How to Coordinate Family Outfits Without Matching for Your Photo Session
One of the most common questions I get as a family photographer in Simi Valley is: “What should we wear for our photos?” You want your family to look put together, but not like you all showed up in identical outfits. The key to achieving a stylish and cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy is coordination. Here’s how to create a beautifully balanced wardrobe for your next family photoshoot!
1. Choose a Color Palette
Instead of dressing everyone in the same color, pick a color palette with 3-4 complementary colors. This creates a harmonious look while giving each person some individuality.
Great Color Palette Ideas:
• Earthy Tones: Olive green, mustard, rust, and cream (perfect for fall!)
• Neutrals with a Pop: Beige, white, denim, and a hint of burgundy or navy
• Soft & Airy: Light blues, blush pinks, and warm grays (great for beach sessions)
2. Start with One Outfit & Build Around It
Pick one person’s outfit first—usually Mom or the child—and then pull colors from that outfit to dress the rest of the family. For example, if Mom wears a floral dress with navy and mustard accents, Dad could wear a mustard sweater, and the kids could incorporate navy, white, or cream into their outfits.
3. Mix Solids, Textures, and Subtle Patterns
The trick to making coordinated outfits look natural is mixing textures and patterns. If one person is wearing a print (like plaid or floral), balance it out by keeping the rest of the family in solid colors or subtle textures like cable knit sweaters, linen, or denim.
Avoid: Large, bold prints on multiple people, as they can compete for attention in photos.
4. Keep It Classic & Avoid Trendy Logos
Logos, neon colors, and overly trendy pieces can be distracting and quickly date your photos. Instead, choose classic, timeless clothing that reflects your family’s personality and won’t go out of style in a year.
5. Dress for the Location & Season
Think about your photo location when choosing outfits:
• For beach sessions, light neutrals, soft blues, and flowy fabrics work beautifully.
• For mountain or fall sessions, warm earth tones, cozy knits, and layered outfits add depth.
• For urban or studio sessions, a mix of deep tones and neutrals can create a polished, modern look.
6. Let Everyone’s Personality Shine
While coordinating is important, it’s also great to let each family member’s personality show. If your child loves to wear dresses or your husband prefers jeans over khakis, work those preferences into the overall look!
7. Plan Ahead & Try Everything On
A few days before your session, lay out all the outfits together to see how they coordinate. Have everyone try their outfits on to ensure they fit well and feel comfortable—happy and confident family members make for the best photos!
Final Thoughts
Coordinating family outfits without matching is all about balance—choosing a color palette, mixing textures, and making sure everyone feels comfortable. If you’re planning a family photoshoot in Simi Valley, Moorpark, or Ventura County, I’d love to help capture your family in a way that feels natural and timeless!
Need outfit inspiration? When you book a session with me, I’m happy to offer styling advice to make your family photos picture-perfect. Let’s create beautiful memories together!
📷 Book your family session today!
