degree Fall day! Since the Fall weather here in NC is super unpredictable, it can be super beneficial to have a plan for a warmer or colder day!

5. Get Inspired

When you see family photos that you admire, pay special attention to what you like about them! What colors are they wearing? What patterns are they wearing? Of course your family is going to look different and every photo session is going to look different, but it can be helpful to see what styles and colors you’re drawn to!

You can check out my Fall Family Pinterest Board here for more ideas!

And if you’re looking to buy some family outfits all in one place… check out my Fall Family Styling Guide – The Amazon Edition!

There’s nothing better than finding everyone’s outfits all in one place, knowing they’ll all look good together, AND being able to return them easily if it doesn’t work out! I created a curated selection of outfits for moms, dads, babies, toddlers, girls and boys! I also create 6 family samples where you can see a selection of outfits for the whole family and how they look all together! All of the images have affiliate links for your shopping convenience! Just download your styling guide and click on any picture to open the link to it on Amazon!

Use the button below to get a PDF with product links sent directly to your inbox! You can preview you the guide below but you’ll need the PDF for the links to work!

If you are a client family and you’d like additional support with planning outfits for your Fall session this year, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Send me pictures of what you’re working with and what you’re looking for and I’ll be happy to help you shop!

Still need to book your session?? Let’s get you booked!! Check out my booking site or inquire on my website!

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Much love,

Rachel