What to Wear for Your Summer Family Photo Session
Ah, summer—the season of golden light, green backdrops, and lots (and lots) of decisions about what everyone should wear for family pictures. If you’re here, chances are you’ve booked your session and now you’re staring into the depths of everyone’s closet wondering how to make it all look good together.
You’re not alone—this is one of the top questions I get asked as a family photographer. So whether this is your first session or your fifth, I’ve got your back with some stress-saving style tips for dressing your crew this summer.
General Tips Before We Dive In:
If you’re looking for an overall game plan for coordinating family outfits any time of year, download our PDF guide below! But if you’re focused on keeping it cool (literally and figuratively) for your summer session, read on.
1. Choose Colors That Play Nice With Nature
Let’s be real—if we’re outdoors in the summer, there’s going to be a whole lot of green. Between the grass and the trees, your background is already doing a lot. So let's work with it, not against it.
Colors that photograph beautifully with green surroundings:
- Neutrals: tan, cream, ivory, navy, soft gray
- Earthy tones: mustard, rust, olive (sparingly!)
- Soft pastels: blush, sky blue, dusty lavender
- Denim is also a win—always.
❌ Skip bright red, unless you're going for “Christmas in July.” Red and green can unintentionally create that holiday vibe, and unless that’s your goal, it’s best to steer clear.
2. Anchor Bold Colors With Neutrals
Yes, summer screams COLOR—and I love that for your everyday life. But in photos, bold shades can take over quickly. The trick? Balance.
Pair any pop of color with a neutral anchor.
Think:
- Coral + Navy
- Aqua + Gray
- Mustard + Cream
Quick tip: If you're unsure about your color combos, match warm colors with warm neutrals (like red + tan), and cool tones with cool neutrals (like aqua + navy). It keeps everything looking intentional.
3. What’s Trending This Summer?
Here are a few of this year’s most photogenic summer color palettes:
🎨 Classic & Clean: Soft navy, ivory, and muted mustard
🌿 Earthy & Organic: Olive, cream, rust, and taupe
💎 Bold & Beautiful: Jewel tones like teal, emerald, and deep coral
Choose the one that feels most you—but again, anchor it with neutrals!
4. It’s Too Hot for Layers? Go for Texture Instead.
We love a good denim jacket or cozy scarf, but in 90-degree heat? Hard pass. Instead, get that same dimensional look by adding texture to your outfits.
Try:
- Eyelet, lace, or crochet
- Tulle skirts for the littles
- Ruffles, raw hems, or knits with visual depth
Accessories like straw hats, headbands, or statement earrings (just not all at once). Textures photograph beautifully and add that little something extra—without making you sweat buckets.
5. Let It Flow (Literally)
Movement is magic in photos. A little wind? Even better. I’m talking hair blowing, dresses twirling, and that carefree, candid vibe we all love.
Some wardrobe pieces that work well with wind:
- Maxi dresses and skirts
- Flowy blouses
- Lightweight linen or chiffon fabrics
Bonus tip: If you're shooting somewhere breezy (like the beach), opt for a longer dress to avoid any accidental Marilyn Monroe moments.
Final Thoughts
Don’t stress perfection. Aim for cohesion, not clones. Everyone doesn’t need to match—they just need to belong in the same visual story. If you need help pulling outfits together, feel free to reach out—I love helping my clients plan the full experience.
Now go on, grab an iced coffee, dig through the closets, and start planning those picture-perfect summer vibes!
Feel like you're going to forget all this? We got you covered!
Access the PDF version here to print out!
Looking to book your summer family session?
Let’s make some magic in the sunshine. Click here to book your session or get more info!
Can't wait to see everyone soon!
Dawn xo
