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What to Wear for Family Photos: Phoenix Family Session Style Guide

Sep 13 2026 | By: Summer Elizabeth Photography

What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session

Staring at everyone’s closets and wondering how you’ll coordinate the entire family without making everyone match? You’re not alone—and this Phoenix family photo style guide will make planning your outfits easier.

What to Wear for Family Photos: Phoenix Family Session Style Guide

Your family photos should feel beautifully connected—and your outfits should, too.

Choosing what everyone should wear for family photos can feel overwhelming, especially when coordinating moms, dads, children, teens, grandparents, or a large extended family. The good news is that your outfits do not need to match perfectly to look beautiful together.

The secret is to choose a thoughtful color palette, combine complementary textures and layers, and allow each family member’s personality to shine. When your clothing coordinates with your family, the season, and your Phoenix photography location, it creates a polished and timeless gallery without looking overly styled.

In this family session style guide, I’ll help you choose what everyone should wear, coordinate outfits for small and large families, select colors that complement Arizona’s beautiful desert scenery, and avoid common wardrobe mistakes. My goal is to help your entire family arrive feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to create photographs filled with genuine love, laughter, and connection.

Your Family Session Prep Guide

The goal is to coordinate—not match exactly. Choose colors and textures that look beautiful together while allowing every person—Mom, Dad, children, teens, and grandparents—to keep their own style. These guidelines work for both one immediate family and a large multigenerational group.

Step 1: Choose a Color Palette

Select two to four complementary colors for the entire group. Begin with neutral tones such as cream, beige, tan, white, or gray, then add one or two accent colors. Muted, earthy, neutral, and thoughtfully chosen bold tones photograph beautifully.

Color palette ideas:

  • Cream, camel, rust, olive, and soft brown

  • Beige, ivory, dusty blue, navy, and warm gray

  • Cream, taupe, sage, muted terracotta, and chocolate

  • Ivory, denim blue, dusty rose, tan, and soft gray

For an Arizona desert setting, earthy and muted tones photograph beautifully against the warm landscape.

Step 2: Consider the Location

Your clothing should complement the setting rather than compete with it. Soft, natural colors work beautifully in desert, mountain, river, and other outdoor locations. An urban setting can support deeper colors and slightly bolder styling.

  • Water or river locations: Wear shoes you are comfortable getting wet. Rocks may be uncomfortable to walk on, so water-friendly shoes are recommended. You are welcome to go barefoot once we are in position. Bring an extra set of clothes for the ride home.

  • Desert locations: Choose closed-toe shoes or boots to help protect your feet from rocks, thorns, and cactus.

Step 3: Coordinate Each Household

Ask each immediate family to dress within the same overall palette. Every household should look coordinated on its own while also blending with the full family group.

One helpful method is to begin with one patterned or statement outfit—often Mom’s dress—and build the rest of that household’s clothing around its colors. Then compare all household outfits together before the session.

Step 4: Mix Colors Throughout the Group

Avoid placing an entire household in only one color. Instead, distribute the palette across adults and children so the final group portrait feels balanced.

For example, if your palette is cream, camel, olive, rust, and denim:

  • One person may wear a cream dress.

  • Another may wear an olive shirt with tan pants.

  • Someone else may wear a rust top with neutral bottoms.

  • Denim or dark neutral pants can connect the looks without making everyone identical.

Recommended Clothing

  • Long or midi dresses with movement

  • Soft, textured fabrics such as linen, knits, lace, chiffon, or corduroy

  • Layers such as cardigans, jackets, or vests

  • Well-fitted chinos, slacks, or dark jeans without distressing

  • Neutral shoes, boots, sandals, or clean dress shoes

  • Simple accessories that complement the outfit

 

 

How to Coordinate a Small Family

Begin with one favorite outfit—often Mom’s or a child’s patterned piece. Pull two to four colors from it and use those shades across the rest of the family. Mix light and dark tones, solids, textures, and one subtle pattern so everyone looks connected without wearing identical outfits.

How to Coordinate a Large Family Group

Choose one shared palette for everyone, then let each household coordinate within it. Assign colors across the group so one entire household is not dressed in only one shade. Ask every family to send a photo of their complete outfits to one designated coordinator before the session. Finally, lay all outfits or outfit photos together to check color balance, patterns, shoes, and accessories.

Patterns, Textures, Layers, and Accessories

Patterns and textures add depth and personality when used thoughtfully. Florals, checks, and subtle stripes can work well when they stay within the chosen palette. For a large group, one or two patterned outfits are usually enough; balance them with solid colors.

Mix fabrics such as knit, denim, linen, lace, chiffon, and corduroy. Depending on the weather, layers such as cardigans, jackets, scarves, and vests can add variety.

Accessories should support the outfit without overwhelming it. Consider belts, scarves, suspenders, soft knee-high socks for girls wearing shorter dresses, or a tasteful brimmed hat. Statement jewelry—such as a necklace or bracelet—can add beautiful detail. Heirloom jewelry or another meaningful family item can also help tell your family’s story.

Please Avoid

  • Everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans

  • Neon or extremely bright colors

  • Large logos, words, graphics, or character clothing

  • Too many competing patterns

  • Tiny, closely spaced stripes that may create visual distortion

  • Athletic shoes, flip-flops, and overly casual clothing unless intentionally styled

  • Bulky items in pockets, including phones, keys, and wallets

  • Baseball caps, sunglasses, and smartwatches unless they are essential

  • Clothing that is baggy, restrictive, or clearly too large

  • Dad wearing shorts when pants would create a more polished look

  • Crocs, tennis shoes, and flip-flops unless required by the location

  • Giant hair bows that may cast shadows across a child’s face

  • Visible diapers; bloomers are recommended under dresses

  • Coral, neon teal, or other highly saturated colors; choose muted, earthy versions instead

Patterns are welcome in moderation. For a large group, limit bold patterns and balance them with mostly solid colors and subtle textures.

A Special Note for Mom and Grandmother

Because women often coordinate the family wardrobe, I recommend choosing Mom’s or Grandmother’s outfit first. Select something that feels comfortable, flattering, and true to her style. Dresses and skirts with soft movement photograph beautifully, but a polished jumpsuit or coordinated separates can also work well.

If wearing a dress or skirt, consider whether you will be comfortable sitting, walking, or interacting with small children. Neutral or classic nail colors and soft, natural makeup help keep portraits timeless.

What Mom-Woman Can Wear

What Mom Can Wear

  • A long or midi dress with movement

  • A flowing skirt with a fitted blouse or textured sweater

  • A polished jumpsuit or wide-leg pants with an elegant top

  • Soft layers, delicate jewelry, and neutral shoes

Choose Mom’s outfit first whenever possible, then build the family palette around it. Wear something comfortable and flattering that allows you to sit, walk, cuddle, and play with your children. My client closet may also be available; please ask about sizes and options.

 

Men-Teen Boy-What to wear

What Dad- teen boy Can Wear

  • Chinos, dress pants, or dark, non-distressed jeans

  • A fitted button-down, henley, polo, or textured sweater

  • A blazer, jacket, or vest for added layering

  • A coordinating belt, watch, and clean neutral shoes or boots

Dad does not need to match Mom exactly. Select one or two colors from Mom’s outfit or from the family palette. Properly fitted clothing photographs best; avoid baggy shirts, athletic wear, shorts, large logos, and baseball caps whenever possible.

 

Children-toddler what to wear

What Children Can Wear

  • Soft dresses, skirts, rompers, overalls, sweaters, or coordinated separates

  • Comfortable fabrics that allow them to move and play

  • Bloomers under dresses when diapers may show

  • Simple accessories such as suspenders, a small bow, headband, textured socks, or a tasteful hat

Make sure clothing fits now rather than leaving extra room to grow. Avoid uncomfortable shoes, oversized bows, distracting character clothing, and anything that requires constant adjusting. Bare feet can be beautiful for babies when the weather and location allow.

What Teens Can Wear

  • A dress, skirt, jumpsuit, tailored pants, chinos, or dark jeans

  • A blouse, button-down, sweater, jacket, or layered top

  • Simple jewelry, a belt, clean shoes, or another accessory that reflects their personality

Include teens in the planning process so they feel confident and authentic. Their outfit should fit the family palette without making them feel as though they are wearing a costume. Avoid large graphics, sportswear, wrinkled clothing, and bright athletic shoes.

Grand parent -What to wear

What Grandparents Can Wear

  • A comfortable dress, skirt, blouse, cardigan, or coordinated pants outfit

  • Chinos or dress pants with a button-down, polo, sweater, or jacket

  • Supportive, polished shoes suitable for the location

  • Meaningful jewelry, a classic watch, or a subtle family heirloom

Comfort and mobility are especially important. Choose breathable, properly fitted clothing and layers that can adjust to the weather. Please tell me in advance about mobility concerns so I can plan safe, comfortable poses and minimize unnecessary walking.

Large group-Extended family -How to coordinate outfit

Professional Hair & Makeup

For expecting moms, I highly recommend considering professional hair and makeup for your maternity session. It is a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself, relax before your photoshoot, and feel polished and confident in front of the camera.

Professional hair and makeup services are not included in your photography package and should be booked separately.

If you would like recommendations for professional hair and makeup artists, please let me know. I would be happy to send you my preferred referral list so you can contact the artists directly for current pricing and availability.

Hair & Makeup Tips for Your Session

For a timeless look, I recommend natural, camera-ready makeup with soft or neutral tones. Your makeup can be slightly more defined than your everyday look, while still feeling like you.

For hair, soft curls, loose waves, a half-up style, an elegant updo, or a soft braid can all photograph beautifully. Choose a style that complements your maternity gown and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

If you are doing your own makeup, choose a look that makes you feel beautiful, but consider avoiding heavy glitter, neon colors, or extremely bright eyeshadows that may distract from your portraits. Waterproof makeup can also be helpful, especially for outdoor sessions.

For your nails, neutral shades, soft pink, nude, French manicure, or classic understated colors photograph beautifully since your hands will be featured frequently around your belly.

A Note About Spray Tans

I recommend avoiding a fresh spray tan immediately before your session. Artificial tanning products can sometimes photograph more orange than expected, create uneven skin tones, or transfer onto light-colored gowns and fabrics.

If you normally spray tan and would still like one for your session, consider scheduling it several days beforehand so the color has time to settle and look more natural.

Explore Family Session Pricing & Packages
contact Summer to Book your family Session

Beautiful Family Photos Begin Before the Camera Comes Out

Your family photos should feel like you—full of love, personality, connection, and the beautiful little moments that tell your story. With thoughtful styling and a little preparation, you can arrive feeling confident, relaxed, and ready to enjoy your family session.

And you don’t have to coordinate everything alone.

🔐 Exclusive Online Styling Tool

Every family who books with Summer Elizabeth Photography receives access to my exclusive online styling tool through a private link and passcode.

You can explore color palettes, coordinate outfits for everyone, select clothing and accessories, and see the entire look together on a personalized style board. You can even shop suggested pieces directly or use the board as inspiration when shopping elsewhere.

👗 Client Closet for Mama

Mamas, I’ve got you covered too! My Client Closet includes a beautiful selection of dresses and gowns for moms to wear during their portrait sessions.

Together, we can choose a piece that complements your family’s wardrobe, photography location, and the overall vision you have for your portraits.

Personal styling guidance + an exclusive styling tool + a Client Closet for Mama = one less thing for you to worry about.

Already booked your family session? Contact me for your private styling link and passcode, and ask about the dresses available in my Client Closet.

Not booked yet? Let’s begin planning a beautiful, meaningful family session that celebrates the people you love most.

📸 Summer Elizabeth Photography
Phoenix Newborn, Maternity & Family Photographer 🌵
www.summerelizabethphotography.com

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