What to Wear for Family Pictures: 2025 Style Guide for Austin Families
Planning family portraits is exciting—but deciding what to wear for family pictures can feel like the most stressful part. With so many options and opinions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Should you match? Should you coordinate? What colors actually look good in photos?
At Zesty Orange Photography, we help our clients style effortlessly timeless portraits—without the Pinterest panic. This 2025 style guide is tailored for Austin families who want to look cohesive, polished, and most importantly, like themselves.
Why Wardrobe Matters in Family Portraits
Before we get into colors and outfits, let’s talk about why what you wear matters so much.
Clothing affects:
- The mood and tone of your photos
- How flattering the final images feel
- How timeless your portraits remain over the years
- Whether your images look cohesive when printed as wall art
Even the most beautiful lighting and posing can be distracted by clashing colors, logos, or overly trendy patterns. A well-planned wardrobe elevates the entire portrait.
Start with a Color Palette
The first step in deciding what to wear for family pictures is choosing a color palette. Instead of matching outfits, aim for coordinating tones across your family.
Timeless Color Families:
- Neutrals: Cream, tan, white, gray, taupe
- Earth tones: Olive, terracotta, mustard, rust
- Soft tones: Blush, dusty blue, lavender, sage
- Jewel tones: Emerald, deep burgundy, navy
Pick 2–3 main colors and one accent. Then, mix and match textures and patterns within that palette for depth and interest.
Seasonal Style Suggestions for Austin
Our local weather plays a huge role in what feels (and looks) best in portraits. Here’s a breakdown by season:
Spring
- Think soft pastels, florals, and breathable fabrics
- Great for wildflower fields or garden sessions
- Avoid heavy layers or dark tones
Summer
- Light neutrals and soft blues photograph beautifully
- Maxi dresses, linen shirts, and bare feet by the water
- Consider lightweight layers and natural makeup
Fall
- Rich jewel tones and earth-inspired neutrals shine
- Flowy dresses with ankle boots, layers with texture
- Great time to incorporate plaids, knits, and warm fabrics
Winter
- Cool greys, navy, forest green, and deep red feel cozy
- Layers like scarves, sweaters, and boots look polished
- Ideal for urban locations or studio sessions
🌿 Pro tip: Avoid neon colors and overly bright patterns—they reflect poorly on skin and distract from connection.
What Each Family Member Should Wear
When planning what to wear for family pictures, don’t just think about individual outfits—think about the entire group as a visual whole.
Mom
- Choose a dress or outfit that makes you feel confident
- Maxi dresses with soft movement photograph beautifully
- Avoid tight or short silhouettes unless that’s your style
Dad
- Neutral-toned button-down or henley shirt
- Khakis or fitted dark jeans—avoid gym shoes or shorts
- Layers like a lightweight sweater or jacket add dimension
Kids
- Soft cotton or linen clothes that allow freedom to move
- Avoid shirts with characters, logos, or neon colors
- Add texture with knits, suspenders, or subtle prints
🧺 Don’t forget to bring backup outfits for young children in case of spills or accidents.
Texture Over Patterns
If you’re deciding between bold prints or textured solids, always go with texture.
Examples of Photogenic Textures:
- Cable-knit sweaters
- Gauzy cottons or linen
- Velvet, tulle, or lace accents
- Subtle ribbing or layering
Patterns can work if they’re small, neutral, and spaced out. A single floral dress or plaid shirt among solids creates just enough visual interest.
Footwear and Accessories
Yes, shoes show up in most family portraits! Be intentional.
Footwear Tips:
- Choose clean, neutral-toned shoes or boots
- Avoid athletic shoes, flip flops, or crocs
- Go barefoot for beach or in-home lifestyle sessions
Accessory Tips:
- Minimal jewelry, small earrings, and classic watches
- Hats can add style but may cast shadows
- Avoid noisy or distracting accessories (like plastic headbands)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most stylish families can fall into these common pitfalls when planning what to wear for family pictures:
- Everyone wearing the same color (it looks flat)
- Too many competing patterns
- Logos, graphics, or slogans on shirts
- Not planning for the weather or location
- Waiting until the day before to try outfits on
Try everything on ahead of time—including shoes—and take a quick mirror selfie of everyone together. It helps spot any issues before the session.
Outbound Resource
For even more inspiration on family photo outfits by season and vibe, this helpful guide from The Motherchic breaks it down beautifully.
What to Wear for Family Pictures
Deciding what to wear for family pictures doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to a cohesive palette, mix textures, and choose pieces that feel like you.
At Zesty Orange Photography, we provide hands-on wardrobe guidance for every session to make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and beautifully styled from head to toe.
Because the best family portraits start long before the camera clicks—with styling that feels effortless and elevated.
READY TO
CONNECT?
Attention Austin families! Whether you’re planning your first professional portraits or updating your walls with new memories, a family photo session is more than a yearly tradition—it’s an investment in your legacy.
As your Austin-based family photographer, I specialize in capturing the laughter, connection, and love that make your family uniquely yours. These images won’t just sit on a screen—they’ll live on as cherished heirlooms, reminding you of every season of life together.
Let’s create timeless family portraits that reflect your family’s heart and story. Schedule your consultation today and experience the kind of session your future self will thank you for.
