It wasn’t until recently I started getting more involved with outfit selection. By no means do I tell people what to wear but giving some direction is always appreciated.  A few really important tips I can give on what to wear for family photos.

1). Make sure you feel good about yourself.

2) Start with one outfit and build from there.

3) Pick a color scheme and a look.

4) Browse the web for inspiration.

5) Dress appropriately for the location and the activity.

Here are a handful of images to give you some ideas and inspiration.

Bold colors: Kids always look great in color.  If you want to add in a color you like but maybe don’t feel comfortable wearing yourself, it’s best to dress your children in that color.

Patterns: I love mixing patterns but it can sometimes be tricky.  The trick to mixing patterns is to make sure they are of a different scale.  But I do not suggest larger patterns as they don’t always read well.

Bold Accessories: I love adding accessories.  But I don’t encourage it if it is does not represent your everyday style.  But bold colored shoes or hats can make an outfit pop.

Larger Groups:  When dealing with an extended family, it’s always best to pick out three colors and a style.  This family decided to do blue and white and dress a little pink/red tone on the kids.

Mix colors and patterns: This family went a more bold route.  I love how it all came together so flawlessly while still showing everyone’s personal style.

Monochromatic: Doing different shades of one color can be easy and fun.

Color Scheme: I love this red, white, and blue color scheme.  It’s bold yet simple and fun.

Pastels: A classic pastel pallet will fit in with many different backgrounds.

Matching: I know we said not to match but for kids it can be adorable.  Love these matching overalls!

Statement: Love these matching shirts.  One day they will really cherish this photo.

Match the background: If you plan for a bold background, it’s great to pull in pops of color.

Casual: Let’s be real, we don’t all dress like we are going to a nice dinner everyday but that doesn’t mean we don’t look cute.  Love how this family dressed in jammies for their at home cookie baking session.

Tying things together: I love how everyone in this photo is wearing blue.  But one daughter is wearing a dress that has a little orange.  And the mom is wearing a bold shirt to tie it all together.  The shirt also compliments here hair and lip color which makes it just that much better.