So, you’ve booked your Vermont family photo session (yay!), and now the most pressing (let’s be honest) question starts to swirl around your brain… What should you wear for family photos?

If you’re anything like me, this part can feel a little daunting. Not only are you planning your outfit, but you’re likely planning your partner’s outfit as well, along with any kiddos you have. You want your outfits to work well together and complement the season and vibe, but you don’t even know where to start.

(Please!) forget stiff, overly matched outfits. We’re aiming for authentic, joyful, and beautifully coordinated – Vermont style! Here are my top tips for what to wear for family photos in Vermont.

6 Quick Tips for What to Wear for Family Photos

1. Embrace Textures!

Seriously, textures are your best friend. Textures add depth, visual interest, and make your outfits look rich and thoughtfully curated, even if they’re super simple.

Think chunky knits, soft corduroy, flowing linen, delicate lace, or a touch of denim. Weaving similar (but not identical!) textures and materials through everyone’s outfits is a fantastic way to tie your family together in a more subtle, elevated way than trying to match. 

• Why it works: It adds dimension that pops in photos, making your images feel more tactile and engaging.
• Think: A knit sweater for Dad, a corduroy jumper for your toddler, a linen-blend dress for Mom, and a soft cotton shirt for your older child.
• Weather: This is also your chance to take the ever-changing Vermont weather into account. Layers keep kiddos warm in the winter, spring, and fall and make it easy to layer up (or down) if the temperature changes during our session. Lighter fabrics keep you cool in the heat of summer.

2. Think Earthy & Neutral Colors

When it comes to color palettes, I generally recommend leaning into earthy, neutral tones. Think creams, tans, soft blues, sage greens, dusty rose, mustard, or even a muted terracotta. These colors are incredibly versatile!

• For in-home sessions: Your home likely already has pops of color in decor, artwork, or even toy baskets. Neutrals ensure you are the focus, not a clash of colors.
• For outdoor Vermont sessions: Whether it’s the vibrant greens of spring and summer or the fiery hues of fall, muted clothing tones allow the stunning natural landscape to be a breathtaking backdrop without competing with your outfits.
• Know when to break the rules: I work with families in-depth before a session to help you create a strong vision that feels like you. If that vision includes bright colors, I am all about it. We’ll work together to choose colors that work well together and capture the look you’re going for!

Instead of everyone in the same shade, opt for colors that complement each other. Pick 2-3 main colors and then add in a couple of neutrals to round it out.

3. Let Your Clothes Dance: Incorporate Movement

Movement is emotion in visual form; the clothing you choose can really help communicate that sense of life and joy—especially with little ones—in a single, snapshot moment.

• Choose outfits that are easy to move in: This is especially key if we’re heading outdoors and there will be running, twirling, snuggling up on the ground, and playing with kiddos!
• Flowy fabrics are magic: Think skirts and dresses that catch the breeze, chunky sweaters that you can snuggle into, or even top layers like an open cardigan or a light jacket that you can play with. These not only look beautiful but also give you “something to do with your hands”

When it comes to what to wear for family photos, I almost always recommend going with something flowy vs tight.

Bonus tip: Avoid logos and busy patterns unless they’re intentional!

4. The Starting Point: Plan One Adult Outfit First

Feeling overwhelmed by coordinating everyone? My pro tip for planning family session outfits is to start with one adult’s outfit first—yours, let’s be honest—since women’s clothing tends to have more patterns and color variations. 

Once that anchor outfit is chosen, you can use the colors and textures to inspire out the rest of your family’s wardrobe. This makes the whole process feel much more manageable.

• How it helps: It gives you a clear palette and style direction, making it easier to select complementary pieces for everyone else.

5. The Golden Rule: Feel Like YOU!

This might be the most important tip of all. At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable and like yourself in what you’re wearing. If you’re tugging at a dress that feels too tight, or your little one HATES that itchy sweater, it’s going to show in the photos (and in everyone’s mood!).

Choose clothes that reflect your family’s personality. If you’re a casual, jeans-and-tee kind of family, let’s go with an intentional version of that! If you love dressing up a bit, go for it! When you feel good in your clothes, that confidence and ease will shine through, leading to more natural and genuine expressions.

6. What to Wear For Family Photos For Breastfeeding Mamas

If you’re hoping to capture some of those incredibly fleeting breastfeeding moments during your session (which I absolutely love to photograph!), keep this in mind when planning your outfit. Something loose-fitting that easily unbuttons, opens in the front, or has stretchy access makes nursing comfortable and seamless during the session. This allows us to capture those sweet, quiet moments naturally.

Personal Styling for Your Vermont Family Photography Session

Feeling like you could use a little extra guidance to nail the look you’re going for? I get it! That’s why I offer varying family session packages based on your vision, and my “Full Narrative” package includes 1-on-1 styling with my amazingly talented friend, Vanessa!

Think of her as your very own personal stylist dedicated to your family’s session. She’ll take the time to get to know you, your individual styles, and what makes you all feel most comfortable. She’ll chat with you about our overall vision for your session – the location, the vibe, the story we want to tell. Then, she works her magic to help you hone in on outfits that truly feel like you and your family.

The best part? Vanessa is a genius at combining what you already own and love with carefully selected new pieces (if you’re looking to add something fresh!). It’s all about elevating your session, taking the stress out of wardrobe planning, and bringing our shared vision to life in the most beautiful and authentic way. If you’re dreaming of a completely seamless and beautifully styled experience, this is for you!

What to Wear for Family Photos: Bringing It All Together

Keeping these simple tips in mind (or opting for some expert styling help!) will make a world of difference as you prepare for your family photos. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s connection. It’s about capturing your family’s story set against the beautiful backdrop of your home and the Vermont landscape.

More than anything, I want you to look back at your photos and see genuine joy and feel the warmth of those moments. And feeling good in what you’re wearing is a big step towards that!

Have more questions, interested in learning more about the “Full Narrative” package, or ready to tell your story together? I would love to work together.