What to wear for your Front Range family portrait session
One of the most common questions I get after a family books their session is "What on earth should we wear?" I get it! Choosing outfits for a group can feel overwhelming. You want to look like yourselves, but the best version of yourselves. You want to look coordinated, but not like you’re wearing a uniform. And most importantly, you want these photos to look as timeless on your wall ten years from now as they do today.
At Golden Family and Pet Portraits, my goal is to capture the connection and love in your family. Your outfits should complement that vibe, not distract from it.
Here is my go-to guide for styling your next Front Range family photoshoot:
1. Coordinate, don’t match
The days of everyone wearing matching white t-shirts and blue jeans are behind us. Instead of matching, aim to coordinate.
Pick a color palette of 3-4 colors that look good together and distribute them throughout the group. For example, if your palette is navy, dusty rose, cream, and denim, one person might wear a floral dress with those colors, while another wears a navy sweater, and a child wears cream overalls. This creates a cohesive look without looking overly matched.
2. Stuck? Start with one inspiration piece
If you’re stuck, find one outfit you absolutely love and build the rest around it. Usually, this is mom’s dress or an outfit for one of the kids. Once you have that anchor piece, pull colors from that pattern to choose the solid colors for everyone else.
3. Texture is your best friend
Since I typically recommend avoiding large, distracting logos or busy patterns, texture is how you add visual interest. Think:
Chunky knits
Lace detailing
Linen or corduroy
Flowy fabrics that move with the wind
Texture adds depth to your photos and makes the images feel high-end.
4. Consider your home decor
Where are you planning to hang your family photos? If your home is filled with neutral tones and minimalist decor, wearing bright oranges and teals might clash with your living room walls. Choose colors that will look beautiful when printed and displayed in your home.
5. Comfort is key (especially for kids)
If your toddler is wearing itchy wool or shoes that are too tight, it will show on their face. Choose soft fabrics and comfortable fits. For the grown-ups, make sure you choose an outfit you can move in. Ideally, it’s one that looks just as good when you’re sitting on a blanket as it does when you’re standing.
6. Don't forget the feet!
Shoes are often an afterthought, but they show up in portraits! Avoid old sneakers or flip-flops. Instead, opt for leather boots, dress shoes, or simple sandals. In many of my outdoor golden hour family portrait sessions, going barefoot for some shots is a relaxed option!
7. Timeless over trendy
While everyone loves a good fashion statement, try to avoid micro-trends that will date your photos quickly. Classic silhouettes and earthy, muted tones (think mustard, olive, rust, navy, and cream) tend to age the best.
A quick "what to avoid" checklist:
Neon colors: They reflect color casts onto your skin (making you look slightly green or orange).
Large logos: They distract from your beautiful faces!
Transition lenses: If we’re shooting outdoors, please try to wear regular glasses or contacts so I can see your eyes.
Shirts with graphics: Stick to solids or subtle patterns.
Final thought: be yourself
At the end of the day, these photos are about your family. If you are a casual, jeans and t-shirt kind of family, don't feel pressured to put on anything else. When you feel like yourself, you’ll be more relaxed, and that’s when the magic happens.
Ready to Capture Your Family’s Story? Whether you want the dramatic peaks of Lookout Mountain or the cozy riverside vibes of Clear Creek, I’d love to help you document this season of your life.
Contact me today to book your sunset session with Golden Family and Pet Portraits.
