neutral color photoshoot outfit inspiration
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Outfits for Family Photos
This post is all about the best budget-friendly, neutral family outfits that will take all the stress out of your upcoming family shoots. Family photos, especially with young kids, should be considered an olympic sport. They are stressful before and during, especially for mom! Moms are usually the ones planning, booking and coordinating the whole shoot, being in charge of picking out everyone’s outfits and keeping everyone motivated in the moment. Well, as a photographer & a mom of almost 3 kids I am going to help take some of that stress away by giving breaking down on picking your outfits out for family photos for everyone in your family! Feel free to check out my website here or my instagram here to get an idea of what other families are wearing ( I didn’t style them so there is a good mix of everyone’s style) to get an idea of what you do and don’t like.
Why does the color scheme matter for a family photoshoot?
You might be wondering if the color scheme for family photos really even matters or is worth the headache. Let me tell you, it matters. As a mom I have done the whole not coordinating enough and just capturing the moments and I have also planned everyones outfits. I prefer sticking to earth tones for a shoot. The shoots where I focus on earth tones and more neutrals are the photos that I keep using and displaying over and over again. That is why whenever any of my clients as me about outfit ideas for holiday themed pictures I always suggest to stick to neutral outfits for the family. That was no matter season you can use those pictures for years to come and not just a holiday. It also keeps the photo soft and warm and not too harsh!
What are considered neutral colors for family photos?
Anything that is not a bold color or harsh pattern I think could be a neutral. I always suggest earth tones for any and all types of photoshoots because it photographs so well and it is timeless. They really make the photo last through all seasons and trends. It also seamlessly integrate background and the subject themselves making it feel natural. It makes each photo feel lighter & brighter and more dreamy. Check out my Pinterest board here on photoshoot inspiration for some examples of what I am referring to! Neutral outfits don’t draw too much attention away from the emotion of the family. It is perfect for indoor or outdoor shoots. Earth tones are great because they are basically colors still but neutral colors.
What are the Earth Tone Colors?
Earth tones that are anything that is a super muted version of a color. Typically derived from tans & beiges. I love earth tones because you can still add some color and variation in each outfit but it is all muted and light. The colors below are tans, airy blues, earthy greens & grays, even a light muted pink can be a great color. These are especially popular colors for fall family photos.
Earth tones are basically warm & friendly colors that are derived from the original neutrals of browns but are not super bright. If they are all muted you can add a family of colors and not feel like everyone is going to clash. It is important to note that each season can be better fit for a different family of colors. For example, a fall family photoshoot I would stick to more beige, orange and brown neutral color families. It would also be a great time to add some jean fabric or sweater for texture! In spring however, the muted colors of pink, blue, or greens or maybe adding in some patterns like florals or stripes would be perfect.
Don’t be Afraid to add a pop of patterns or textures for Your neutral family photo outfits
There are certain patterns and textures that work wonderfully for neutral family photo outfits. These timeless elements like waffled fabrics, soft velvet, cozy corduroy or like a pop of plaid or floral for mom & the girls will add depth and character to your coordinated look without overwhelming the frame. Another great texture is denim! Denim in a jacket, button down, overalls, jumper or jeans can be a great addition to add to any family photo. Denim is also pretty transitional through each season as opposed to velvet. From plush velvet to tactile denim, these choices can help your family stand out while maintaining a harmonious and balanced aesthetic.
When considering patterns and textures for your neutral family photo outfits, it’s important not to overwhelm the composition. Instead of incorporating these elements for every family member, opt for one or two individuals to sport these patterns and textures. This selective approach adds depth and interest to the overall look while maintaining the cohesive and timeless appeal of your family ensemble.
Outfit Pieces for your family photos to add a pop of texture or patterns
What to avoid wearing in your family photos
While you’re planning your family’s neutral outfits, it’s equally important to know what to steer clear of. Avoiding certain elements can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your family photos.
1. Dark and Bright Colors: Dark colors like black, and overly bright colors, may disrupt the natural and harmonious feel of your outdoor shots. Instead, stick to earth tones and neutrals for a softer, more timeless look.
2. Matching Too Much: While coordination is essential, you don’t want everyone to look entirely identical. Embrace variety in shades and textures to create depth and character in your family ensemble. A range of tones within the neutral palette will keep your family photos visually interesting without overwhelming the composition.
Look at these two examples below to see what we mean. In the left photo the outfits are too match-matchy, that combined with the all black feels heavy and harsh. The photo on the right has everyone in neutral colors but different tones, textures and patterns included, this makes the photo feel light and bright and also makes each person stand out individually.
What Not to Wear
How to Style Your Family Photos
Finds for Affordable Neutral Outfits for Family Photos: For Girls
Walmart has the cutest neutral clothing for girls that are super budget friendly. Kohls, Target and H&M also have great girl clothes to look for fall family photo outfits!
Finds for Affordable Neutral Outfits for Family Photos: For Boys
I love dressing Evie in neutrals but also that relaxed-cozy style outfit! Walmart has options now to give off those chill-vibes that are comfortable and affordable. I love buying budget friendly toddler clothes because they grow out of their clothes so quickly or they get dirty and broken with the amount of running around they do. Kohls has a great line with Lauren Conrad called Little Co. that is absolutely adorable for boys- that chunky sweater is so stinking cute! I also love H&M, Target and Zara for jeans, joggers or any neutral shirt option!
For mom I love a good pair of jeans & sweater or flowy dress. You are the main point of color and then from there I would style dad and then the kids. It is easier to nail down one outfit and then go from there. Lets be honest, mom is probably picking out everyone’s outfit anyway so it’s a good idea to start with her. There is a good chance mom already has a style or theme in mind for the shoot anyway. Below are some of my favorite photo outfits for mom for every style! It is fun for mom to also add in some texture if she wants to throw in some florals, or velvet etc.
Best Outfits for Dad for a Family Photoshoot
Depending on the theme of the shoot I think a neutral top paired with a nice pair of jeans or joggers is an easy option for Dads when picking out outfits for family photos.
As a Dad, it can be tough to know what to wear for a family photoshoot. You want to look stylish and put-together, but you also don’t want to clash from the overall family dynamic. The key to nailing a neutral outfit for a family photoshoot is to choose pieces that are classic, versatile, and timeless. Another easy option for Dads when picking out outfits for family photos would be a nice sweater and joggers, maybe a nice henley shirt and joggers with a little flannel or corduroy shirt on top!
Here are a few ideas for creating the perfect neutral outfit for a family photoshoot:
- Opt for a classic, tailored pants in a neutral color like beige, navy, grey, or black. Pair it with a crisp white dress shirt.
- Choose a chambray or denim shirt and pair it with khaki pants or dark jeans. This casual yet put-together look is perfect for outdoor photoshoots.
- Go for a simple, solid-colored tee and pair it with chinos or khakis. This preppy yet relaxed look is great for a beach or park setting.
- Consider a henley shirt and jeans for a more laid-back, relaxed vibe. This is a great choice for most beach shoots that we do here in Florida.
- If you want to dress things up a bit in the fall, consider a sweater and slacks combo. Choose a neutral-colored sweater and pair it with dark slacks for a polished yet comfortable look.
Neutral Family Outfit Ideas for families with Boys
Final Tips For Family Photos
No matter what outfit you choose, be sure to pay attention to fit and comfort. You want to look and feel your best in your family photos, so don’t be afraid to splurge on a new outfit or get a few pieces tailored to fit perfectly. And above all, remember that the most important thing is capturing the love and connection within your family, so don’t stress too much about your outfit! At the end of the day the memories you capture are going to be the best part of the photos. If you want to shop anything off my instagram that I share you can check out some of my other favorite outfit finds here!
For more photography tips for photographers or clients head here!
