Family photoshoots incite anxiety amongst some folks, but they don’t need to! There’s a lot of pressure to be “picture-perfect”. But when you take that pressure away, suddenly, the whole experience becomes a lot more fun (we know, it’s easier said than done)!
A little bit of planning still goes a long way when it comes time to smile for the camera. Planning your family’s outfit theme and figuring out who will wear what is one area that you don’t want to leave ‘til the last minute.
We’ve compiled this piece to help you not only choose the best women’s outfits for family pictures but also outfits for everyone else to coordinate with whatever you wear.
Coordinating vs. Matching Outfits
When choosing an outfit or woman’s dress for family photos, think about what you will be wearing relative to what the rest of your family will be wearing. Consider matching or coordinating outfits.
Matching
Executed right, matching outfits can be cute. If you’re thinking about matching your family, we suggest sticking with a theme and making sure the colors *really* match. If everyone wears a different shade of blue, you risk looking like you tried (but failed) to match.
Perhaps worse is the possibility that one person will wear a color in the same family that clashes with the other colors (such as aqua with slate blue).
If you’re thinking of matching, just be aware that this is considered by many to be a “dated” or “out-of-style" trend for family pictures.
Coordinating
Many moms are bucking the now-dated trend of matching in favor of coordinating. Family photos where the participants coordinate outfits with each other often come out polished, intentional, and professional-looking without seeming overdone.
The matchy-matchy look can seem “too perfect” or “Stepford-like” for many families, representing an unrealistic and unattainable ideal.
Coordinating different outfits that work with each other and still highlight each family member’s individuality, on the other hand, is much easier. It also tends to make everyone look and feel more comfortable.
Consider the Location & Season
When brainstorming ideas for outfits for family pictures, be mindful of both where and when your photoshoot will take place, keeping the weather in mind.
Wearing a dress in the dead of winter while taking pictures outside is a recipe for being uncomfortable and wanting to go home. On the other hand, overdressing in a pantsuit in the hot summer months in a hot studio could result in a hot and sweaty experience and ruined makeup.
So before you start browsing women’s dresses for family photos online, do your research and dress for the weather & location! In addition to garment type, think about material type, fabric thickness, and breathability as well as layering.
Allowing for Personal Style
What good are the glamourous women’s photoshoot dresses you see online if they don’t fit you right, leave you feeling uncomfortable, or simply don’t feel like “you”?
Be sure that in picking out an outfit, it fits your style.
- Like cocktail dresses? Perfect!
- More of an overalls gal? No problem.
- Looking for a relaxed yet smart vibe? Try a flowy feminine blouse and pull-on pants.
Be sure to choose patterns and colors that are flattering on you, keeping in mind that certain colors, like black and white, could cause you to look washed out in photos. And be sure that in choosing your family members’ outfits, or allowing them to choose them, you keep the theme of the photoshoot in mind while also allowing for individual expression.
When in doubt, ask for guidance from your photographer!
Additional Considerations
When choosing women’s outfits for family pictures, the sky is technically the limit. But here are some additional considerations to keep in mind:
- Be Mindful Of Your Audience: We suggest avoiding anything too revealing. Family photos are usually sent to family & friends of varying ages and tastes, so choosing your outfit with that in mind is usually important.
- Compare Comfort vs. Style: You should look and feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable when taking family photos. So try to balance comfort with style for an elegant and polished look that doesn’t require taking your heels off or unzipping your dress every half an hour.
- Plan Ahead: Those who plan out photoshoot outfits ahead of time are best able to coordinate outfits, iron or dry clean garments, check fitment, and anything else required before picture day creeps up.
- Use Props Smartly: Using props can be a great way to show off individual family members’ personalities. For instance, a Star Wars loving family might bring lightsabers for each family member. But props can be more subtle too, like a flower in your hair, or a fedora for Dad. Blankets to keep babies warm are another practical and cozy addition.
Shop for Family-Friendly Women's Photoshoot Outfits Now
Ready to get inspired? Find your next women’s family-friendly photo session outfit now at Anthony’s.
