Family photos are a timeless tradition that capture a moment in time, and the clothing choices of each family member can greatly impact the overall aesthetic and vibe of the photo.
Whether you’re taking a family photo for a special occasion or just for fun, choosing the right clothing can make all the difference.
In this article, we will provide some tips and guidelines on what to wear in a family photo to ensure a cohesive and attractive final result.
What To Wear In Family Photo?
Coordinate Without Being Too Matchy
Coordinating clothing for a family photo is an important aspect of capturing a great image.
While it may be tempting to match everyone’s clothing perfectly, this can sometimes result in a less-than-desirable effect, making everyone appear like clones.
Coordinating clothing that complements each other without being too matchy is an art in itself, but it can be done with a little planning and attention to detail.
Here are some tips to help you coordinate clothing for a family photo without being too matchy:
Mix and match
A good way to coordinate clothing for a family photo without being too matchy is to mix and match patterns and prints.
Use a patterned shirt or dress as a focal point and then build the rest of the outfit around it.
For example, if your daughter has a floral dress, you could choose a solid color shirt or pants for your son, and a striped shirt for your husband.
This will create a cohesive look without being too matchy.
Consider textures and layers
Another way to coordinate clothing for a family photo is to consider textures and layers.
Add texture to your outfits by mixing fabrics like lace, denim, wool, and silk.
Layering clothing can also add depth and visual interest to the photo.
For example, you could have your daughter wear a denim jacket over her dress, while your son wears a sweater over his shirt.
Add accessories
Adding accessories is a great way to coordinate clothing without being too matchy.
For example, if you’ve chosen a navy blue and white color scheme, you could have everyone wear white shoes and add navy blue scarves or hats to their outfits.
This will tie everyone together without being too matchy.
Consider the setting
When coordinating clothing for a family photo, it’s important to consider the setting.
If you’re taking photos outdoors, you may want to choose clothing that is more casual and comfortable, like jeans and boots.
If you’re taking photos indoors, you may want to dress up a little more, with dresses and suits.
Have fun with it
Ultimately, coordinating clothing for a family photo should be a fun and creative process.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Have fun with it and enjoy the process.
Your family photo will be a cherished memory that you can look back on for years to come.
Dress for the Occasion
When it comes to choosing what to wear for a family photo, it’s important to dress for the occasion.
The clothing you choose should reflect the style and tone of the photo shoot.
A formal family portrait will require a different level of dress than a casual outdoor session.
For a formal family photo, men should consider wearing a suit or dress pants and a dress shirt.
Women can wear a dress or dress pants and a blouse. It’s best to choose classic styles and colors that won’t look dated over time.
You can add some personality to the outfits with accessories like ties, scarves, and jewelry.
For a more casual family photo, you can choose comfortable and stylish outfits that reflect your personality.
You can choose jeans, khakis, or leggings paired with a blouse or a casual shirt.
Keep in mind that the clothing should be comfortable and allow you to move freely, as you may be sitting, standing, and posing for an extended period of time.
Choose a Color Scheme
Choosing a color scheme for a family photo is a crucial part of the planning process.
The right colors can enhance the overall look and feel of the photo, while the wrong colors can make the photo look chaotic and uncoordinated.
When choosing a color scheme, consider the setting where the photo will be taken.
If you’re planning a photo shoot outdoors, choose colors that will complement the natural surroundings.
For example, if you’re taking photos in a garden or a park, consider wearing soft, pastel colors that will blend in with the environment.
If you’re taking photos in the city, bolder, brighter colors may be more appropriate.
Another important factor to consider is the season.
Different colors are associated with different seasons, and choosing colors that reflect the season can create a cohesive and harmonious look.
For example, in the fall, warm earth tones like browns, oranges, and yellows are popular, while in the winter, darker, richer colors like deep reds, greens, and blues can create a cozy and festive feel.
It’s also important to consider the colors that will flatter everyone in the photo.
Choose colors that complement each person’s skin tone and hair color.
For example, if someone in the photo has fair skin and blonde hair, avoid pastel yellows, and instead opt for warmer shades like peach or coral.
If someone has darker skin, choose jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue.
In addition to the colors themselves, consider the patterns and textures of the clothing.
If everyone in the photo is wearing a pattern, choose patterns that are different but complementary.
For example, if one person is wearing a striped shirt, someone else might wear a polka dot blouse.
If one person is wearing a textured sweater, someone else might wear a smooth satin dress.
Finally, keep in mind that the color scheme should be cohesive but not too matchy-matchy.
The goal is to create a coordinated look, but each person should still be able to express their individual style.
Consider adding a pop of color or a statement accessory to add some personality to the photo.
Take the Location into Account
When dressing for a family photo, consider the location and environment of the shoot.
If you’re taking photos in a park or nature setting, avoid wearing heels or shoes that can easily get dirty.
You want to be comfortable and able to move around without worrying about your footwear.
If you’re taking photos during the colder months, you’ll want to dress warmly while still looking stylish.
Consider layering your outfits with jackets, coats, scarves, and hats. You can also add texture and interest to your outfits with knitwear or wool fabrics.
For a beach or outdoor family photo, you may want to opt for light, breezy fabrics that allow you to stay cool and comfortable in the heat.
Consider wearing light cotton, linen, or silk fabrics that will move well in the breeze.
Keep it Timeless
While it’s important to consider current fashion trends when selecting your family photo outfits, it’s also important to keep the photo timeless.
You don’t want to look back on the photo in a few years and regret your fashion choices.
When it comes to taking a family photo, you want to make sure it’s something that can be cherished for years to come.
One way to do that is by keeping the photo timeless. Here are a few tips to help you achieve this:
Avoid trendy clothing
It’s important to avoid trendy clothing when taking a family photo.
While it may be fun to wear the latest styles, they can quickly become outdated and make the photo look old fashioned in just a few years.
Stick to classic pieces
Instead of opting for trendy clothing, choose classic pieces that have a timeless look.
For example, a well-tailored blazer or a classic button-down shirt will always look stylish and never go out of fashion.
Choose neutral colors
Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and beige are timeless and versatile.
They’re also less likely to clash with other colors and can help to create a cohesive look.
Keep it simple
Don’t overcomplicate the outfits. Avoid wearing busy patterns or loud colors that can be distracting. Instead, keep the clothing simple and classic.
Don’t be too formal or too casual
Try to strike a balance between being too formal or too casual.
You don’t want to look like you’re dressed for a wedding, but you also don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed.
Find a happy medium that looks put-together but not overdone.
Accessorize wisely
When it comes to accessories, less is more.
Opt for simple and timeless pieces like pearl earrings or a classic watch. Avoid wearing anything that’s too trendy or flashy.
By following these tips, you can create a timeless family photo that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Don’t Forget About Accessories
Accessories can be a great addition to a family photo and can help to add interest and personality to the image.
However, it is important to use them judiciously, so they do not become a distraction.
Here are some common accessories that can be used for taking a family photo:
Hats
Hats can add a playful touch to a family photo, but it’s important to make sure that they complement the outfits and do not clash.
For instance, a beanie or a fedora can look great in a casual setting, while a wide-brimmed hat can add a touch of elegance to a more formal shot.
Scarves
A scarf can add color and texture to an outfit and can be a great way to tie together different pieces of clothing.
A lightweight scarf can be a great option for a summer or spring photo shoot, while a thicker scarf can be used to add warmth and texture in cooler weather.
Jewelry
Adding jewelry can be a great way to add a bit of sparkle and personality to a family photo.
Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings can all be used to add interest and complement the clothing.
Glasses
If family members wear glasses, it’s important to make sure they are clean and free of smudges for the photo shoot.
Additionally, if anyone in the family wears transition lenses, it is best to avoid shooting photos in direct sunlight, as the lenses may darken and obscure the eyes.
Props
Including props can be a great way to add a fun and personal touch to a family photo.
This could include things like a favorite book, a musical instrument, or a family pet.
However, it’s important to use props sparingly and make sure they complement the overall look of the photo.
When using accessories for a family photo, it’s important to make sure they are consistent with the overall tone and style of the shoot.
The accessories should complement the clothing, not overpower it, and should help to add interest and personality without becoming a distraction.
Consider Makeup and Hair
When it comes to taking a family photo, makeup and hair can be just as important as clothing and accessories.
Here are some tips for ensuring that everyone looks their best:
Keep it simple
The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, so avoid going overboard with heavy makeup or complicated hairstyles.
Instead, stick to natural-looking makeup and classic, easy-to-style hairdos.
Use a professional stylist
If you’re not confident in your ability to do your own hair and makeup, consider hiring a professional stylist to help you and your family look your best.
This can be especially helpful if you’re taking a big family photo or if you have a special occasion coming up.
Consider the lighting
Outdoor photo shoots in natural light can be especially unforgiving when it comes to makeup and hair.
Consider the time of day that you’ll be taking the photo, and adjust your makeup and hair accordingly.
Practice ahead of time
If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, take some time to practice your look ahead of time.
This will help you feel more confident on the day of the photo shoot and will give you a chance to adjust your look if you’re not happy with the results.
Keep it natural
As with clothing and accessories, the key to great hair and makeup for a family photo is to keep it natural and timeless.
Avoid trendy looks that may look dated in a few years and focus on classic styles that will stand the test of time.
Test the Outfits Ahead of Time
Testing the outfits ahead of time can ensure that everything fits properly and is comfortable to wear.
This can also give you the opportunity to make any necessary alterations to the outfits or to switch things up if something doesn’t look as good as you had hoped.
It’s also a good idea to test out different poses and positions during a trial run to see how the outfits look and how they photograph.
When doing a test run of your family photo outfits, make sure to do it in natural light and in the same location where you plan to take the actual photos.
This will give you a good sense of how the outfits look in that particular setting and lighting.
You can also take some test shots with your phone or camera to see how the outfits look on camera.
During your test run, you can also experiment with different combinations of outfits to see what works best.
You might find that one outfit looks great on its own but doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the family’s outfits.
By testing out different combinations, you can ensure that everyone’s outfits complement each other and create a cohesive look for the family photo.
Finally, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for any potential wardrobe malfunctions that might occur during the family photo session.
This could include bringing extra safety pins, a small sewing kit, or other items that can help you fix any issues that might arise.
By being prepared and testing out your outfits ahead of time, you can help ensure that the family photo session goes smoothly and that you capture some great memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
In conclusion, selecting the right clothing for a family photo can greatly impact the overall aesthetic and success of the photo.
Don’t miss these topics:
- What To Wear In Gymnastics?
- What To Wear In a Yoga Class?
- What Color Shoes Go With A Burgundy Dress?
