What to Wear for Family Pictures: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Perfect Family Photos in New Jersey

So, you’ve found a NJ Family photographer you love, booked your family photo session, and now the reality sets in—what on earth are you all going to wear? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. When it comes to family photos, wardrobe is almost as important as choosing the right photographer. Trust me, I know how busy life gets, especially as a working mom! But when you nail the wardrobe, your photos will turn out beautifully, and you’ll cherish them for years to come.

Let’s walk through how to make this easy and stress-free, with tips on what to wear for family pictures and where to find these outfits without the hassle. Bonus—visit my Amazon store for Prime shipping, or even borrow from my studio wardrobe!

1. Location is Everything when deciding What to wear for Family Pictures

Your NJ family photo session’s location should be a key factor when choosing what to wear. Different locations and seasons call for different colors and styles to make your photos pop. Here’s a breakdown of what works best for popular New Jersey photo spots:

• Spring Photos in Blooming Gardens or Trees: Think soft, neutral pastels. Colors like light pinks, baby blues, creamy whites, and pale yellows are perfect when surrounded by budding trees and flowers. They give that fresh, airy vibe that’s great for spring.

• Beach Sessions at Sandy Hook, Island Beach State Park, or Cape May: When you’re near the sea, opt for beachy colors like soft blues, whites, sandy khakis, pale yellows, and blush pinks. These colors reflect the beauty of the water and sky, and they look amazing when your family is playing in the sand or water.
• Sunflower Fields in Sussex County: If you’re planning a late summer or early fall session in one of the sunflower fields, yellows, whites, and creams will complement the golden flowers and create a beautiful, sun-kissed glow in your pictures.
• Fall Photos with Leaves, Pumpkins, and Apples: Fall is a perfect time for warm, earthy tones. Think mustard yellows, burnt oranges, emerald greens, rich burgundies, and browns. These colors blend perfectly with the crisp air and the vibrant fall foliage.

2. Dress Mom First

Let’s be real—moms always have the toughest time choosing outfits. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to find something that suits everyone, but here’s the trick: Start with YOU! Pick an outfit that you love and feel great in. Whether it’s a flattering dress, a comfy blouse, or something with a pop of color, once you’ve got your outfit figured out, it’s easier to coordinate the rest of the family.

If you choose a patterned outfit, like a floral dress, for example, use the colors in that pattern to guide the rest of the family’s wardrobe. Pick 2-3 colors from your outfit and match them with dad’s shirt, the kids’ dresses, or the boy’s pants. You’ll be coordinating without having to overthink it!

3. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Matching outfits are cute—think family t-shirts with the same logo or holiday sweaters—but they can come off looking a bit too uniform for family photos. Instead, aim for coordination. This doesn’t mean everyone has to wear the same color, but they should all share a similar color palette, tone, and style.

For example, if mom wears a soft peach dress, dad could wear a light blue shirt, and the kids could wear shades of pink, blue, and cream. Mixing textures—like a denim jacket or a chunky sweater—can add dimension to your photos without making everyone look the same. And don’t forget to decide if you want to go more casual or dressy. As long as everyone stays within the same “vibe,” it will all come together beautifully.

4. Avoid Trends—Keep It Classic when deciding What to wear for Family Pictures

We all know how quickly trends come and go. What seems like a must-have style today might leave you cringing in a few years. Neon colors, shoulder pads, and puffy sleeves? No thanks! For timeless family photos, keep things simple, classic, and beautiful.

For women, a long, flowy dress will never go out of style. For men, a button-up shirt or a plain tee paired with jeans is a classic look. And for kids? Simple, solid-colored dresses or cute button-down shirts always work. Looking 10-20 years down the road, these classic outfits will still make you smile, but trends might make you want to hide those photos away!

5. Studio Wardrobe to Borrow

If you’re still unsure or simply don’t have the time to shop, I’ve got you covered! As part of my full-service experience, I offer a wardrobe of beautiful dresses and outfits for you to borrow for your session. I have everything from flowy dresses to chic tops and pants for all sizes—no need to worry about finding that perfect outfit last minute. It’s just another way I make the process as easy as possible for busy families like yours!

6. Quick Tips for Accessories with What to wear for Family Pictures

Once you’ve got the main outfits picked, it’s time to think about accessories. Keep it simple—no big, bold jewelry that could distract from your beautiful faces. For moms, a dainty necklace or a simple pair of earrings will add just the right touch. For kids, a cute headband or simple shoes can pull the look together without taking over the photo.

Ready for Your Family Photos?

What to wear for family pictures doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Stick to these simple tips, and you’ll be ready for your photo shoot in no time. Remember, start with your outfit, coordinate (don’t match), and keep things classic. And if you need help along the way, I’m here to guide you—whether it’s through my studio wardrobe, I’ve got all the tools you need to make your photo session a breeze.

If you’re ready to book your session or need more tips, feel free to reach out to me at www.reneeash.com or sign up for my monthly newsletter for more tips and specials!

Ashley
Family & Newborn Lifestyle Photographer
Based in Sussex County, NJ, serving New Jersey, New York, and Eastern PA