One of the most common questions I get asked before a family photo session is:

"What should we wear?"

And as a photographer and a Mum myself, I completely understand!

The funny thing is, the hardest person to style is almost always Mum. The kids are usually quite easy. Dad often has a few reliable options. But somehow when it comes to ourselves, we overthink every single outfit hanging in the wardrobe.

So if you're planning your next family photo session, here are my favourite styling tips to help your family look beautiful, cohesive and most importantly... like yourselves.

1. Start With Mum First

I know it sounds backwards, but trust me on this one.

Choose your outfit first and build everyone else's around it.

As mums, we're usually the ones organising the session, booking the photographer, packing snacks, choosing outfits and getting everyone out the door. You deserve to feel amazing in your photos too!

Choose something that makes you feel:

Comfortable
Confident
Beautiful
Like yourself

The biggest mistake I see is choosing an outfit because it looks good on Pinterest but doesn't actually feel like you.

If you never wear a flowing light linen dress, don't suddenly wear one for your family photos.

Years from now, you'll want to look back and recognise yourself. Authenticity will always photograph better than trends.

2. Don't Dress Anyone in Something They Would Never Normally Wear

This goes for everyone in the family. I've seen dads turn up in crisp white linen shirts they've clearly borrowed from another universe.

They're tugging at the collar, rolling sleeves, feeling uncomfortable and counting down the minutes until they can change.

The best family photos happen when everyone feels relaxed. If Dad lives in a quality t-shirt and overshirt, let's work with that.

If your little girl loves twirling dresses, amazing. If your son spends every waking moment climbing trees, dress him for adventure.

The goal isn't to create characters, the goal is to capture authentic memories of your family.

3. Choose Earthy, Timeless Colours

When it comes to colour palettes, less is definitely more.

My favourite tones include:

Cream
Oatmeal
Beige
Camel
Rust
Olive
Sage
Warm browns
Dusty pinks
Soft blues

These colours photograph beautifully in almost every location and create a timeless look that won't feel dated in five years.

A note about white

I generally recommend avoiding bright, pure white clothing. White can sometimes reflect blue tones, particularly outdoors, and can become distracting in photographs.

Instead, opt for:

Ivory
Cream
Oatmeal
Soft stone tones

These photograph much more naturally and flatter every skin tone.

Don’t forget about shoes

Shoes are one of those little details that can make a surprisingly big difference.

My advice? Keep them simple and comfortable.

Think neutral sandals, clean white or beige sneakers, ankle boots in winter, or even bare feet if we're at the beach.

Try to avoid bright sports shoes, large logos, or anything that feels out of place with the rest of your outfits—they can quickly draw the eye away from what really matters.

And if your little ones kick their shoes off halfway through the session? Don't stress! Some of my favourite photos are of tiny bare feet running through the grass or snuggled up in Mum and Dad's arms.

4. Think Texture, Not Patterns

Texture adds depth and interest without overwhelming your images.

Some of my favourite textures include:

Linen
Knits
Cotton
Ribbed fabrics
Soft muslin
Chunky knit jumpers

Texture creates beautiful visual interest while still keeping the focus where it belongs: on your family.

5. Keep Patterns to One Person

Patterns aren't banned, but they should be used thoughtfully!

A good rule of thumb is:

One pattern per family.

A floral dress on Mum? Beautiful.

A patterned shirt on one child? Perfect.

But when everyone wears competing prints, stripes and florals, the eye doesn't know where to look. The result can feel busy and distracting.

Avoid tiny pinstripes

Small pinstripes, checks and tight repetitive patterns can create visual distortion in photographs.

Larger, softer patterns tend to photograph much better.

6. Dress for the Season

Your styling should make sense for the weather and location.

There's nothing more distracting than a family dressed for winter standing barefoot on a summer beach, or vice versa.

For cooler months consider:

Knits
Layering
Long sleeves
Textured fabrics

For warmer months consider:

Linen
Cotton
Breathable fabrics
Soft flowing dresses

When your clothing suits the environment, the entire gallery feels more natural and cohesive.

7. Think About How Your Children Actually Move

This is a big one.

My sessions are not about standing still and saying "cheese."

We're running. We're cuddling. We're climbing rocks. We're chasing toddlers. We're doing cartwheels.

So think practically.

If your daughter loves climbing and cartwheeling, comfortable shorts or bloomers under dresses can be a lifesaver.

If your son spends the whole session running, make sure he can move freely.

Comfortable children are happy children, and happy children make beautiful photos!

8. Coordinate—Don't Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans.

Instead, think about creating a cohesive colour palette.

Choose 3-5 colours that work together and spread them across the family.

For example:

Mum in rust
Dad in oatmeal
Daughter in floral with rust and cream tones
Son in olive

Everything feels connected without looking overly styled.

9. Remove Distractions

A few small details can make a huge difference.

Before your session, try to avoid:

Large logos
Character clothing
Neon colours
Smart watches
Bulky phone cases in pockets
Sunglasses sitting on heads

The less distraction there is, the more attention stays on your family's connection.

10. Remember: The Best Outfit Is One You Forget You're Wearing

The most beautiful family photos aren't really about clothing at all.

They're about connection, cuddles, laughter, tiny hands holding yours and the way your children look at you when they think nobody is watching.

The best outfit is simply one that allows you to be present, comfortable, confident and fully immersed in making memories with the people you love most.

Because twenty years from now, nobody will remember exactly what you wore, they'll remember how it felt!