How to Style Outfits (without losing your sanity in the process)
Let’s be honest—figuring out what everyone should wear for family photos can feel like a full-time job. You want everyone to look put-together but not like you all walked out of a matching pajama ad. The good news? With the right color palette, it’s totally doable (and even kind of fun).
Here are two color schemes I’m loving right now, plus some easy styling tips so you can stop stressing and start getting excited for your session.
Pastel Greens + Mauve Pink: Beachy Dream Vibes
Pastels at the beach just work. Think soft greens and hints of mauve pink—basically the romantic version of sea glass. These colors look effortless in that golden light and play really well with sand and waves.
How to style it:
• Moms: A flowy pastel green dress or a neutral dress with mauve accessories. Extra points if it catches the breeze.
• Dads: Khaki chinos and a light button-down. White, soft green, or even subtle stripes are all great options.
• Kids: Light linen pieces, little rompers, or dresses with mauve accents. Cute and comfy is the goal.
• Bonus: Stick to light fabrics (linen, cotton, gauzy dresses) that move easily. Nothing stiff—this is the beach, not a board meeting.
End result? Your family will look like you just casually wandered into a Nicholas Sparks movie set.
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Neutrals + Warm Jewel Tones: Cozy Orchard Vibes
For apple orchard sessions, think cozy and polished. Start with neutrals (creams, tans) and sprinkle in warm, deep jewel tones. These shades pop against all that green without screaming “we tried too hard.”
How to style it:
• Moms: Cream or taupe dress layered with a chunky knit copper cardigan. Basically: effortless, but still Pinterest-worthy.
• Dads: Neutral pants with a maroon or deep olive green button-up.
• Kids: Neutral pants or base layers. Add in a flannel, denim jacket or florals here.
• Bonus: Think cozy layers like knits, corduroy, or denim. The textures photograph beautifully and add depth to a photo.
You’ll end up with photos that feel warm, timeless, and a little bit magazine-worthy (without anyone being uncomfortable).
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A Few Quick Tips Before You Shop:
- The warm or cool tone of your outfits will reflect in your final images. If you want warm images, lean into warmer tones. If you want cooler images, lean into cooler tones.
- Coordinate, don’t clone. Think back to your elementary school days a refresh on your complimentary color wheel. Matching outfits are out—cohesive colors and textures are in.
- Movement is magic. Flowing skirts, dresses, and even scarves look amazing on camera. Dress mama first and then move on from there!
- Be yourselves. If your kids hate button-downs, don’t force it. Comfort always shows up on camera (for better or worse).
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At the end of the day, outfits set the tone—but the real magic is in the laughter, snuggles, and maybe a little chaos. (Trust me, those are the photos you’ll treasure most anyway.)
